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 “We 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’s 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. 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.
Photo: By Valery Vasilevsky.