Please select your home edition
Edition
Allen Brothers

2019 Nord Stream Race: Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder fires the starting gun

by Nord Stream Race 23 Jun 2019 14:10 PDT 23 June - 5 July 2019
The fleet at the Nord Stream Race 2019 © NSR / Andrey Sheremetev

The Nord Stream Race 2019 has begun. The regatta started in Kiel, during Europe's biggest sailing festival, the "Kieler Woche". Former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder joined the Nord Stream Race Regatta and officially opened the international competition when he fired the starting gun. The international fleet got under way with a spectacular start, as the competitors begin their battle towards Copenhagen.

It was the shortest night of the year before the teams of the Nord Stream Race set sail on Sunday afternoon. The 50 sailors on five racing yachts are expecting a hard competition in strong wind without sleep, as they sail along at top speed during another very short night.

The good wishes that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder had addressed to the yachtsmen at the gala dinner the evening before were well received by the sailors. On the rough and cold Baltic Sea each team is highly and professionally focused; everyone wants to win and post the first important points on the scoreboard.

Shortly before the start, Sven-Erik Horsch, the skipper from Team Germany gave an insight into the tension among the teams: "Everyone is very excited now. It will be tough. We try to keep the emotions out of it and approach the challenge very professionally. But we will speak about emotions in Copenhagen again, and maybe I will tell a completely different story after the strong race we're about to experience tonight."

The cultural part of the regatta has already begun in Kiel. The famous German marine-painter Heinke Böhnert presented her picture at the official Opening Ceremony. This particular piece of art will be a part of a charity auction a few weeks from now in St. Petersburg. Elena Solovyeva, head of projects St. Petersburg Yacht Club said: "This season the regatta's general idea of connection has been broadened. For example one of the new aspects is connecting Baltics through art. That's why we brought together artists from different Baltic countries, who joined our charity project."

Since its inception in 2012, the Nord Stream Race has been organised by the Saint Petersburg Yacht Club with the support of Gazprom and Nord Stream AG. At 1,000 nautical miles and following the route of the Nord Stream Pipeline, this has become established as the most demanding and prestigious offshore race in the Baltic region.

For more information visit www.nord-stream-race.com

Related Articles

52 Super Series Palma Vela Sailing Week preview
The champions are looking to achieve lift off with new Platoon Aviation The reigning 52 SUPER SERIES champions, Harm Müller-Spreer's German flagged crew, start their title defence on Sunday on Majorca's Bay of Palma. Posted today at 5:28 pm
Triana & White Shadow finish Ocean Globe Race
Trinity Landing pontoon in Cowes was a busy spot Tuesday afternoon Trinity Landing pontoon in Cowes was a busy spot Tuesday afternoon with Triana FR (66) SWAN 53 and White Shadow ESP (17) SWAN 57 finishing the McIntyre Ocean Globe Race after 48 days of racing. Posted today at 4:33 pm
David Linger takes 6th in Global Solo Challenge
His journey was at times extremely difficult, even after arrival Sunday April 21st, at 2:03 pm local time, after 175 days, David Linger crossed the finish line of the Global Solo Challenge taking 6th place on his Owen Clarke designed Class40 #15 Koloa Maoli. Posted today at 4:02 pm
Evan Aras joins U.S. SailGP Team
Former two-time national champion at Georgetown University joins as interim head coach The United States SailGP Team has announced Evan Aras as interim head coach, replacing Mark Ivey. Aras will make his coaching debut in Bermuda at the Apex Bermuda Sail Grand Prix. Posted today at 3:56 pm
Cup Spy April 23: Swiss gain confidence
Alinghi Red Bull Racing had a good session in their new AC75, in a building breeze and foiling fast Three America's Cup teams sailed - two in new AC75s and the third two-boat testing/trialling in AC40s. Alinghi Red Bull Racing had a good session in their new AC75, in a building breeze foiling comfortably and fast at the end of the session. Posted today at 2:46 pm
Transat Ready: Solo Skippers Optimised For Success
All eyes turn to Lorient for the start of the Transat CIC With the Vendée Globe on the horizon, excitement is building as the IMOCA skippers hurtle towards the world's premiere offshore challenge. Posted today at 2:24 pm
Henri-Lloyd New Arrival: The Storm Dri Backpack
Perfect for any outdoor activity, commute and boat to shore use Perfect for any outdoor activity, commute and boat to shore use. The Storm Dri Backpack is waterproof, submersible and capable of holding all your kit essentials with a 30 litre capacity. Posted today at 1:30 pm
The Ocean Race will return to Genova
A key stopover for The Ocean Race Europe in 2025 The Italian city of Genova and The Ocean Race will extend their close relationship with The Ocean Race Europe bringing a fleet of foiling IMOCA race boats to the Mediterranean port in the late summer of 2025. Posted today at 1:02 pm
69F Cup ready to rock at Fraglia Vela Malcesine
The entry list includes some teams with great specific experience on the 69F Eights international team are gathered at Fraglia Vela Malcesine for the opening GP of the 69F Cup: the points will be on the table between Friday and Sunday but trainings are under way on the northern Garda Lake. Posted today at 12:35 pm
The Famous Project: MOD70 Limosa in Portugal
Reaching the Portuguese Algarve port of Portimao this morning The Famous Project's all girl crew of the MOD70 Limosa reached the Portuguese Algarve port of Portimao this morning to successfully complete their main objectives. Posted today at 12:20 pm
37th AC Store 2024-two-728X90 BOTTOMSOUTHERN-SPARS-AGLAIA-SPARS_728X90 BottomCyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTER