ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Naval Ship (PNS) Rahnaward was given the ‘Best Newcomer’ Award after its participation in the Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta, a news release said on Thursday.

The Black Sea Regatta was held from the Bulgarian city of Varna to Novorossiysk in Russia in May last year and received the award at a ceremony held recently in London by Sail Training International.

The distinction of ‘Best Newcomer’ is awarded to the vessel/ship that makes the best contribution to the Tall Ships Regattas in its first participation.

PNS Rahnaward is a class ‘A’ ship, traditionally square rigged sailing vessels having 18 sails, and participated at the Black Sea Regatta alongside the world’s largest Sail Training Ship Sedov of Russian and world’s fastest sailing ships — Nadezha and Mir, both Russian.

The ship also won five trophies including ‘Best Communication’ and ‘Best Crew’ during a parade held in Varna.

Since being inducted in Navy’s fleet in 2010 as the country’s first Tall Ship, it is being extensively used for sail training of the officers of Pakistan Navy.

Published in Dawn, January 30th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play