Today first Petersburg participants of The Tall Ships' Races 2009 - crews of Nika, Adventure, Argo, Bylina, Diana and Elena yachts set course to Gdynia. Yesterday Akela yacht started its voyage. Altogether 10 yachts and 2 sailing ships will depart from St.Petersburg until June, 27, to represent our city in the famous regatta. From St.Petersburg will also start its way Siberia yacht (home port Omsk). On July,5, the ships will depart from Gdynia (Poland) to finish the first leg of the races in St Petersburg, Russia.

In Gdynia Russian fleet will be joined by sail training ship “MIR” that now is afloat in Europe, and the four masted sail training barque of the University of Murmansk, Sedov. Six more yachts will join the fleet at the second leg that will start from St.Petersburg on July, 14.

The first leg of the regatta is racing, so St.Petersburg is to support its crews that will compete in speed for 6 days in the high seas despite the weather. First ships are expected to come to St.Petersburg on July, 8.

Ships will moor near the English («Angliyskaya») and Lieutenant Shmidt embankments. St.Petersburg awaits 125 ships of all classes (24 big sail ships of Class б). On July, 11, everyone can visit ships – St.Petersburg dwellers and guests can try themselves as captains standing at the wheel, explore decks and crew's quarters. During regatta’s 5 day stay in St.Petersburg sport competitions, performances and concerts will take place on shore.