Bulgarian-flagged sailing boat Kaliakra started Thursday its tour around Europe, organized to promote Bulgaria and commemorate the 100th anniversary since the birth of John Atanasoff, the inventor of the computer.

John Vincent Atanasoff and his assistant Clifford Berry built the world's firs electronic digital computer at US Iowa State University during 1937-42. It incorporated several major innovations in computing including the use of binary arithmetic, regenerative memory, parallel processing and separation of memory and computing functions. Atanasoff is son of a Bulgarian immigrant from Bulgaria's village of Boyadjik, Yambol Region. Throughout all his life, John Atanasoff emphasized proudly his Bulgarian roots. In 1990, President George Bush awarded him with the National Medal of Science and Technology.

Eleven orphan school leavers are sailing onboard the ship to learn how to steer a boat and become professionals. After the 20-day course the orphans will sit for an examination at the National Marine Administration. Nine of the future captains come from Bulgaria's town of Yambol, the other two come from Varna.

On its Yambol-Barselona cruise Kaliakra will also visit Varna and major European ports. Organizers of the trip plan to promote Bulgaria in each of the cities and some of Bulgaria's diplomats will join the events.