Tall Ships’ Race 2006 Antwerp: First pictures

I just returned from a fascinating walk along the Antwerp riverbanks and through the marina and dockyard area, now occupied by about 100 ships competing in the 50th Tall Ships Race 2006.Unfortunately at 5pm a heavy thunderstorm with pouring rain made about 100.000 visitors run for shelter.

I’m currently digitally processing my pictures - above’s a sample: on of the first arrivals in front of my door at noon today, the Italian Amerigo Vespucci (build 1930). During Sail 2006 you can watch the smaller ships from the studio-webcam of Antwerp O-radio: http://www.oradio.be/detail.php?record=3393 [valid until the ships leave Aug 22]