Pupils from a Moray public school are hoping to sail to victory in an international boat race after triumphing in its first leg, from Belfast to Norway.
Seven youngsters from Gordonstoun boarded the school’s 80ft Ocean Spirit of Moray vessel to compete in the 2015 Tall Ships Race, organised by the Sail Training International group.
The crew defeated more than 50 other teams to cross the finish line in the contest last Friday, reaching the town of Alesund on the Norwegian coast.
The group, which boasts seven students among its members, sailed 707 nautical miles at an average speed of 8.1 knots.
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The crew is now journeying through Norway’s famous fjords and will embark on the second leg of the race on Saturday, July 25.
Teams will depart from Kristiansand, in the south of Norway, to Aalborg in Denmark.
Gordonstoun skipper and sail training coordinator Ian Lerner said: “The trip has been pretty tough, we had some very strong winds and very rough seas.
“But the crew all worked very, very hard to help us win a fantastic first leg.”
Gordonstoun principal Simon Reid added: “It is excellent to hear of the success of our students in the first leg of the Tall Ships Race.
“Taking part in something as unique as this is a wonderful opportunity for them, and we are all really proud of their achievement.
“The race is a great way for young people to learn teamwork and it’s a great adventure.”
Sail training has been part of the Gordonstoun curriculum since the school was founded in 1934.
The Ocean Spirit of Moray yacht is owned by the school and is mainly used for sea training.
Students undergo a programme of seamanship on the school’s locally built cutters at Hopeman harbour prior to taking part in week-long voyages on the Ocean Spirit of Moray.
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