The wind died on the tall ships trying to sail into the Charleston Harbor Fest, leaving them adrift at sea with inexperienced crew:

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.

Exposed to swimming around the boat? What? No oars? No sponges and mops? Captain, crack that whip.