Nord Stream Race 2015 to start on 20th September

A worthwhile destination: Swan 60 Petite Flamme in front of the impressive backdrop of the city of Saint Petersburg © Andrey Sheremetev

Who will be the fastest across the Baltic Sea?

On the occasion of the international trade fair "hanseboot" in Hamburg the Norddeutscher Regatta Verein (NRV) as one of the co-organisers officially announced the programme of the Nord Stream Race 2015. On 20th of September 2015 at 12:00 CET ORC and Gazprom Swan 60 yachts will start from Flensburg/Glücksburg for a non-stop race across the Baltic Sea. 800 nautical miles away the finish line will be waiting, just off Saint Petersburg.

The name of the regatta is derived from the Nord Stream pipeline, the path of which forms the course for the Nord Stream Race – now for the fourth time. Alternating each year the route runs between Germany and Russia in an east-westerly or west-easterly direction respectively. "The organisers from Norddeutscher Regatta Verein in Hamburg and Saint Petersburg Yacht Club initiated a new offshore race back in 2012. For the first time offshore yachts race the full distance of the Baltic Sea in the attempt to break the World Speed Record. And the idea is being received well by the offshore scene: For next autumn we already have the first expressions of interest from some owners," comments Race Director Claudia Langenhan. "I am a part of the Race Committee for the third time now and every year is different and exciting. In September the Baltic Sea can hold very different conditions which make high demands on the boats and their crews. We can expect everything from a dead calm sea, which we saw during the 2013 edition, to a proper gale as we saw in the first edition in 2012. To try and predict winners and losers beforehand is impossible. That is what makes this offshore classic so exciting."

The course of Nord Stream Race 2015 - photo © Nord Stream Race

The World Speed Record for the distance between Flensburg and Saint Petersburg is currently being held by the Elliot 52 "Outsider" with Tilmar Hansen (Kiel). In 2013 the team completed the 800 nautical miles in three days, 38 minutes and 23 seconds. The organisers are looking forward to seeing whether the record can be broken this time around.

"For the yachts of the ORC class the starting point is ideally situated and timed. Right after the Flensburger Fördewoche, which in 2015 also includes the German Championship in offshore sailing, we are starting from the Flensburger Segel-Club in Glücksburg," says Event Director Arne Hirsch. "For the spectators ashore there will be a lot to see as well. We are planning a race village and a great party on Friday. In addition the elegant Swan 60 yachts will compete in short and exciting inshore races just in front of the harbour wall on Friday before the start of the regatta. There will be the opportunity to win a place on board one of the yachts for this event. Last but not least there will be a spectators stand to watch the action on the water which will be commented by an expert presenter and broadcasted live onto a big screen."

In Saint Petersburg the participating yachts will be mooring right in the city centre. When the crews arrive, having completed the 800nm offshore, the city's breath taking scenery will be their reward amongst others. "The programme in Saint Petersburg will be organised by our partners from Saint Petersburg Yacht Club. We are very much looking forward to it because from past experience we know that the sailors will be offered a great and unique experience," Arne Hirsch continues.

Vladimir Liubomirov, Commodore of Saint Petersburg Yacht Club, adds: "We are very much looking forward to welcoming the boats and their crews to Saint Petersburg and to show them the great hospitality of our city and its inhabitants. Across the year we host many events here at Saint Petersburg Yacht Club but the Nord Stream Race is definitely one of the highlights of the season. Not least because I have participated in the race myself several times in the Swan 60 Class on board the Swan 60 "Bronenosec" I have a very special interest in this event."

Like in previous years clothing partner Marinepool supports the regatta again. Christoph Stadler, Marinepool Marketing Director, explains: "The Nord Stream Race is one of the key events in the Baltic. It brings together sailors from the countries bordering it and Saint Petersburg Yacht Club and Norddeutscher Regatta Verein – both partner clubs of Marinepool – are renowned for their competence in and promotion of offshore sailing. We are proud to be on board again and sponsor their flagship event. Sailing in the Baltic in autumn can be quite a challenge and requires high-end sailing clothing when the going gets tough. The yachts of both clubs, Gazprom Swan 60 World Champion "Bronenosec", "Gazprom Youth Sailing Challenge" and the youth initiative "German Offshore Challenger" will therefore take on the Baltic in full Marinepool sailing clothing and safety equipment."

As of now the registration for entry is open for Nord Stream Race 2015. The regatta is open for Gazprom Swan 60 Class and boats under ORC handicap with a GPH less than 580. If the minimum entry of five boats should be reached in a one-design class, separate valuation classes can be set up. Owners can ask for more information by contacting the organisers at the NRV ().

More information and the Notice of Race can be found on www.nord-stream-race.com.