Severe weather hampers Tall Ships

The ships attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors

Severe weather conditions in the North Sea have forced more than half of the vessels taking part in Tall Ships Race to drop out of the contest.

They include the second tallest ship the Russian four-master Kruschenstern, the north-east built James Cook and The Prince William.

The ships set off on Thursday for the race to Fredrikstad in Norway and the first have already arrived.

Only 41 ships remain in the race, but all vessels and crews are safe.

More than 100 ships set out in full sail, led by three Royal Navy vessels to the river's mouth.

Going strong

Phil Rann, deputy liaison officer for the Tall Ships in Newcastle, said on Monday: "They hit some very bad weather when they left Newcastle, although once they got up towards the Aberdeen coast the weather improved and they have had fairly reasonable sailing across the North Sea towards Norway."

Some of the ships were forced to retire due to crew sea-sickness while others faced a broken mast and gearbox problems.

But most of those who have retired are continuing their journey to Fredrikstad for the celebrations on Wednesday.

Mr Rann said: "The Kruschenstern had to retire on Sunday morning.

But the good news for UK is that the Tenacious which is specially-adapted for disabled people, is still going strong and was fifth in her class last night so we are keeping our fingers crossed she will make it to the finishing line."