Sail training mission completed

The fleet of Tall Ships in the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta set sail from Constanta, Romania today for new sea adventures, but left behind many new friends and happy memories.

The event was considered a huge success for the economy of the city – with 115,000 visitors over the first three days of the event; and city retailers reported a large number of customers

Robin Snouck Hurgronje, Race Chairman, Sail Training International said, äóìWe have sadly come to the end of four exciting  days in Constanta and the end of the Regatta. Four weeks ago we started the event in Varna, Bulgaria; raced to Novorossiysk, Russia, sailed on to Sochi and finally raced to Constanta, Romania.   The fleet has covered approximately 800 nautical miles in order to deliver its sail training message of international friendship and understanding.

äóìEvery port has a different culture and each has brought its own unique identity to the event and looking back at the last few days I have seen 1000s of smiling families and for me that means the event was a huge success.  

“Everything can be improved of-course, and if and when we come back to Romania we hope we can achieve two things.   We would like more Romanian sailing vessels to take part and we would like more young people from all over the world to have the experience of being on board a sail training vessel. On behalf of all the Captains and the crews – I thank Constanta for your great contribution as the final port.äó

Peter Newell, Race Director, Sail Training International said, äóìThis Regatta has been a very special experience for everyone involved.  Twenty nine vessels registered to take part in the event and thirteen of these were in Constanta – which meant we had an impressive and spectacular fleet.   But more importantly we have given sailing opportunities to over 1000 from more than 20 nationalities young people and therefore our mission has been achieved.äó

– 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