Prime Minister Vladimir Putin boarded the sailing ship Mir (Peace), the winner of the first stage in the international regatta of training sailing ships, the Tall Ships’ Races-2009 at the Gdynya-St. Petersburg stage
Mr Putin visited the Russian sailing ship Mir, which won the initial Gdynya-St. Petersburg leg in the international regatta of training sailing ships, known as the Tall Ships' Races-2009.
Mr Putin arrived at the sailing ship by motor boat, inspected it, went to the wheel house, and had his picture taken at the ship's bow. He met with the crew and the shipwrights in the ship's mess. The young sailors told him that their dream was to sail round the world.
Mir's Captain, Yu. Galkin said the ship spends from five to six month a year at sea. "We were lucky to come to St. Petersburg this year. Usually we are off in April and don't sail again until October," he said.
Mr Putin asked how members of the crew, many of whom are still cadets at maritime academies, manage to continue studying with this kind of schedule. He was told that classes continue while at sea.
During tea, it was mentioned that Russian sailors do not make much money these days. Mr Putin replied that those who link their lives with the sea usually "have values other than dough." "The character Gobsek watched every penny, and then kicked off like everyone else, but without any pleasure. A person must receive pleasure from life, and from what he is doing," he explained.
Mir's crew presented Mr Putin with a model of the sailing ship. Mr Putin left a note in the VIP guest book to the effect that the sailing ship Mir "is not only St Petersburg's calling card, but also a school of mastery and courage."
