Optimists of the Northern Capital – The Gazprom Cup is nearing an end

by Emma Upton on 2 Aug 2013 The Optimists of the Northern Capital – The Gazprom Cup is approaching an end in Saint-Petersburg Russia, with the third event of the four event series having taken place between the 24-28 July. Organised and hosted by the Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg, there were over 50 participants racing and many more spectators and supporters.

After five days of racing in sunshine with a slight breeze, the leader of Group 1, in the male category is Artem Sudakov, followed by Daniil Usachev in second and Leonid Pushev in third. In Group 2, the girls division, Anastasia Deryagina is now in first position with Karina Levakhina in second and Alexandra Lukoyanova taking third.

Group 3, the junior group sees the Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg sailor Andrey Mikhailov in first place overall, Andreev Vasili in second place and a further Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg sailor Anton Khomchenko in third place.

Denis Razumovich, coach of the Sailing Academy commented: 'The third leg of the regatta was kind of training for us before the Saint-Petersburg Open Sailing Championship (7 – 11 August). The basic task was the positive psychological attitude and we got it. As for the results, I think that stable training resulted in a good outcome. We had really serious competitors and healthy competition – this is the key to the future success of the team.'

The young sailors were also able to take advantage of the classic vessel festival which took place simultaneously to the Optimist Series as part of Classic Yacht Week, Russia. The two day festival provided the youngsters with an insight into the maritime history of the country along with games, competitions and exhibitions.

The fourth and final stage of the Optimists of the Northern Capital – The Gazprom Cup will be held from August 29th to 31st and will see the new winners awarded with their Gazprom Cup Classic Opti Cup