Magnificent Tall Ships Return to the Black Sea

After a hugely successful inaugural event in 2014, the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta returns in September and includes the first ever race between two Russian ports. 

Sponsored by Sovcomflot (SCF) – one of the world’ largest shipping companies – the event supports SCF’ social responsibility to support young people in maritime professions and bolster the interest for the maritime industry among Russia’ youth and is presented under the patronage of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin.

Event organiser Sail Training International is bringing around 20 vessels to the region, to race from Constanta, Romania to Novorossisyk, Russia.  The second race departs Novorossisyk for Sochi, Russia, from where the third and final race will depart to Varna, Bulgaria.  

The International Tall Ships fleet represents six different flag states – Bulgaria, Russia, Romania, Italy, Poland and Vanuatu.

Sail training adventure

The vessels will be sailed by over 1000 trainees and professional crew from around the world, all taking part in the adventure activity of sail training, confronting demanding challenges at sea, both physical and emotional.

Sail Training is an activity that inspires self-confidence and personal responsibility and promotes an acceptance of others, whatever their social or cultural backgrounds. Those who undertake sail training on Tall Ships find it a positive life-changing experience.

As a spectator experience, the port festivals are like no other, and are expected to attract around two million visitors over the four ports.  Activities and entertainments will be provided for all ages, using the magnificent Tall Ships as a backdrop. 

Robin Snouck-Hurgronje, Event Chairman, Sail Training International:

äóìWe are delighted to be returning to the Black Sea this year, promoting international friendship and understanding in what can be a turbulent world.”  

äóìThe trainees taking part will have an experience of a lifetime with lots of fun and personal challenges along the way.  We are very pleased to be working with the four cities of Sochi, Novorossisyk, Constanta and Varna for a second time and are sure that their residents and visitors will all enjoy the festivities that are provided for themäó.

Event and race dates for the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2016

Constanta, Romania Thursday 8 – Sunday 11 September

Race 1

Novorossiysk, Russia Friday 16 – Monday 19 September

Race 2

Sochi, Russia Wednesday 21 – Sunday 25 September

Race 3

Varna, Bulgaria Saturday 1 – Tuesday 4 September

The event is the one of three Tall Ship race events being held this year, which is the Diamond (60th) Anniversary of The Tall Ships Races.

This summer The Tall Ships Races have visited Belgium, Portugal, and two Spanish ports, with around 50 international Tall Ships taking part.  Then as well as the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta, we also have the North Sea Tall Ships Regatta taking place between UK and Sweden with around 20 Tall Ships taking part.

About Sovcomflot

Sovcomflot Group is Russia’s largest shipping company and one of the world’s leading e