Russian President praises the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta (photo)
On May 15, 2014, the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, welcomed and praised the crews and trainees of the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta in Sochi, Russia. He presented the prizes to the crew of Akela (Saint-Petersburg), first vessel across the finish line in Varna-Novorossiysk race, and to the crew of Nadezhda (Vladivostok), for the longest passage to Regatta location (from Vladivostok to the Black Sea). The President also visited Russian training tall ship Mir, Regatta organizers report.
The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin said, "I am happy to see you all here. This event is a real celebration and today we honour all those who have done their best in the event so far, before your final race to Constanta, Romania. I wish you all success and you are all most welcome to the Russian Federation. Thank you for being here."
The Mayor of Sochi, Pakhomov Anatoliy Nikolaevich said, "The city of Sochi is proud to show it is one of the best cities for sport by hosting the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta. We wish the crews all the best and victorious sailing - thank you for bringing this beautiful celebration to our city."
The ceremony was attended by Presidential Adviser Igor Levitin, Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov, , Krasnodar Region Governor Aleksandr Tkachev, Sochi Mayor Anatoly Pahomov, President and CEO of Sovcomflot Sergei Frank and Chairman of Race Committee Robin Snouk Hurgronje.
Following the prize giving ceremony Vladimir Putin boarded tall ship Mir where he held a meeting with the cadets of the Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping.
The tall ships arrived in Cruise harbour of Sochi on May 14. They will be open for visitors till May 17. On the occasion, the city has prepared an interesting programme including sport competitions and crew parade.
Special prizes were also given to the following participants: Johanna Lucretia (UK) - Most international crew; Mircea (Romania) - Best Class A vessel in the Crew Parade; Adornate (Romania) - Best Class B, C or D vessel in the Crew Parade; Kruzenshtern (Russia) - Ship making the best contribution to sports activities; Mircea (Romania) – Mini football and Arm wrestling winner; Nadezhda (Russia) – 1st in Weight lifting and Basketball.
The second race, Sochi – Constanta (Romania) will start on May 18.
The finish at port Constanta, Romania is planned for May 24.
SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2014 takes place on April 30 – May 27, 2014. This unique maritime event will be arranged under the flag of Russia for the first time in its history. The largest Tall Ships are expected to take part, including four famous Russian Tall Ships – Mir, Kruzenshtern, Sedov and Nadezhda. They will twice cross the Black Sea and visit four ports: Varna, Novorossiysk, Sochi and Constanta. Russian cities have held large-scale works on the port area development and have prepared interesting programmes for both the guests and participants of the Regatta, as well as for the citizens. 22 training tall ships (including 9 A class vessels) from 9 countries worldwide participate in the Regatta.
Related links:
Participants of SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2014 start arriving at port Sochi (photo report) >>>>
Tall ship Mir, participant of SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2014, arrives in Sochi (photo) >>>>
Krusenstern barque arrives in Sochi for further participation in SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2014>>>>
