Two enormous Russian sailing ships, Sedov and Kruzenstern, participating in the Tall Ships Race will not be mooring in Harlingen on Friday, most likely out of fear of creditors on shore.
That fear is not unjustified: ships can be seized in the Netherlands at a creditor’s request more easily than in other countries. Both tall ships have a history with Dutch creditors in particular and other unpaid creditors in general. Back in 2000, the ships were very nearly seized while they were in the Amsterdam harbour during the massive Sail Amsterdam event.
The Sedov and the Kruzenstern measure 117 and 114 meters respectively and are the two largest sailing ships that remain in use. The eye-catching ships have now set sail for the German port of Emden.
Sail-in
Around 60 large sailing ships are set to arrive in Harlingen for the Tall Ships Races on Friday afternoon. The sail-in nautical parade is expected to being around 1 p.m. The impressive ships can be viewed up close over the weekend, and all kinds of activities will be held in the Frisian harbour city until Monday in connection with the conclusion of the international sailing race.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
