International friendship forged amongst the Tall Ship crews

International friendship and understanding amongst the crews of the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta was celebrated in Spanish style, aboard a Netherlands vessel in Romania today.

The much coveted Sail Training International Friendship Trophy was awarded to Netherlands vessel Atyla yesterday (Sunday 25 May) – as voted by the crews of the other vessels in the fleet.  A flag for the vessel was presented to the crew by Robin Snouck Hurgronje, Race Chairman, Sail Training International.

The Friendship Trophy is awarded at the end of every race series and is given to the vessel that, in the opinion of the other captains and crews, has contributed most towards international friendship and understanding throughout the Regatta.

This is the second time Atyla, a traditional wooden two masted schooner has joined a Tall Ships event. She first participated in a tall ships event last year – in the Lycamobile Mediterranean Tall Ships Regatta.  She became friends with all crews and in ports earned a reputation for her special paella parties.  

She is managed and sailed by Rodrigo de la Serna who said, äóìAtyla’ home port is Ibiza and her crew is Spanish; she sails under a Netherlands flag and she travels around the world giving people a sail training experience.  We have had a wonderful experience taking part in the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta – both sailing and welcoming visitors on board in the ports.”

She is taking part in the Tall Ships Races in the North Sea this summer and crew places are still available – visit www.atylaship.com 

Photo: The Sail Training International team presented the crew with the flag which accompanies the trophy – shown here with Rodrigo de la Serna.

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About Sail Training International (STI)

STI is the international voice of Sail Training, a registered charity (not-for-profit organisation), which has worldwide membership and activities. Its purpose is the development and education of young people through the Sail Training experience, regardless of nationality, culture, religion, gender or social background. It organises the annual Tall Ships Races and other international Tall Ship sailing events. STI members are 29 national Sail Training organisations around the world and STI’ head office is in Gosport, Hampshire, UK.

The organisation was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 2007 for its work in promoting international understanding and friendship www.sailtraininginternational.org

What is sail training?

Sail Training is an adventure activity, which includes far more than sailing instruction. Participants are required to confront demanding challenges, both physical and emotional. It is an activity that inspires self-confidence and personal responsibility. It promotes an acceptance of others, whatever their social or cultural backgrounds, and develops a willingness to take controlled risks. Those who undertake Sail Training on Tall Ships generally find it a positive life-changing experience.

For more information about the event visit Sail Training International 

Sovcomflot (SCF)

SCF is the lead sponsor of The SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta, 30 April – 27 May 2014, and was previously sponsor of The Tall Ships Races 2009. Sovcomflot Group is Russia’s largest shipping company and one of the world’s leading energy transporters.&n