Russian SB20 Nationals – Team Nika leads the race with a day to spare

by Ivan Bidzilya on 31 Aug 2015 On 29th August in St.Petersburg, hotly contested Open Russian SB20 Nationals ended with Team Nika’s convincing win. Having won six out of nine races Vladimir Prosikhin team’s victory was almost decided with a day to spare. But fate of silver and bronze medals both in Corinthian and overall tables was at stake in the last day of races.

Having thrown everything it has at the 29-strong Russian SB20 fleet in the previous days, Finnish Gulf tested the competitors to the limit at the last day of races. With winds of 25 knots and big seas two races held turned the teams into survival mode. With numerous broaches and several MOBs, as well as 18 knots downwind surfing, only the most prepared were able to complete the day.

Several teams were seeking podium positions and it was Moscow’s Vasily Grigiryev who showed the best result of the day with one and two finishes. But it appeared not enough to overturn the table and last year’s Grand Slam winners Melston Team secured the bronze in overalls with one point advantage. For the Moscow team only Corinthian podium left.

Silver medals in overall and Corinthian divisions went to skilled VIS Team of ex-470 Russian sailor Vadim Pushev and Timur Sabrizyanov who together have finished recent worlds in top-10.

“Now we are planning to compete in French nationals in fall and then start winter session in Portugal with the aim for next year’s worlds there”, says VIS Team team leader Timur Sabrizyanov.

The same plan was aired by the winner’s team leader and helm Vladimir Prosikhin: “In Garda Russians were the strongest team and have taken Nation’s Cup, next year we think we may finally make the podium”.

Thanks to the beautiful whether and St.Petersburg YC and National SB20 Association, the sixth Russian SB20 Nationals were big success. 29 teams with both professional and amateur sailors really enjoyed the event. Good for the class in Russia that several new teams made it to the start line promising the fleet growth for next season both in Moscow and St.Petersburg.