Cannon Fire And Flares for Finns and French Finish For McIntyre Ocean Globe Race
Galiana WithSecure and Evrika Complete Sail Around The World In Style
- Galiana WithSecure FI (06) and Evrika FR (07) finally finish the McIntyre Ocean Globe Race after sitting in a windhole 40 nm from the finish line for two frustrating days.
- Stunning Swan 55 Galiana WithSecure FI (06) crossed the line at 23:12 UTC 24th April after 50 days at sea Evrika FR (07) crossed shortly after at 02:28 UTC 25th April.
- Renowned skipper Tapio Lehtinen spoke of his pride in his young Finnish crew and their achievements.
- Evrika skipper Dominique Dubois, having sailed the world with family and friends, was overjoyed with achieving a lifetime dream.
It was a long, painfully slow final two days to complete their circumnavigation. But, finally, Galiana WithSecure FI (06) and Evrika FR (07) crossed the Royal Yacht Squadron finish line in a moody windless, moonlight Cowes arrival. The Finns arrived at 23:12 UTC 24th April to a fanfare of flares and cannon fire from the stern of the Swan 55. The Finnish families, friends and fans expected nothing less from the passionate sailors. Upholding sailing traditions, the most impressive sail wardrobe of the fleet, OGR-themed songs, and yes, cannon fire being a hallmark of their adventure. And they didn’t disappoint on their arrival. After wallowing just miles from the Royal Yacht Squadron finish line for two painful days due to lack of wind, Galiana WithSecure FI (06) finally completed their epic round-the-world adventure with the sleek style and class they’ve become renowned for.
Skipper Tapio Lehtinen and ten crew beamed with pride after completing their circumnavigation placing 9th in line honours and 8th in IRC for leg 4. It was a frustrating final few days for the Finns as the lack of wind halted progress 40 nm from the line – forcing the Swan to anchor in 50 metres ensuring they didn’t lose miles due to the strong currents. The wait seemed like forever for those waiting in Cowes.
At 54 years old, the Swan 55, the oldest yacht in the OGR fleet, is raced by the youngest crew. She has turned heads and gained admirers around the world with her stunning design and immaculately polished deck – all that before she shows off her wardrobe!
The Sparkman & Stephens designed yawl has completed a drama-free race, placing 10th in line honours and 6th in IRC for both Leg 1 and 2. Leg 3 was an improvement, arriving into Auckland 6th over the line and 3rd in IRC.
Skipper Tapio Lehtinen who sailed in the 1981/2 Whitbread aboard Skopbank of Finland, is determined to pass down a sense of pride in Finnish sailing among young sailors. Something he has no doubt achieved with his crew.
