International students of VSUES at the sailing-ship “Nadezhda”: “All hands on deck!”

Last week the international students of VSUES had a unique opportunity to visit a practice sailing-ship “Nadezhda”. Master's mate  for education Elena Devyatova helped the students get on the deck and acquainted them with the ship.  “Nadezhda” is a highlight of Vladivostok. It is one of 5 Russian sailing-ships and a business card of our city as well. This magnificent three-master is considered to be one of the biggest sailing-ships in our time. Its length makes almost 110 metres and the width is 14 metres.

Permanent crew of the ship is 50 sailors. However, it can take on board up to 200 people. During its service “Nadezhda” has been in a large number of states, called at several hundred ports, participated in many sailing races and expeditions.

Student Kylea Brown:

- Visiting Nadezhda was a huge highlight of my time in Vladivostok. It was an incredible experience to get to witness first hand what it is like onboard such a powerful ship. While life onboard a ship might be frightening to some, cramped quarters, long months away from shore, cold weather and stormy seas, to me it would be a fascinating life full of adventure. It was truly a privilege to be aboard one of Russia's tall ships. Especially one that has been so many places and won so many regattas. The captain was more than I could have expected, a wonderful woman full of life and joy. She led us on a tour of the ship including the chance to watch several videos of actual life onboard, which she narrated with obvious passion and enjoyment. Then she shared with us several of her own treasures, including a 100 year old piece of metal from a Japanese ship that remains in perfect condition after all these years. We also got to see and hold two awards given to her by the US Coast Guard and Vice Admiral John Bird. It was truly a one in a lifetime experience that I was honored to get to participate in. I never would have had the chance if I wasn't here at VSUES when the Nadezhda was docked, so thank you to the International Relations Department for providing such a wonderful day.

Emi Kuraoka:

- It gave me a very good impression for me:) it was the first time to go into such a ship, and I saw many things there. Many ropes, sails, rooms, photos and many gifts from the other countries. It was a good experience for me:) I want to see the ship in the festival in Nagasaki.