Nord Stream Race - Saint-Petersburg to host inaugural start

by Henry Robson on 5 Oct 2012 Russia’s cultural capital, Saint-Petersburg will soon host the start of the inaugural 2012 Nord Stream Race. The Nord Stream Race falls in an important year for Russian Sailing, with 2012 marking not only the 100 year anniversary of the establishment of the Russian Yachting Federation (RYF) but it is also 100 years since the first Russian Olympic medal in sailing was won.

The world’s first yacht club was also established in Saint-Petersburg in 1724 by Peter the Great, although sailing in Russia has had a troubled past, becoming none existent at times. However, this is changing and as the sailing scene in Russia grows and prospers once again, the Nord Stream Race will certainly put Saint-Petersburg on the map as a serious sailing destination.

The beautiful Russian city offers a fantastic starting place for the Nord Stream Race, with plenty of things to see and do for sailors and spectators alike both on-shore and out on the water. Saint-Petersburg’s rich imperial past has left a unique architectural landscape which is now considered amongst the most stunning architecture in Europe. Furthermore the city has many monuments, museums, and religious sites such as St. Isaac’s Cathedral which is an architectural masterpiece, and the Winter Palace which is undoubtedly one of the most famous palaces to visit in Russia.

The great city of Saint-Petersburg will greet the Nord Stream Race fleet of five Swan 60 yachts on the 15th October; the crews will then have two days preparation ahead of the inaugural race. The 18th October will mark a new milestone in Russian sailing history as the five teams head to the start line at Kronstadt and commence their 750 nautical miles, offshore race across the Baltic Sea.

Vladimir Liubomirov, Commodore, Saint Petersburg Yacht Club, and competitor on board Team Russia is looking forward to the hosting the five boats and their crew: 'Saint-Petersburg has had a history of being at the heart of Russian sailing, and we are putting the city back on the map as a world class sailing venue by focusing on development at a local and international level. The Yacht Club of Saint Petersburg has attracted sailors from around the world to compete at the highest levels in the premier Nord Stream Race, it will be a great race'

Leg one of the race will take competitors from Tolbuhin lighthouse to Saint Petersburg Yacht Club website