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Russia Sedov barque arrives at Recife port in Brazil

The STS Sedov is a 4-masted steel barque that for almost 80 years was the largest traditional sailing ship in operation

BUENOS AIRES, August 23 (Itar-Tass) — Russia’s barque Sedov that is was making her first trip around the world, has successfully crossed the Atlantic and arrived in the Brazilian port of Recife.

Russian diplomats in Brazil told Itar-Tass by telephone that the ship’s captain will meet with representatives of the local authorities in the office of the port’s administration head. Also, the Russian sailing ship will give an official reception, and on Saturday the famous barque will be open to the public. Everyone will be able to get familiarised with the museum exhibits, to visit the decks, deck houses and cabins and also take memorable pictures on board. After the call at the Brazilian port the Sedov barque will head to the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo.

The STS Sedov, formerly the Magdalene Vinnen II (1921– 1936) and the Kommodore Johnsen (–1948), is a 4-masted steel barque that for almost 80 years was the largest traditional sailing ship in operation. Originally built as a German cargo ship, the Sedov is today a sail training vessel, training cadets from the universities of Murmansk, St. Petersburg and Arkhangelsk. She participates regularly in the big maritime international events as a privileged host and has also been a regular participant in the The Tall Ships’ Races.

The transatlantic voyage from the Bay of Biscay to Brazil was marked by the crossing of the equator. “God of the seas and oceans Neptune rose on board the vessel, as without his approval the crossing of the equator would be outside the law,” captain’s mate in charge of public relations Valery Vasilevsky wrote in his diary. “The traditional Line-Crossing Ceremony is several centuries old, and it is strictly observed, even if there are no experienced persons on board – those who have already crossed the invisible line,” he continued. “There are at least a couple of dozen such persons on the Sedov and as experienced sailors they set the tone in the ongoing action.” According to him, having exchanged greetings with the barque Captain Nikholai Zorchenko, Neptune unleashed his reckless team. A couple of concert acts performed by “mermaids” and “devils” even more heated the atmosphere of anticipation of the main procedure - the sea baptism ritual.

The Sedov sailboat of the Russian Federal Fisheries Agency (Rosrybolovstvo) embarked on her first voyage around the world dedicated to the 1150th anniversary of the birth of Russian statehood and memorable days in the history of Russian geographical discoveries, from St. Petersburg on May 20. The barque has covered more than 45 nautical miles over 14 months and visited more than 30 ports in Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The circumnavigation will end in July 2013.

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