The Culture 2011 Tall Ships Regatta officially opened this evening. In front of a large crowd the Mayor of
Klaipeda, Vytautas Grubliauskas, the Director General of Klaipeda State Port, Mr Eugenijus Gentvilas and the Chairman of the Race Committee, Robin
Snouk Hurgronje welcomed the fleet to Klaipeda, surrounded by representatives
of the ships carrying their national flags.
After addressing the crowd, the Race Chairman rang a ship’s bell and everyone cried out
“Gero vej” - the traditional way to wish
good luck to sailors.
other than a couple of late arrivals, all of the fleet are now safely in port and look forward to the sports
and cultural events that are available to crew members tomorrow.
A
local folk group ‘Alka’, the Klaipeda State Music Theatre and a brass quintet
entertained the crowd after the ceremony.
The
customary ‘Captains dinner’ will take place later this evening in a local hotel.
The
Culture 2011 Tall Ships Regatta is organised by Sail Training International.