Sail Rock – Strange Natural Sandstone on the Shore of Black Sea

A sheer vertical slope in Krasnodar Krai in Russia is known as Sail Rock, Skala Parus, or Parus Rock. The strange natural sandstone is located on the shore of the Black Sea. Like its name, the sandstone monolith of the late Cretaceous age resembles the outline of a ship’s sail confronting the shore of the sea.

Researchers believe Sail Rock has been isolated from the mass of basic rock by geological forces. In 1971, it was declared a natural monument by the administration of Gelendzhik. From distance, the perpendicular shape Sail Rock seems like a boat with a giant sail that has come ashore.

The monolith lies 17 kilometers to the southeast of Gelendzhik, close to the village of Praskoveyevka and the farmstead of Dzhankhot. The most interesting part of Sail Rock is its remarkable proportions, just above the meter-thick with a 25 m height and 20-meter length.

Parus Rock is more than three-fourths exposed by the tide and lies perpendicular to the coast. Therefore, the form of the cliff is described as similar to the outline of a quadrangular sail. The rare formation is the result of the pounding of the sea on the land erosion, and various strengths of its constituent rocks.

Many books describe Sail Rock formation as a defense against mountain artillery during the Caucasian War. Divnomorskiy rural council is responsible for protecting the Parus Rock. The surrounding beach and its vicinity are a place for outdoor leisure and recreation, including close to health resorts.

A Russian writer, essayist, journalist, and researcher, S Vasyukov, who was investigating the Black Sea coast in 1903, explained the cliff is shot from a battleship by seamen and the 2.5 meters above the jagged hole was formed to shoot through at the opponent.

The easiest way to reach this place is to hire a boat from Gelendzhik and relish the sea views, rocky shores, and dolphins. The myth is found in the village of Praskoveyevka and has Greek roots.

Who lived here many centuries ago, but left the place, and gradually local Russian has replaced and settled here.  The Skala Parus is an object of myths, fantasize tourists speculate that a titan Prometheus protects humans from injustice, and once he was chained to Sail Rock.

Scientists are still not sure how this rock was formed. However, it is a favorite place for romantic couples for its remarkable natural beauty. You would also scratch your head how does this sandstone form?