Friday, May 8 2009, 03 AM ← →

VLADIVOSTOK, May 8, vladivostoktimes.com In the morning on May 6 “Nadezhda” moored in the port Yeosu (Republic of Korea). After registration by immigration and customs authorities, as in Nagasaki, seven stands were placed on the deck and some panoramic stands about Vladivostok, given by the city Administration before the trip, were placed at the board. Almost immediately, according to the organizers’ order, the vessel was opened for visitors. The Captain of “Nadezhda” Sergey VOROBYOV reported to RIA PrimaMedia.

In the evening of that day opening of the International festival of sailing vessels was held. Crews of all vessels came there – Korean “Koreana,” “Nurimaru,” “Pallada,” a ship of coastguard of Yeosu, and also crews of yachts. At the opening the members of the Legislative and National Assemblies were present, city Administration, the city Mayor; Sergey VOROBYOV presented him a letter-congratulation from the Vladivostok Mayor Igor PUSHKARYOV in solemn atmosphere.

Two main topics – National holiday “Kobuksan” and International festival of sailing vessels, which were mentioned by every speaker, will be repeated by the forthcoming World exhibition EXPO-2012, which is to be held in 2012 in Yeosu. Then the awarding of winners started. The first prize was presented to the crew of “Nadezhda.” The second place was taken by “Pallada,” the third – “Koreana.”

After an official part there was a concert of vessels’ crews. Mechanics of MSU sang songs and danced. The audience (almost 3000 people took part in the opening) were delighted with performance of cadets from “Nadezhda.” The performance was really professional – seven items prepared for a short period of the trip.

In the morning on May 2 a demonstrative rush job was held with participation of all cadets and the crew on setting sail for citizens and guests of the festival. In two hours the rush work was held on striking sail. Citizens had a rear opportunity to make pictures for memory.

This day representatives of Pusan marine university Professors Park, Kim and Head of marine department Jee arrived on board. The purpose of the visit was acquaintance with the vessel and conditions, created for cadets. This visit became a continuation of the meeting in Vladivostok in February this year, during which questions of exchange of cadets were discussed with management of the University. Excursion on the vessel, including sanitary block, vessel dinner, where there was an opportunity to estimate quality of food for future Korean cadets, left favourable impression, what was announced by the guests in the end of the visit. As a result, according to the schedule of representatives of Pusan marine university, practical work of Korean cadets on “Nadezhda” may be held in November, and our cadets – on educational vessel of the Korean University “Hambade” at the same period.

On May 3 two great events were expected to happen – a visit of a group of diplomats from 14 countries, including eight ambassadors, and participation in parade. 42 diplomats and consuls with families arrived at an excursion. Both guests and the crew and cadets were pleased with it. The visit of diplomats started with examining the sailing vessel “Nadezhda.” The program of the meeting on board was thought over by commanders of the vessel and rehearsed in advance, a half of commanders and two thirds of cadets were involved in it. Pleasant surprises waited for the guests on every stage of the excursion.

Cadets and commanders participating in the parade were greeted by citizens of Yeosu. Celebration of Kobuksan is a scale festival, the procession stretches on kilometers of streets, bright suits, much music and noise, theatre performances of Korean history, everything around is decorated brightly. Tall cadets became noticeable in the street procession. Citizens of Yeosu greeted Russian cadets joyfully.

The only sport event on tug-of-war was held between two teams of Russian sailing vessels. Cadets from “Nadezhda” twice won in two trips. Organizers immediately presented the winners festival T-shirts. The team consisted of 30 cadets of MSU.

Completely unexpectedly a trivial, at first sight, sport event became a great performance. Both crews and cadets of sailing vessels and Korean audience were shouting, encouraging the teams. They had gathered even before the event started and watched cadets staying against a background of “Nadezhda.”

For citizens of Yeosu the vessel’s ladder was traditionally opened every day, a number of visitors to the vessel will be known in the end of the trip, and “Nadezhda” has one more important event for today – a farewell party for participants of the festival.

It is necessary to note that intensity of work in Nagasaki was high, but in Yeosu it is much higher. Organizers add new unplanned activities and visits, meetings of new guests to rather tough schedule. Practically it causes reduction of shore-leaves of cadets, and the vessel administration, especially commanders work almost without stop.