Mejlväxling Murmansk/Archangelsk/Vita Havet

Kompl. info från Maria i Murmansk. Hennes svar/kommentarer ligger direkt efter mina frågor.

Maria!


Yes, lets hope the current political situation do not affect this project if things escalate further.

Thank you once again for your time and effort! Most valuable to us!
All sounds good so far, and planning is going ahead.

I think we have a relevant picture now of what to expect in the broad picture, and we are very keen on getting this project under way!

Getting the flotilla and the journey launched as a officially sanctioned cultural event as you mentioned, sounds like a good idea of getting official support and help along the way. Especially so since there probably will be both Swedish, Norwegian and Finnish boats along on the trip. This making it a truly Nordic event promoting the exchange between all nations up north!

If we where to look into this option, do you think approaching the Karelian republic cultural administration, as well as Archangelsk Oblast and Murmansk Oblasts local cultural authiorities is the correct starting point?

All the Best!


Inge


Hello, Inge

Sorry for long silence, much to do at work due to latest political events…
We have made some more comments below, right in your text

Some of the questions still without answers, we need more time, are waiting for answers from other Russian yachtsmen.
Will revert at once when ready.

Regards,
Maria and Nikolai


Maria/Nikolai


Many thanks for your time and effort in order to supply us with great and useful information!

A lot of things to consider here.

I will contact Mr Vladimir Ivankiv in St Petersburg once again in this matter. When realizing all that is needed I really think acting through one main agent would be preferabel. And then he could work through local agents/representatives when needed.
Fully agree, I think this is a correct way to act, let him put you through to all other levels.
It will be very good for you to have a reliable experienced Russian-speaking certified sailor on board, does anyone from your crew speak Russian, or is Russian by origin?

I really think a visit to Murmansk would be of great interest to all. As you mentioned, I do understand that the harbor is not intended for small pleasure crafts etc. We are well aware of that. No problem, as long as permissions is granted and depth etc. is sufficient.
We both are not born in this city, we are from Arkhangelsk, but we fell in love with Murmansk after 16 years of life here. The city is relatively young , about 100 years (to be celebrated in 2016), many active young people, much communication (business/culture/private) with the neighbouring Norway, Finland, Sweden. Lots of Murmansk people travel to North Scandinavia on holidays, weekends and vacations. Many Norwegians, Finns and Swedish coming on business. About 10% of inhabitants in Kirkenes are Russians, who either married Norwegians or moved to Finnmark for permanent residence.
There are not so many historic buildings, but still some things to see – 2 museums (local nature and arts), the naval museum of Murmansk shipping company, the first nuclear ice-breaker “Lenin”, the monument to Kursk submarine (part of the superstructure).
There is a plan to construct a new berth and a passenger sea terminal in the centre of the city, the works began, but I am not sure that they will complete by the time of your visit.
This place could have been the best to berth 10-12 boats, if the permit is granted (photo enclosed)
Depths in the Kola gulf are good for all vessels

You did mention the need for pilots entering ports. When stipulated, is this done by VHF or pre-booking? We know of the regulation regarding pilots in the canal, but this was news to us.
Your agent will fix this, he must follow your ETA to the port , communicate and make all necessary reservations with the harbor master

If for example 10-12 boats where to berth in Archangelsk and Murmansk, do you think that is at all possible?! I guess the larger boats would need 2,5 meter of water to stay afloat!
To berth 10-12 boats is a challenging task both for Murmansk and Arkhangelsk, but a solution always can be found, difficult things just take more time. If your local agent is qualified enough and if the voyage was accompanied with a professional PR-campaign at all local cultural levels, the city authorities will have to render assistance, find a good solution for berthing and grant all permits.
In Murmansk it could probably be the central passenger sea terminal, in Arkhangelsk – the Red Pier (Krasnaya Pristan)

Does the North Sailing Club accept draught of 2,5 meter?
No, unfortunately not, 2,5 m is too much

Is he lack of guards at Krasnaja Pristan a major draw back do you think?
It might create problems, I cannot say that the criminality is high, but there might be cases of theft.
Maybe A.Shalyov can recommend some solution – volunteer guarding, or applying to the police or a private guarding company? There must be some solution for this problem

If I understand you correctly you do think it is a good idea to contact Mr Zvyagin to get some more info regarding Archangelsk.
It might help, he is known in the city and might use his contact in case of difficulties. But he is a painter now and is travelling much with exhibitions of his paintings, could be that he is away in this period.

How would you describe the safety situation in Archengelsk and Murmansk?
I think it is quite acceptable, provided the crew members do not create problems for themselves and are accurate with strong drinks and strange Russians ( we do have some strange people, just like any other nation)
Generally local people are not aggressive at all, we have many nationalities living in Murmansk : ukranians, belorussians, caucausians. I cannot say that there are cases of violence, though personal conflicts happen.
I sometimes felt more insecure in the centre of Oslo, at the central railway station.

I guess fuel is obtainable in both Archangelsk and Murmansk with planning?
Yes, but bunkering in the roads or at berth is not possible (no pumps or pipes), the fuel will have to be transported to the berth in small tanks.

If we where to make a stop-over in Murmansk would it be possible to get more local info through you concerning fuel, sights and interpretation etc?
Sure, we can always give advice or recommendation. But we both have a rather busy life, I am managing Yara office in Murmansk taking care of raw material shipments (4-6 vessels per month), Nikolai is managing a private company for plastic shipbuilding. Besides we do not yet know our travelling plans for summer. We must look at it closer to your visit. But we can always recommend some reliable person.

The tidal/current map of the White Sea sounds vital if the current is up to 8 knots! We will keep that in mind. What kind of tide variations do you have in Murmansk?
To be continued…

Your suggestions of nice islands is all in the White Sea? Or also in Onega etc?
To be continued…

Of what we have heared the canal can accept standing masts by bridges opening. Do you have reports from the 2013 season of otherwise?
To be continued…

Many Thanks