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’s largest shipping companies – the event supports SCF’s social responsibility to support young people in maritime professions and bolster the interest for the maritime industry among Russia’s 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.
Chairman of the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta, Mr Robin Snouck-Hurgronje
“We are delighted to be coming back to Constanta for the 2016 SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta. During the inaugural event in 2014, the city gave the Tall Ship fleet a very warm welcome and was a great host in what was the culmination of a thrilling event. We look forward to more of the same this year, with the added excitement of Constanta being the first port in the series, where the ships will assemble prior to the first race leg to Novorossiysk. Of course we are very happy that the Romanian Navy Ship “Mircea” and the beautiful sailing ship “Adornate” will be in our fleet. They both made an important contribution in 2014 and they will do this again in 2016.”
“With the beautiful coastline, maritime traditions and friendly people, Constanta is a jewel on the Black Sea coast, and we hope the event will put it even more onto the world stage.”
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 continued:
“We are delighted to be returning to the Black Sea this year, promoting international friendship and understanding in what can be a turbulent world”
“The 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 them”.
Event and race dates
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 October
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 energy transporters.
It is the lead sponsor of The SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta, 8 September to 4 October 2016, and was previously sponsor of The SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2014 and The Tall Ships Races 2009.
Its mission is to be the leading international energy shipping company, offering a full range of seaborne energy solutions to its customers, based on advanced shipping technologies and innovations, achieving long-term sustainability of growth and profits through a socially responsible industrial shipping model. The company’s fleet specialises in hydrocarbon transportation from regions with challenging icy conditions and includes 158 vessels with a combined deadweight of over 12 million tonnes. A third of these vessels have a high ice class. SCF supports large-scale offshore energy projects in Russia and overseas. The company is registered in Saint Petersburg and has representative offices in Moscow, Novorossiysk, Murmansk, Vladivostok, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, London, Limassol, Madrid, Singapore and Dubai.
