Crowds enjoy the splendour in Sochi
Thousands of visitors flocked to see the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta fleet today, (Sat 17 May), on the final full day of the Regatta in Sochi. Visitors numbers for the first two days are estimated at over 300,000 with that number significantly increasing today.
After a busy and exciting few days, the ships will shortly be preparing for their departure tomorrow morning. The captains met today for a briefing including the undocking and parade of sail orders, race start information and essential information for their arrival in Constanta.
Undocking starts tomorrow (Sunday 18 May) at 0900hrs local, with the vessels then gathering outside the bay. At 1300hrs the Parade of Sail will begin – this being the traditional way the fleet say thank you to the port for their hospitality. This is a great spectacle and will be easily visible from the beaches around Sochi. At the end of the Parade the fleet will make their way to the start line, five miles offshore, in readiness for Race Two, Sochi to Constanta, and ready to cross the line at 1600hrs local time, wind permitting.
This history-making Regatta has included a visit from the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin and many other dignitaries, a colourful and noisy crew parade, wonderful sunshine, and many happy memories for the crews, cadets and trainees.
ends –
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 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.
