And a real challenge it is

The third leg of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge is proving to be a difficult passage for many of the incoming ships.

Since Monday, they have been drifting into Charleston, some with sluggish sails and broken booms as the city prepares for Charleston Harbor Fest 2009.

The race, "like its name, has been a challenge," said Ferry Van Schoonhoven, lieutenant commander in the Dutch navy and captain of the Urania.

During the third leg from Bermuda to Charleston, the Urania's 16-member crew experienced frustrating weather conditions, said crew member Henk Reitsema, 24. The ship was expected to arrive Saturday, but about six miles from the finish, the wind died, causing the Urania to drift back another four miles, delaying its arrival. At the wind's mercy, there was nothing the crew could do, so they jumped off the boat and went swimming, Reitsema said.

"We even tried to get rid of our water to win, but the wind did not help," said crew member Michael Wimmers, 28. The crew dumped out about 26 gallons of fresh drinking water in hopes of crossing the finish line in Charleston on schedule.

The ship finally arrived around 8 p.m. Monday, finishing fourth in its division. It is currently docked at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina.

Other ships have found themselves in the same boat when it comes to difficulties at sea. The Russian tall ship Kruzenshtern suffered a broken foremast and was forced to retire from the race.

Weather is not the only factor contributing to the Urania's challenge. The 78-foot, double-masted ship is owned and used as a training vessel by the Dutch navy. At each port stop throughout the six legs of the race, the ship swaps crew members. Between five and 10 new midshipmen who are training to be Dutch naval officers join Van Schoonhoven and four other permanent members. Some of the men are already naval officers, but the majority have no sailing experience, Van Schoonhoven said. He became captain of the Urania last year but has been in the Dutch navy for 24 years.

The new crew may get four or five days of "dry training" on land but, for the most part they are cast out to sea when it comes time to get sailing experience, he said. The rookie midshipmen are exposed to every aspect of life at sea.

"There are some really cool moments, and everything has its charm," Wimmers said. He and Reitsema joined the ship in Bermuda on June 15. During their first experience on the open sea, many of the crew members were sea sick, Reitsema said. On top of learning the ropes above deck, new crew members have to learn how to live in close quarters.

A new crew will hit the decks Monday and then the Urania is off to Boston to continue the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge.