Mir sailing ship of FSUE “Rosmorport” took part in the official opening of The Tall Ships Races 2016, which was held in Antwerp (Belgium) in the period of July 7 to 10, 2016.

A seaport of Antwerp festival was held in honor of the ceremonial opening of the races. During the festive events, vessels’ commanding personnel and cadets of the “Maritime Academy” institute of the Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping, which were passing practical training on the sailing ship, took part in the crews’ solemn parade.

The festival guests had the opportunity to board Mir sailing ship, to get acquainted with the crew and cadets, to stand abaft the wheel and even to hit the bell of the historical frigate.

This year, the Maritime festival gathered many participants from all over the world on its platform: famous Kruzenshtern and Mexican Cuauhtémoc barges, small sailing ships and yachts.

The extensive program included a variety of sports competitions for crews, fireworks and a parade of all participating vessels.

The first race stage started on July 10, when the regatta participants departed from the seaport of Antwerp and headed for Lisbon (Portugal).