
We believe that art has the power to bring people together, inspire new achievements, and preserve vital cultural traditions. This is why we support the Ukrainian maritime prose competition named after Lysyansky MATELOT, as the themes of navigation and shipbuilding are not only close to us, but also an integral part of our history and future
This year, we initiated our own nomination and are thrilled to announce its winner – Serhii Hrynyk from Mykolaiv. Serhii is not only a talented author but also our defender at the border. He embodies true courage and patriotism. His work “The Second Life of the “Elbrus” – an excerpt from the family chronicle – impressed us with its depth and personal history. Serhii began researching his genealogy, knowing only the oldest name in the family tree. This seemingly small clue led to years of persistent investigation and discoveries, gradually uncovering a world of stories, heroes, and events that influenced the fate of his family. What makes this work especially valuable is the connection between his family’s roots and the history of the “Elbrus” steamship, which played a key role in the development of maritime navigation in the region. This work beautifully illustrates how personal family stories intertwine with great achievements and historical events, while also emphasizing the importance of preserving the memory of one’s ancestors.
By selecting the work of a local author, NIBULON once again emphasizes the importance of supporting local talents, promoting historical memory, and preserving the traditions of shipbuilding, which are an integral part of the cultural and economic life of Mykolaiv and all of Ukraine. We are confident that Serhii Hrynko’s work will resonate with readers and inspire many to search for their own roots.
We congratulate Serhii and wish him further creative success! For NIBULON, this victory is not just an acknowledgment of talent, but also another confirmation of the importance of supporting our hometown and its cultural heritage. Due to his service, Serhiy was unable to attend the award ceremony, and his gifts were received on his behalf by his aunt. We sincerely hope that this award will inspire him to achieve new heights and continue his creative journey.
Learn more about the other winners of the MATELOT competition by reading our previous article.