Presidential opening for Constanta Regatta

A grand military and presidential ceremony took place today in front of hundreds of people to officially open the event in the final port of the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta in Constanta.  

At 1300 hrs local time today (Sat 24 May) the President of Romania, Traian Bۀsescu, officially welcomed the fleet and crews and declared the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta in Constanta open. The President, accompanied by Rear Admiral Chitac, Commander of the Naval Academy, and Rear Admiral Mirsu, Commander of the Fleet, first saluted the Guard of Honour, before taking to the stage along with Race Chairman Robin Snouck Hurgronje. Surrounded the race fleet, who are all located around one pier, gifts were exchanged between the Race Chairman and Rear Admiral Chitac.

A flag was then brought forward from Romanian tall ship Mircea, by Captain Ioan Gabriel Moise, which was ceremoniously decorated by President Bۀsescu. The flag was then given a military escort back to Mircea and hoisted.

The President, along with VIPs and the Captains of the Tall Ship fleet then moved on from the Opening Ceremony to Mircea, who today celebrates her 75th Birthday.

Earlier in the morning, four Class A ships (Nadezhda, Kaliakra, Mircea and Sedov), as well as the Communications Vessel, Running on Waves, created quite a spectacle as they made their way into port to complete the fleet, now all moored alongside.

Many of the ships will be open to the public until 2000 hrs local today and then 1000 – 2000 hrs on Sunday and Monday.

29 sail training vessels entered the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta, with 17 having raced from Varna (Bulgaria) to Novorossiysk (Russia), including one Ukranian and seven Russian ships. 12 have raced from Sochi (Russia) to Constanta (Romania). 

Pic: President Bۀsescu greeting Race Chairman Robin Snouck Hurgronje

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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. 

Its mission is to be