OREANDA-NEWS.  Vladimir Putin presented awards to the winners of the first stage of the international Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta: the crews of the Nadezhda ship and the Akela yacht. The President also visited the Russian Mir sail training ship.

The international tall ships regatta took off on April 30 in the Bulgarian city of Varna. The first stage ended in Novorossiysk, while the entire race will finish on May 27 in Constanta (Romania). Over 50 sail ships and yachts of various classes are taking part.

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Address at award ceremony of the first stage of the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta

PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA VLADIMIR PUTIN: Good afternoon, friends,

I am happy to welcome the guests and participants of the Black Sea Regatta.

This year the world’s largest sailing ships have visited the Black Sea ports of Novorossiysk and Sochi. This is a great honour and pleasure.

We are happy to welcome the sailors, people who devote their lives to the sea. We are especially happy to see you here in Sochi on the eve of the holiday season.

I know that the festival programme includes marches and concerts. This is a great festival. Today we will honour the best sailors and crews.

I would like to wish you all a successful finish and transit to Constanta. I wish you success and I would like you to know that you are always welcome in Russia and in Sochi.

Good luck and thank you for coming here.