More than 250 ships manned by over 3,000 sailors from 20 countries will be participating in the event this year. The largest ship is the 117.50 meter long Russian four-mast ship Sedov, built in 1921 in Kiel and originally named the Magdalene Vinnen II. While the event celebrates historic sea-faring windjammers, this year's festival will also welcome a number of historic steamboats - the vessel which would ultimately replace sailing ships in merchant fleets in the late 19th century. On dry land, visitors can also expect a vast array of events and celebrations, including 50 concert performances.

The patron of this key maritime folk festival is Federal German President Joachim Gauck, who will interrupt his holiday on the Baltic Sea to officiate the event opening. The International Windjammer Festival takes place every five years in Bremerhaven, and began in 1986.

ot,jt/fm (dpa, bremerhaven.de)