Novorossiysk hosted ceremonial opening of SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta’s Russian phase (photo)
On September 16, 2016, Novorossiysk hosted ceremonial opening of the Russian phase of SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2016, says press center of the Regatta.
Igor Dyachenko, acting head of Novorossiysk commented: “In 2014, SCF Tall Ships Regatta was held in the Black Sea water area for the first time in its history. So, the event is becoming a tradition for citizens and guests of Sochi and Novorossiysk. “I hope the Regatta will be held here on a regular basis. This event is very important for our city, as well as the region and the entire country”.
The number of tall ships participating in the Regatta this year exceeded that of 2014 by 30%, from 17 to 26 vessels.
Yuriy Tsvetkov, President of Novoship (Sovcomflot) greeted the guests and participants of the Regatta and emphasized its significance for the development of maritime education and sailing. “We are sure that the Regatta opens new opportunities for implementation of our personnel strategy – contributes to attraction of young people to Russian flagged shipping companies”, he said.
According to Aleksandr Poshivai, deputy head of the Federal Marine and River Transport Agency, the sailing practice is to confirm the motivation which lead young people to maritime education.
STI Race Chairman, Robin Snouck Hurgronje said “We would like to express our gratitude to the city, the port and the people of Novorossiysk. We know that everyone here loves the sea, the ships and the people. We hope to increase interest in sailing in the Black Sea area, and want to bring as many young people together on sail training ships. This is because we believe that the experience of living and working on board sail training ships will make them better people. And we want to bring people together. Different people, countries, cultures and backgrounds. This is how we bring our message of international mutual understanding."
Andrei Lavrishchev, Executive Director General of FSUE Rosmorport emphasized that participation in the Regatta is not only about the tall ships. The preparation also means considerable reconstruction of berths at the ports of Sochi and Novorossiysk.
Within the framework of opening Russian phase of SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta, tall ship Mir hosted a ceremonial cancellation of a stamp issued by FSUE Publishing and Trading Centre “Marka” specially for the event.
The ships were open to the public on Saturday and Sunday.
The International Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2016 is held from September 8 till October 4. The largest Tall Ships from 7 countries including Mir, Kruzenshtern, Nadezhda and Khersones tall ships of Russia will twice cross the Black Sea and visit four ports: Constanta, Novorossiysk, Sochi and Varna. 13 training tall ships (including six A class vessels) participate in the Regatta. About 1,500 young people take part in the event.
According to tradition, the Regatta is taking place under the patronage of the heads of the participating states. The Regatta is organized by Sail Training International (STI), Russia’s largest shipping company Sovcomflot (Title Sponsor) and non-commercial organisation Sochi Marine Club with Rosmorport as a General Partner. The event is supported by RF Ministry of Transport, Russian Geographical Society and NOVATEK OJSC.
On their route the tall ships and their crews spend four days at each city participating in the Regatta. Special programme is developed for citizens, tourists, crewmembers and guests including the parade of the participants along the main streets of the host cities, the parade of sail, fireworks, rock-concerts, sport competitions and ceremonial receptions for participants and guests of honour.
Host ports and races:
Constanta, Romania: September 8-11,
Race 1: Constanta – Novorossiysk, 410 nautical miles
Novorossiysk, Russia: September 16-19,
Race 2: Novorossiysk – Sochi, 115 nautical miles
Sochi, Russia: September 21-25
Race 3: Sochi-Varna, 525 nautical miles
Varna, Bulgaria: October 1-4
