mistral update
Vladivostok was moved yesterday, from the Normandie Dock back into the Penhoet Basin. She is still showing on AIS as French after a 24 hr spell showing as Russian on Nov 14th for the handover party that didn't happen. She is rumoured to be guarded by Russian Marines because 'someone has been nicking stuff.' Sebastopol was floated out some weeks ago and is tied up probably at a shipyard berth, fitting out, but is not yet showing on AIS. She is due for completion/sea trials sometime next summer. Smolniy, the frigate style training ship which has been used as HQ and floating barracks since June, but also not on AIS, apparently sailed for home yesterday – presumably Leningrad. Whether this is just for Christmas leave or perhaps represents a more permanent departure remains to be seen.
С Рождеством всех .......... LFH