Nord Stream Race - Final port of call set for Griefswald

by Philippa Holloway on 14 Oct 2012 The last leg of the inaugural Nord Stream Race will see the Swan 60 fleet complete the 750 nautical mile race from Visby, Gotland to Greifswald, Germany. This ultimate sprint of 350 nautical miles will bring the full race fleet into the picturesque city of Greifswald for the end of competition celebrations on October 27th. The city of Greifswald will also witness the crowning of the first ever team to win the Nord Stream Race.

This challenging race finishes in the very North-East region of Germany on the south bay of Greifswald. Greifswald is a very old town and gained city rights as early as 1240. In 1278 it became a part of the Hanseatic network and in 1456 a university was founded in the city. The centre is located around the inlet from the Baltic Sea, home to the Nord Stream Race, and its historical heart is 5km up the river Ryck where St Nicolas Cathedral, a 13th century architectural wonder stands 100m high.

Since 1926, when the Greifswald Yacht Club was founded, the inhabitants of Greifswald have sailed all manner of boats from small dinghies to larger yachts. This leisure sport has evolved over the years and now regattas are a regular feature in the Bay and inlet all year round.

Dr. Arthur King, Mayor of Greifswald: ‘The Nord Stream Race is a wonderful vehicle to develop new international links and economic co-operation. The race from Saint Petersburg to Greifswald along the course of Nord Stream’s new natural gas pipeline through the Baltic Sea will help to associate Russia, Finland, Sweden and Germany with a prominent sporting event. Over the years the relationships between these nations will grow. I wish the participating crews from 15 different countries a fair competition with success in particular to Team Germany’s skipper Thomas Jungblut.’

With museums, fashion stores, numerous cafés, markets and specialty shops, there is plenty to be entertained by. The city has also embraced the use of bicycles – Greifswald regularly vies for first place each year as Germany's most bicycle-friendly city. This relaxing city will provide the perfect location for the final festivities of the Nord Stream Race.