Novorossiysk’s twin city celebrated within the Regatta fleet

Novorossiysk has had informal links with Plymouth, Devon, UK, since the late 1940s, but agreed to completely twin in 1990.  It was therefore fitting that two British Royal Navy officers – Sub Lieutenant Mark Stinchmore  and Lieutenant Rob Drysdale (pictured Right to Left), both born and raised in Plymouth – should be in Novorossiysk on board the Pakistani Navy ship Rah Nahward, as part of a month’s exchange scheme between the two Navies.  The two officers were thrilled to visit Novorossiysk and experience Tall Ship sailing for the first time as part of their training and maritime experience.  

Another strong link to the twinned cities is Johanna Lucrectia, (UK) the two masted schooner who’s registered home port is Plymouth. Johanna Lucrectia’s captain and owner Rodger Barton spoke of his route back home “We have sailed very many miles to be here in the Black Sea and will be continuing on to the Greek Islands for a Classic Sailing event, sailing on to the Mediterranean, the Canaries and the Caribbean before making our way home to Devon in 2015”.

The fleet are now making preparations for their departure from Novorossiysk tomorrow (Monday 11th May). Undocking will begin at 11.00hrs local with the Parade of Sail starting at 13.00hrs. The fleet will proceed out of the Port of Novorossiysk on a bearing of 154 degrees in a straight three mile line (taking approx one hour) before they disperse and start their journey to Sochi. The Parade should be easily visible from shore.

29 sail training vessels entered the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta, with 17 having arrived in Varna to take part, including one Ukranian and seven Russian ships. Having raced from Varna (Bulgaria) to Novorossiysk (Russia) most of them will cruise to Sochi (Russia), from where they will race the final leg to Constanta (Romania).

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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 previously sponsor of The Tall Ships Races 2009.  Sovcomflot Group is Russia’s largest shipping company and one of the world’s leading energy transporters. 

Its mission is to be the leading international energy shipping company, offering a full range of seaborne energy solutions to its customers, based on