We have seen the full complex of the facilities that protect St Petersburg from flooding. We have heard stories from guides and reminiscences from people who took part in the design and engineering of the dam itself.

We have seen the Poltava in dry dock, long before its launch. And this year we sailed to the Grand Prince Konstantin fort – which is also a hydrotechnical facility, built as it was to protect the harbour at Kronstadt from the south. Over its life, the fort has been extended and rebuilt more than once, with the use of the latest hydrotechnical construction technology available at the time. Today, the fort has also changed its central purpose: Konstantin now greets its visitors in peace. It is here that all yachts visiting St Petersburg from other countries undergo customs formalities. We were also met with a joyful reception, although in order to capture the treasure of the fort, we still had to try and fulfill