“Minskaya Vesna-2026”, the World Shipmodeling Sport Cup, started with the special opening ceremony on 23 April 2026 at 2 pm. The ceremony took place at the “Center for Technical Creativity for Children and Youth” (34 Vanyeeva Str., Minsk, Belarus). For Belarus, it has been the second shipmodeling competition of such scale. The competition programme included “C” Category models (static), radio-controlled yachts RG65, F5-E, F5-М…

► News reports at sb.by ("Belarus Segodnya" newspaper): 1 | 2 | 3

► DOSAAF website (Belarus)

► BELTA news report

► "Minsk-Novosti" report

► Coverage from "Mir 24" radio and TV company

► "Rossiyskaya Gazeta" feature article

The idea to organize the World Cup in Belarus capital city first came from SMSIF ShipModel Sport International Federation and it was warmly welcomed and supported by the shipmodeling sport community.  Representatives of 11 countries applied for participation, i.e. Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Lithuania, Georgia, Germany, Turkey, Spain, Armenia and Vietnam. In total, over 160 competitors were registered for the Cup with 280 ship models in various classes – thus equaling the World Championship size!

At the opening ceremony, the participants and guests were greeted by Major General Andrey Nekrashevich, Chairman of DOSAAF Central Council. The Chief Judge of the Cup, SMSIF President Dmitriy Kalmykov, also greeted the competitors and wished them every success at the international competition. Nadezhda Velikaya, Principal of “Minsk Municipal Palace for Children and Youth” Educational Institution, attended the opening ceremony as well. It is worth mentioning that the “Center for Technical Creativity for Children and Youth” is structurally affiliated with the “Palace”. The Center, which served as the main venue for “Minskaya Vesna-2026”, was built just a year ago and is now superbly equipped.

The Ceremony finalized with several SMSIF judges being awarded with “Judge of International Category” qualification and licenses.

The World Cup is conducted at two venues:

1. “Center for Technical Creativity for Children and Youth”— static competition:

• 23–25 April from 10 am to 6 pm;
• 26 April from 10 am to 3 pm.

Anyone who wishes to attend the model exposition within the above mentioned time frame, can do so free of charge. The technical commission and judges’ briefing session is planned for 23 April, at 2.30 pm. Once the meeting is over, the judges’ team will start its work.

2. Komsomolskoye Lake (next to the dike) — radio-controlled yachts races:

• 24–25 April from 11 am to 4 pm;
• 26 April from 11 am to 2 pm.

“Minskaya Vesna-2026” World Cup is to finish with the Awards Ceremony on 26 April, 4 pm at the “Center for Technical Creativity for Children and Youth”.

More pictures...►