Following two fantastic maritime celebrations in both 2014 and 2016, Sail Training International are very proud to announce that we’ll be returning to the Black Sea in 2019.
The event will once again be sponsored by one of the world’s largest shipping companies, Sovcomflot (SCF), which is a proud supporter of international youth sailing.
The SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta will see the Tall Ships fleet return to the Black Sea for the first time since 2016. The regatta will begin in the Bulgarian port of Varna and will see the Tall Ships fleet race on to the Russian ports of Sochi and Novorossiysk. The event will take in all that the Black Sea has to offer, including beautiful coastlines, vibrant cities, diverse nature and historic architecture.
The regatta will welcome young people of all abilities from around the world, including those who face emotional and physical challenges. People will be able to take part in one or both of the races in this fantastic maritime celebration.
“This Regatta builds on the successes of the previous two race series that have taken place in the Black Sea. The experienced and friendly Bulgarian port of Varna, will be the start port for the 450 mile race across the Black Sea to the magnificent port of Sochi in Russia.
“After a fantastic 4-day port programme in Sochi, vessels will race the 100 miles up the coast to Novorossiysk to conclude the series. We expect there to be an interesting fleet of military and non-military Class A ships, together with a fascinating mixture of other Classes taking part with their young cadets and trainees from around the world.”
Paul Bishop, Head of Race Directorate, Sail Training International
VARNA, BULGARIA
As the third-largest city in Bulgaria, Varna is a juxtaposition of ancient and modern cultures. It’s the main port for naval and commercial shipping, and is proud of its prestigious cultural events.
SOCHI, RUSSIA
Sochi has been busy. Since 2014, the city has welcomed the international Tall Ships on two occasions, hosted the Olympic Winter Games and the Paralympic Winter Games, and been home to the annual Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix. Not just that, it’s also Russia’s largest resort city and thrives from May to September.
NOVOROSSIYSK, RUSSIA
With an almost Mediterranean climate, Novorossiysk is Russia’s main commercial port on the Black Sea. It’s an important industrial city and is home to the naval base of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. It enjoys some of the most breathtaking scenery the Black Sea has to offer and is sure to provide the perfect backdrop to the closing celebrations of the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2019.