Saint-Petersburg Classic Yacht Week preview

by Kate Holmes on 17 Jul 2012 Saint-Petersburg Classic Yacht Week is taking place from 14th – 20th August 2012. The event forms the final leg of the racing series for classic yachts in the Baltic Classic Circuit, a circuit which incorporates numerous Classic regattas around the Baltic Sea, taking in different countries and cultures including Stockholm and Helsinki. The fantastic new addition to the Baltic Class Circuit is to include three days of racing followed by a two day festival based at the famous Peter and Paul Fortress in the city of Saint Petersburg, combining award ceremonies, a formal fancy dress party, a symphony orchestra and fireworks.

The Saint Petersburg Classic Yacht Week is the first of its kind in Russia’s beautiful and historic former capital, with partaking yachts and owners being based at the Hercules marina, a new top class facility. For participants there will be fleet races for bigger boats and class races for classic Folkboats and Dragons, with race days organised for Wednesday 15th to Friday 17th August. Contenders for the final leg of the series include classic yachts of St. Petersburg such as, Mirame; Nayada and Zvezda. The national yacht class of Russia, L-6 will also be participating as will Old Gaffer Association (England) and Lindauer Segler-Club (Germany); a programme which proposes thrilling races for all involved.

Vladimir Lubomirov, Commodore of the Saint Petersburg Yacht Club talked about how an important mission of the Circuit is to attract youth to classic sailing and the restoration of yachts as well as attracting more international yachts to the Baltic Classic Circuit:

'The classic yachts are part of our cultural heritage but there are not many left so it’s important not only to preserve them but also to show them performing in classic regattas and festivals. We are sure that the Saint-Petersburg Classic Yacht Week in August will inspire the owners of classic yachts. We hope to bring back the style and sophistication of classic yachting.'

He continued; 'Our yacht club is the only one developing sports traditions and promoting maritime culture and ethics in children’s education. The main goal of Classic Yacht Week is to remind Saint-Petersburg residents that they are part of the Baltic and of the history of yachting that comes with the area. We will also endeavour to support the classic owners as we are all too aware that the traditions of keeping and restoring old yachts are on the verge of oblivion.'

The Baltic Classic Circuit is organised by the Scandinavian Classic Yacht Trust.

Event website