On 9 May 2014 the opening ceremony of the Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2014 was held at the Forum square in Novorossiysk after the festive Victory Parade. This is the first time the regatta takes place in Russia.

During the ceremony Novorossiysk Mayor Vladimir Sinyagovsky, chairman of SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta Robin Snouck Hurgonje, chairman of JSC Novoship Yuri Tsvetkov, CEO of JSC NMTP Yuri Matviyenko, representatives of the JSC Transneft company, which is the title sponsor of the regatta, and also Executive Director of FSUE “Rosmorprot” Andrey Lavrishchev welcomed the participants of the regatta.

Andrey Lavrishchev pointed out that FSUE “Rosmorport” made a significant contribution into this event. Within a short time an up-to-date yacht marina was built near the Western mall of the Tsemes Bay. The marina is designed for yachts of A to D classes. The project also included installation of modern pontoons and reconstruction of the low platform of the Western mall, in order to provide good conditions for the participants of the regatta and ensure their safety.

After the opening ceremony one of the most beautiful sailing boats called Running on Waves hosted a press conference for the journalists and guests of the regatta. It is symbolic that a well-known landmark of Novorossiysk is a monument carrying the same name - Running on Waves – which is located at the Forum square of Novorossiysk, where the major events of the regatta take place.

Foreign providers of the event appreciated the high quality of preparation for the regatta, where ships from 9 countries are taking part.

During the regatta the guests and citizens of Novorossiysk visited the participating ships, shore-based sports events, festive concerts and fireworks. The regatta schedule also included parade of the participating teams across the streets of Novorossiysk, the awards ceremony and sails parade.

Having completed the first stage of regatta in Novorossiysk, on 12 May the ships left Novorossiysk Seaport and headed towards Sochi Seaport. They are expected to arrive at the capital of the Winter Olympics 2014 on 14 May, and are to moor at the new Cruise Harbour and the new yacht marina located in the centre of the town. The regatta participants as well as the citizens and guests of Sochi are welcome to take part in a large number of marine and shore-based events.