Brig Rossiya was launched after wintering

The main symbol of the Scarlet Sails, the Brig Rossiya, was launched after wintering. He started preparing for the St. Petersburg graduation.

The ship was slowly rolled out on giant platforms for several hours, and then launched.

"The Brig is a complex object because it uses quite sensitive materials in its decoration. It takes a lot of time to take care of the ship, so the team works throughout the winter or, as we call it, the service season. We have carte blanche for some changes to make the ship look its best," said Oleg Nikolaev, the ship's captain.

He said that at this stage, the main task is to check the operation of all systems and units, carry out diagnostics, and then put them into regular operation. In addition, the masts and yards will be mounted.

It is noted that the ship's features require it to wait for navigation in a special room that protects it from winter. At the same time, it is much more convenient to carry out the necessary work and ship settings indoors. In particular, this year, for the first time, the bowsprit was dismantled, painted, and the geometry of the waterline was slightly changed.

At the key moment of the Scarlet Sails, the speed reaches eight knots, or 15 km/ h, so for an ideal passage along the Palace Embankment, the crew needs to carefully check all systems.

At the same time, the ship's route has been changed this year, which makes it especially important to practice all maneuvers. This is necessary in order to fully realize the idea of the director of the water-technical show. The rehearsals in the Neva River are scheduled for June.

The appearance and design of the brig is different every year: in 2021, a tricolor sailing banner appeared on the bow of the ship in honor of the revival of the flag of the Russian Federation, two years later the brig appeared with sparkling rails and original side lighting.

Last year, the snow-white brig was accompanied by flyboarders in luminous costumes in the form of dolphins. During the final song on "Russia", the crystal opened.

However, this year the design idea is kept secret, and the brig will appear in all its glory on June 28.

The Scarlet Sails holiday was revived after a long-term hiatus in 2005 on the initiative of ROSSIYA Joint Stock Bank, the government of St. Petersburg and Channel Five.