SAINT PETERSBURG CHALLENGE to include LOA 30 ft

24.02.10

Only one week after the preliminary announcement, skippers have shown great interest in the Saint Petersburg Challenge. They’re from offshore racing yachts in a range from 31 feet to 83 feet including some TP52s. “Comparing the eligibility with similar races, eg the Rolex Fastnet, we’ve decided to lower the LOA from 40 to 30 feet”, said Race Director Alan Green.

Event Director Henning Rocholl added “Contacts are coming up from different parts of Europe and further afield. We’re getting lots of questions, like -

• ‘is there a Class 40 division?’ - to which the answer is YES provided at least three Class 40s start – we are already in touch with three Class 40 owners and will be delighted to introduce this fantastic class to Russia and the longest race in the Baltic Sea
• ‘do we need a visa for Russia?’ YES, but the Russian Yachting Federation and SAIL & RACE will do everything possible to make it easy
• ‘which boats are coming, who are my competitors?’ – SAIL & RACE will shortly publish a list of boats which have confirmed their interest
• ‘will transport be organized to deliver sails, gear and personal equipment from Saint Petersburg to Kiel?’ – SAIL & RACE is testing the possibilities for transport including a dock vessel from Kiel to Saint Petersburg for boats with little time for the delivery trip to the start. Nothing is confirmed yet but answers are expected in the very near future.
• ‘will the parties be like the best ones in the Baltic Sprint Cup?’ - instead of an answer from Rocholl you only see his bright grin. Those who know him, know what this means ……

Follow this space for updates. You’ll find notification of the initial press conference and the launch of the official web site, all coming soon…don’t miss confirmation of the most exciting Baltic Sea offshore race ever, the Saint Petersburg Challenge!