Russian bark Kruzenshtern calls at Venezuelan port

01.04.2010 Source: RIA Novosti, photo: bark Kruzenshtern (korabli.ucoz.ru)

Carrying out a 5-month long transatlantic cruise, Russian drill sailing ship Kruzenshtern called at Venezuelan port La Guaira on Wed, informed RIA Novosti. The ship will stay there for several days so the bark's crew and 120 cadets of Baltic Fishery Academy and other Russian fishery institutions (in total about 200 people) can go ashore and visit Venezuelan capital.

Kruzenshtern is planned to be open for visit; locals will be allowed to come on board the legendary sailing ship, take a look on her tacking, visit museum and on-deck photo show. Cadets will guide the guests over exposition; tell about glorious history of the ship, her numerous victories in regattas and their own adventures in the distant cruise.

Built in 1926, the bark is rightfully considered a shining sample of Russian drill sailing fleet. Despite her venerable age, the ship is in perfect technical conditions and equipped with state-of-the-art navigation facilities and instruments; the crew living conditions are excellent as well.

The second stage of Kruzenshtern's transatlantic expedition started on Dec 1 in Kaliningrad. Through almost four months of severe cruise the bark covered the Atlantic, crossed Panama Canal and sailed coastwise North America. In Feb the bark had been staying at the port of Vancouver for about 3 weeks; the ship arrived there to support Team Russia at Winter Olympics.

Traditionally, Kruzenshtern is open for visit at all ports of call throughout the world. During the first stage of transatlantic cruise when the ship called at numerous European ports, over 82,000 guests visited Kruzenshtern; during stay at Vancouver the bark hosted more than 7,500 people, said Vladimir Volkogon, president of Baltic Fishery Academy and person-in-charge of Kruzenshtern.