SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2016 Novorossiysk: Day One
The port of Novorossiysk woke to yet another bright and sunny morning and the early arrival of Russian vessel Mir, followed a little time later by Nadezdha. They are now moored together with the third sister ship, Khersones, close by.
The
remaining fleet have been making spectacular entrances to the port
throughout the day, providing great viewing for the general public, who
are growing in number. An estimated 100,000 visitors are expected at the
port during the festivities.
The Ringing of the Bell
The
opening ceremony took place in the early afternoon in the centre of the
festival area, where a number of special guests took to the stage. Igor
Dyachenko, City Manager of the Novorossiysk, Robin Snouck Hurgronje,
Race Chairman of Sail Training International, Yiriy Tsvetkov, President
of Sovcomflot (Novoship), Andrew Lavrischev, Deputy Director of
Rosmorport and Alexander Poshivay, Deputy Director of the Federal Agency
of Sea and River Transport (Rosmorrechflot).
All gave short
speeches, exchanged gifts, welcomed the fleet and thanked the Port and
City for its cooperation. STI Race Chairman, Robin Snouck Hurgronje said
äóìWe would like to express our gratitude to the city, the port and the
people of Novorossiysk. We know that everyone here loves the sea, the
ships and the people. We hope to increase interest in sailing in the
Black Sea area, and want to bring as many young people together on sail
training ships. This is because we believe that the experience of living
and working on board sail training ships will make them better people.
And we want to bring people together. Different people, countries,
cultures and backgrounds. This is how we bring our message of
international mutual understanding.”
The event was declared open
by the ringing of a ship’ bell and the assembled crowd were entertained
by local dance troupes, musicians and singers.
The ships will be
opening to the public on Saturday and Sunday from 10.00 to 19.00, with
the ships as a background, a fireworks display will thrill the crowds on
Sunday evening at 21.00hrs.
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.äóÂThe 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.äóÂThe 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.
Photo: By Valery Vasilevsky.
