The “Mir” frigate won the first stage of the International Sailing Race Tall Ships Races. On July 17, 2018 one of the fastest sailing ships of the A class reached Esbjerg leaving its rivals trailing far behind.

The sail from Sunderland took less than four days. A successful start and skillfully performed all hands sailing job gave hope for the favorable end of the race. Good weather and south winds gave the opportunity to consolidate the advantage. The coherence of the ship's crew and “Mir's” speed characteristics played a decisive role in the victory. During all days the team worked long and hard – everyone could make contribution to the victory.

A total of 52 vessels took part in the race and only 46 got to the end. On July 18 after the arrival of the other ship vessels an official ceremony of the opening of the second stage race will take place in Esbjerg. The mayor of the city Jesper Frost Rasmussen will welcome the participants. 

A varied programme is awaiting for the Tall Ships Races guests: music concerts, stage performances and flashmobs in which anybody who wants can participate. A salutatory parade of the crews of the vessels-participants will have a traditional walk along the central streets of the city. Besides, competitions on beach football and kayak and SUP-surfs races are planned to be conducted.

During port days the frigate “Mir” will work in the “Open Board” mode. Tours of the sailing ship will be conducted for all comers. At present 132 cadets of the specialized academic institutions undertake educational sailing internship on the board of Russian vessel.

The vessels will stay in the Danish Seaport till July 21. The seaport of Stavanger (Norway) is a next point of destination for the sailing ships.