The Tenerife to Bermuda leg of the Tall Ships race has been called, with the ships now approaching the Island under motor rather than sail.

The time limit for this leg of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge was brought forward to 11 a.m. Bermuda time today, putting the Spirit of Bermuda in fourth place overall, behind ships from the UK, Netherlands and Russia.

The decision to call the race was made following days without any wind, meaning progress was slow. With the four-day Tall Ships Festival starting here in Bermuda next Thursday, June 11, the race committee decided Class A and B ships should proceed under motor to be here in plenty of time.

“For those who have sailed so well and are so close, this must be very frustrating, however in the interest of getting the fleet here in time for our Tall Ships Festival, it was a necessary decision,” said Tall Ships Bermuda chair John Wadson.

He added that the Class D ships — with spinnakers — are continuing to race as it is expected that they can all finish in time for the festival.

See tomorrow’s Royal Gazette for the full story.