SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta – Novorossiysk officially opened

It has been a very eventful first official day of the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta in Novorossiysk, Russia.

Ninth May is known in Russia as Victory Day, and celebrated here with an extensive military parade through the city watched by highly decorated veterans, VIPs and members of the public.

At the end of the parade tens of thousands of people made their way to visit the Regatta fleet, all of which are now in port after the final arrivals early this morning. Official estimates for the number of visitors today exceeds 100,000.

The official opening took place on a stage close to the ships, with local dignitaries present including the Mayor of Novorossiysk, Vladimir Sinyagovskiy, who welcomed the ships and the visitors to the port.

Robin Snouck Hurgronje, Race Chairman, Sail Training International replied, saying, “On behalf of Sail Training International and the captains and crews of all the Tall Ships I would like to thank the Mayor and all the people in Novorossiysk for welcoming the Tall Ship fleet to the port.  STI organises Tall Ship races all over the world bringing friendship and international understanding.  The fleet represents eight different nationalities and many more are represented by the crew.  It is very important to Sail Training International to explore new countries where we have never been before and this is the first time we have had a full Regatta in the Black Sea.  Seeing so many people here enjoying the ships gives us a great deal of satisfaction and we really hope the coming days will be a great success.” 

Acting Captain of the Novorossiysk sea port Vladimir Koroliov said, “All of our preparations began nearly a year ago. We did our best to make the port and and surrounding area comfortable for Regatta participants. Now all the ships are alongside – and we will do everything to make our guests feel good and comfortable.”

Afterwards the crowds were entertained by a performance of dancing and singing by a cast of hundreds of children and young people. 

Later this evening the Captains of the Regatta fleet will enjoy a special dinner together before a firework display at 22.00hrs local time.

The final results of Race One, Varna to Novorrosiysk, will be announced at the Prize Giving Ceremony tomorrow (Saturday 10 May) which will follow the Crew Parade through the city, beginning at 17.00hrs local.

Twenty nine sail training vessels entered the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta, with 17 having arrived in Varna to take part, including one Ukranian and seven Russian ships. Having raced from Varna (Bulgaria) to Novorossiysk (Russia) most of them will cruise to Sochi (Russia), from where they will race the final leg to Constanta (Romania).

Photo:  Vladimir Sinyagovskiy, The Mayor of Novorossiysk and Robin Snouck Hurgronje, STI Race Chairman exchange gifts at the opening ceremony

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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.   

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