ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND — 18 July 2025 — The historic tall ship Shtandart has been barred from docking in UK ports, including Aberdeen, due to political sanctions. As a result, the ship is unable to formally participate in the Tall Ships Races 2025, despite her crew’s long-standing preparation and unwavering commitment to the event’s values.
Nevertheless, Shtandart, led by Captain Vladimir Martus and crewed by a diverse, multinational team, intends to sail across the North Sea and follow the race route outside of competition. The crew remains motivated by the race’s true spirit — one not of competition, but of camaraderie and international friendship.
Since 2003, the principal award at the end of each race series has been the Sail Training International Friendship Trophy. This trophy epitomizes the objective of the races and is awarded to the vessel which, in the opinion of the entire race fleet through a secret ballot, has done most to help further international understanding and friendship during the races.
“We are of course deeply disappointed by this turn of events,” said Captain Martus. “But we will not be deterred. Our sails are full and our hearts are light. We are sailors, not politicians — and our mission remains what it has always been: bringing people together.”
The ban complicates logistical matters: the ship, currently low on vital supplies, must anchor offshore rather than dock. Crew members who have a legitimate right to enter the UK must now arrange alternative disembarkation, and incoming trainees are left stranded ashore. Despite these setbacks, Shtandart plans to anchor outside Aberdeen to uphold its commitment to the voyage and its values.
Having sailed from France along the rugged Scottish coastline, Shtandart has received warm welcomes at small anchorages where her crew appreciated the stunning countryside and Highland hospitality. One crew member proudly summited a Munro; others enjoyed local pubs or relished the rare luxury of a hot shower.
“Everyone kept saying how lucky we were to have such warm, sunny weather,” said crew member Philippe Gardille from France. “We told them we brought it north with us from France — and we’re happy to share it with our Scottish brethren.”
Despite current tensions, the Shtandart remains a non political vessel. Her crew includes individuals from over 12 countries, including Finland, Scotland, America, Russia, Japan, China, and the Netherlands. This diversity fosters daily, hands-on diplomacy — friendships that transcend borders and politics, and that form the true foundation of peace.
As the Shtandart charts her course forward, she calls upon the public to look beyond political rhetoric and propaganda that seeks to mischaracterize her mission.
We ask you to come meet us. Get to know our ship. Talk to our crew. See us for who we truly are — and stand up for fair and humane treatment of our vessel and our people.
Despite the Shtandart being barred from entering port, the ship’s crew will still be present at scheduled events to meet the public and share the story of their peaceful mission promoting international friendship and maritime heritage. Captain Vladimir invites members of the media to step aboard and experience life on the Shtandart firsthand — those interested can join the crew in Burghead, near Elgin, and sail overnight to Aberdeen in time for Tuesday morning’s parade. For arrangements, please contact the ship directly.
For media inquiries, visit opportunities, or to send messages of support to the crew, please contact:
https://instagram.com/frigate_shtandart
Facebook: Shtandart Project
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Captain Vladimir Martus:
Shtandart is a real melting pot—we’ve sailed with trainees from 16 nations aboard. Here, nationality melts away; what matters is the single goal: to steer her true. Teamwork and respect—those are our rigging.
Shuling Liu, China, crew member since 2023:
I see the people who come on the boat, they are transforming— when they achieve their dreams, their lives truly change. This place holds great significance; it’s not just an apprenticeship for sailing, but a lesson for life.
Sail Training International:
Sail Training International appreciate the difficult position the vessel and her captain find themselves in and we recognize the captain’s and his crew’s commitment to promoting youth development and to fostering international understanding.
About Shtandart:
Shtandart is a faithful replica of the 1703 frigate commissioned by Peter the Great. Since her launch in 1999, she has sailed as a symbol of maritime heritage and international friendship, training youth and adults from around the world in traditional seamanship.
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