The dramatic Russian storms haven’t held the trainees, cadets and crew members back in Sochi – the third port of the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2016. Hugely popular city excursions and inter-ship sporting activities have been the main focus today (Friday 23 September) and yesterday (Thursday 22 September).
In fact, the tumultuous clouds haven’t dampened anyone’s spirits, as thousands of visitors have flocked to the port over the past three days, amidst a sea of umbrellas and colourful rain ponchos. People are lining the port to visit the impressive fleet of Small and Tall Ships, and to be part of this prestigious event. Many vessels are welcoming interested visitors across their gangways and onto their decks, which gives members of the public the rare and privileged opportunity to see these beautiful ships up close and personal.
City Excursions
Yesterday (Thursday 22 September), cadets, trainees and crew members were given the chance to visit the 2014 Winter Olympic Park, just outside of Sochi. It proved hugely popular, with people queuing to join the excursion.
Trainees and cadets were given an engaging guided tour (in Russian and English) of the Bolshoy Ice Dome, which has been converted into an ice theatre, the Sochi Medals Plaza, and the Sochi Autodrom (home of Russian Formula 1). The Sochi Autodrom was a particular favourite of crew members from Royal Helena, Kaliakra and Khersones, who jostled for positions on the podium, where Vladamir Putin presented the Russian Grand Prix winners with their trophies in 2014-2016.
You can check out some of the photos from the excursion to the Olympic Park in our Best of Sochi gallery.
Inter-Ship Sports Competitions
Of the main aims of the Tall Ships Races and Regattas is to promote international friendship and understanding… along with encouraging people to take part in an adventure under sail. As part of this, crew activities in host ports play an important role. They promote international teamwork and understanding, while encouraging people to connect with others from different races, religions, cultures and genders.
In Sochi, trainees, cadets and crew members took part in a range of activities, kindly hosted by a local school. These include mini-football, basketball, volleyball, tug-o-war, and arm wrestling.
News From Behind the Sails
During the excursion to the Olympic Park, we had the chance to catch up with a trainee. We asked her about her experiences of the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2016… and this is what she said.
Mariya Gaydukova, 28, Royal Helena
Have you been sailing before?
“This is the first time I’ve been sailing – I really want to go again after this!”
How did you find the experience?
“I was scared at first, especially when the ship was in big waves and bad weather… our ship is not as big as others, such as Mir. But then I really enjoyed it.”
Did you get seasick?
“I didn’t get seasick, but at first I felt unwell. You just need to go above – it’s a good cure.”
What do you eat on board?
“We eat traditional Bulgarian food on board Royal Helena. We have a really good cook. For breakfast, we have a traditional Bulgarian meal of pastry and goats’ cheese. The food is always good – lots of salad. Last night, we have chicken, salad and baked vegetables.”
You can find out more about Sochi on our port page, and about the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2016 on our event page. Don’t forget to check out our blog for the latest from the event.
You can also find lots more pictures on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Sovcomflot
PAO Sovcomflot (SCF Group) is one of the world’s leading shipping companies, specialising in the transportation of crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied gas, as well as servicing offshore upstream oil and gas installations and equipment.
The Group’s fleet comprises 148 vessels with a total deadweight of over 12.8 million tonnes. The company is registered in St Petersburg with offices in Moscow, Novorossiysk, Murmansk, Vladivostok, Yuzhno Sakhalinsk, London, Limassol, and Dubai.
The Group offers a wide range of vessels in the market segments most demanded by major Russian oil and gas companies. With its own technical development and unique approach to advanced technologies, Sovcomflot has the ability to meet the most demanding customer requirements, providing effective transportation for oil and gas companies.
The Group is the title sponsor of SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2016. Previously, it was also the title sponsor of the similar event held in 2014, as well as a presenting partner of the Tall Ships Races 2009.
- scf-group.ru
- vk.com/regatta2016
- http://www.facebook.com/tallshipsrussia
- http://www.instagram.com/tallshipsrussia
Photo: Trainees in front of the infamous Olympic Rings at the Olympic Park.