Putin praises international trainees in the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta

The world’ first SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta is racing in its first leg of the Tall Ships race to Novorossiysk in Russia.  President Vladimir Putin sent a personal message of support ahead of their arrival in Russia.

Over 1000 crew members representing nine different nations from around the world will be taking part in the race, a challenging 450 nautical miles (approx.) route across the Black Sea which will take the fleet six days to complete. They will then cruise to Sochi, Russia and race in the final leg of the event to Constanta, Romania.

The event has attracted 29 vessels of nine nationalities – Bulgaria, Russia, Malta, Netherlands, Pakistan, Ukraine, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the UK. With the Ukrainian crisis continuing to unfold, these ships have not been deterred from taking part in this inspirational event. These Tall Ships have united to promote international friendship and understanding and with their participation the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta will be a unique and spectacular event.

President Vladimir Putin said, äóìIt is wonderful to see that this big competition and event has already become an established tradition that has withstood time and stormy seas. With every passing year this creative and genuinely beautiful project draws a greater number of talented, energetic and purposeful young people, who have chosen to make sailing their profession. 

äóìThe participants in this year’ regatta have a long and difficult route ahead that will take them to different countries and cities and offer them interesting encounters. Most important of all, they will have the opportunity to demonstrate in practice knowledge and skills, be part of the legendary sailing fraternity and take another big step forward towards their dreams.

Robin Snouck-Hurgronje, Race Chairman, Sail Training International, said, äóìThis remarkable event is also making its mark in the maritime history books.  It’ not only the first Tall Ship race in the Black Sea, but the first time the largest sail training ship in the world, Sedov (Russia) is sailing and racing with three other Russian ships – Mir, Kruzenshtern, Nadezhda.äó

International tall ship regattas have been held around the world since 1956. Soviet and Russian tall ships have been participating in the Races and Regattas since 1978.

The event is organised by Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Sail Training International, whose charitable aim is promoting international friendship and understanding.

The event is sponsored by Sovcomflot (SCF) – one of the world’ largest shipping companies – the Regatta supports SCF’ social responsibility to support young people in maritime professions and bolsters the interest for the maritime industry among Russia’ youth.

Event and race dates:

Varna, Bulgaria Wednesday 30 April  – Saturday 3 May

Race 1

Novorossiysk, Russia Friday 9 – Monday 12 May

Cruise-in-Company

Sochi, Russia Wednesday 14 – Sunday 18 May

Race 2

Constanta, Romania Saturday 24 – Tuesday 27 May

Photo: Fireworks at the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta.  Photo by Valery Vasilevskiy.

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