Entry list promises exciting Nord Stream Race 2015

The route of Nord Stream Race leads from Flensburg to Saint Petersburg in an 800 nautical mile non-stop race © Nord Stream Race

Four month before the start of Nord Stream Race 2015 the entry list is filling up with interesting participants. On 20th of September ORC and Swan 60 yachts will start together on the Flensburger Förde off Glücksburg for the 800 nautical mile non-stop race to Saint Petersburg.

Alexander Prinz zu Schleswig-Holstein, NRV board member for offshore affairs, is especially pleased about the reception amongst the ORC class: "The word is slowly getting around in the offshore regatta scene that Nord Stream Race has a very unique experience to offer. We are very happy that famous names such as SHAKTI (Ker 46), BANK VON BREMEN (J/V 53) or BROADER VIEW HAMBURG (Andrews 56) (ex NORDDEUTSCHE VERMÖGEN HAMBURG) have registered for the race. Saint Petersburg is a very attractive destination, especially when arriving by boat. In addition our friends from Saint Petersburg Yacht Club will do everything in their power to open doors for the participants."

Besides BANK VON BREMEN a second Judel/Vrolijk design will take on the demanding challenge: The 43 ft. yacht OILER PL with Polish skipper Robert Kreslo will take part in Nord Stream Race for the first time. To complete the fleet we are looking at some familiar faces: Russian BLAGODARNOST 2 (Elliott 45) can draw on two years of Nord Stream Race experience having participated in 2013 and 2014 already which makes them a hot candidate for winning the ORC trophy.

After the World Championship in May and several events around the Mediterranean the Nord Stream Race will form the crowning glory of the 2015 Swan 60 racing calendar. Accordingly the prize giving ceremony in Saint Petersburg on 26th of September will not only see the proud winner of the Nord Stream Race but also the presentation of the title "2015 Gazprom Swan 60 Champion" to the yacht with the best performance across the season. Of course the defending champions from "Team Russia" on board BRONENOSEC will be part of the race again as well as Tim Kröger as skipper of SPIRIT OF EUROPE who came third in 2014.

In addition to the challenge of beating the World Speed Record of three days, 38 minutes and 23 seconds (set by SY OUTSIDER in 2013), another reason for taking part in Nord Stream Race is certainly the fascinating destination of Saint Petersburg. For many sailors the eastern part of the Baltic Sea is still a white spot on the map, although it is not actually that far away. Hence this regatta format is the ideal opportunity to get to know the coast of the Baltic States and the impressive Gulf of Finland. At the finish line the famous city of the tsars with its impressive architecture and countless sightseeing opportunities awaits the participants.

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