At the beginning of June, Narva-Jõesuu officially welcomed summer. Although the unpredictable Baltic weather decided to test the resilience of locals and guests with torrential rain, gusty winds, and even lightning, the celebration was a resounding success. The city opened the season on a grand scale: vibrant events unfolded across three locations simultaneously, the highlight of which was a spectacular sailing regatta that turned Narva-Jõesuu into the sailing capital of Estonia for three days.
IX Hungerburg Regatta / RS Fest
Undoubtedly, the central event of the season opening was the sailing competition, which grew into a true RS Fest festival this year. For three days, the city harbor turned into a bustling race village, bringing together over 60 of the top sailors from all over the country. Our city officially solidified its status as Estonia's primary hub for the most popular and dynamic RS family yacht classes (RS Tera, RS Aero, RS Feva), as well as classic Optimist boats.
The geography of the participants is impressive: sailors from 13 leading clubs and sailing schools across Estonia took part in the regatta—from Saarema and Pärnu to Tallinn and Narva-Jõesuu. The weather put the sailors through a harsh test, forcing them to showcase their entire arsenal of tactical knowledge and skills. Over the three days of competition, the organizers successfully completed 5 full races in each class.
The geography of the participants is impressive: sailors from 13 leading clubs and sailing schools across Estonia took part in the regatta—from Saarema and Pärnu to Tallinn and Narva-Jõesuu. The weather put the sailors through a harsh test, forcing them to showcase their entire arsenal of tactical knowledge and skills. Over the three days of competition, the organizers successfully completed 5 full races in each class.
IX Hungerburg Regatta / RS Fest. Photo: Kirill Jakušev
Results of the Intense Competition and Winners:
- RS Tera Pro: 1. Viktor Korotkov (Uku Kuusk Purjespordikool), 2. Polina Baranova (Narva-Jõesuu Jahtklubi), 3. Grete Kasin (Saaremaa Sailing Academy).
- RS Tera Sport: 1. Christofer Kasin (Saaremaa Sailing Academy), 2. Miia Kubjas (Saaremaa Merispordi Selts), 3. Raidon Aso (Käsmu Lahe Merekool).
- RS Aero 7: 1. Ivo Volkov (Pärnu Jahtklubi), 2. Oleg Egipte (Hara Seilamise Selts), 3. Ülar Mark (Kalevi Jahtklubi).
- RS Aero 6: 1. Andrias Sillaste (Saaremaa Merispordi Selts), 2. Andres Rohtla (Kalevi Jahtklubi), 3. Rein Raud (Kalevi Jahtklubi).
- RS Aero 5: 1. Roland Rand (Uku Kuusk Purjespordikool), 2. Arseni Šišov (Uku Kuusk Purjespordikool), 3. Eva Mägi (Saaremaa Merispordi Selts).
- RS Feva: 1. Vesse Metsallik / Ants Haavel (Hara Seilamise Selts), 2. Merili Kukushkin / Otto Sarp Günes (Nõuni Purjeklubi), 3. Denis Ivanov / Riho Tees (Tallinna Jahtklubi).
The organizers would also like to thank all partners: Narva-Jõesuu Linnavalitsus, RS Sailors Estonia, Mariine Auto Jõhvi, Mariine Auto, Katline Graphic Design, Meresuu Spa & Hotel, Toila Vabatahtlik Merepääste, Franzia, Merepargi ApartHotel & Cafe.
Workshops by the lighthouse. Photo: Natalja Freimanis
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While sporting passions were running high on the water, the shoreline lived its own action-packed life, proving that bad weather is no obstacle for true festival lovers. Despite the rain, an entertainment program unfolded near the city lighthouse. The main stars of the stage were the performers from the local dance group “Merelaine” (led by Ksenia Kapajeva) and the "Dancing with Dogs" show by Koerte Kool BEST, which captivated the audience with tricks set to music.
While parents took shelter under umbrellas, children joyfully took over the creative workshops. In the workshops hosted by Craft Depo and the Inkeri House, children made fun stamps on postcards and bags, while the Kunstipesa Pereklubi organized a crafting masterclass for the little ones to create a magic jar featuring the city's symbol—the lighthouse. The street library hosted a fun trivia quiz, and the youth center opened a VR arena and a sports zone. Only one adjustment had to be made: the theatrical performance "A Story from a Suitcase" has been postponed to July 18 and will be presented as part of the Children's Creativity Day program.
While parents took shelter under umbrellas, children joyfully took over the creative workshops. In the workshops hosted by Craft Depo and the Inkeri House, children made fun stamps on postcards and bags, while the Kunstipesa Pereklubi organized a crafting masterclass for the little ones to create a magic jar featuring the city's symbol—the lighthouse. The street library hosted a fun trivia quiz, and the youth center opened a VR arena and a sports zone. Only one adjustment had to be made: the theatrical performance "A Story from a Suitcase" has been postponed to July 18 and will be presented as part of the Children's Creativity Day program.
Zumba at the harbour. Photo: Anna Markova
At the same time, things were heating up at the Narva-Jõesuu harbor. Despite the pouring rain and flashing lightning, the open Zumba workout session began exactly on schedule. Three energetic instructors showed off easy and fun moves, and the bravest and most positive residents and guests, undeterred by the elements, danced happily under the open sky. It was incredibly cinematic! The organizers promise that the traditional grand summer Zumba festival will definitely take place later this summer, and there is every hope that the weather will be much kinder then.
The sailing regatta at the harbor, the creative program by the lighthouse, and the open Zumba workout were all part of a single, grand summer season opening festival. Hosting such events at key locations in Narva-Jõesuu helps develop the waterway network and draws attention to the tourism potential of Ida-Virumaa. Many more exciting events, plenty of sunshine, and sea breezes await residents and resort visitors ahead.
The sailing regatta at the harbor, the creative program by the lighthouse, and the open Zumba workout were all part of a single, grand summer season opening festival. Hosting such events at key locations in Narva-Jõesuu helps develop the waterway network and draws attention to the tourism potential of Ida-Virumaa. Many more exciting events, plenty of sunshine, and sea breezes await residents and resort visitors ahead.
The season opening event and the IX Hungerburg Regatta were carried out within the framework of the project "Development of the Waterway Network and Tourism Entrepreneurship in the Ida-Viru Region". The project is funded by the EU Cohesion Policy Fund under the measure "Attractive Regional Business and Living Environment", the support measure for the implementation of county development strategies, and the partners' budgets.
