We wish to thank all potential competitors and our many colleagues and friends in Russia and elsewhere for their great support for the concept of the Saint Petersburg Challenge 2010, and regret to inform you that this exciting new event is now postponed. Our expected sponsors could not arrive at a final decision in time for us to complete the establishment of the event this year with the level of service on which SAIL & RACE has built its reputation.

Despite the very short time since SAIL & RACE was invited in December 2009 to provide a proposal and make preliminary details public, we were impressed by the great interest it attracted - which can be seen from both the published list of 9 interested yachts and another internal list of 14 more yachts who didn’t want to be on the published list - a handsome fleet of 23 yachts for the first event. Many more told us that with more notice, they would come too.  It sounds like this race is wanted …..

Although disappointed that the event will not take place in 2010 SAIL & RACE will continue to discuss a future edition with the sponsors noting that the event fits perfectly with their marketing aim. Together with our partners the Russian Yachting Federation, the Saint Petersburg Yachting Union and the Norddeutscher Regatta Verein we look forward to making a new announcement giving a definite date when the starting gun will be fired at Saint Petersburg, Russia, for the start of the longest non-stop offshore race in the Baltic Sea.

We wish all sailors a wonderful sailing season in 2010, fair winds and good sport!

Alan Green & Henning Rocholl

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!

We are close to the final announcement of a great new offshore sailing event. a long distance non-stop race from Saint Petersburg (Russia) to Kiel (Germany) starting Sunday, July 18th 2010.

We look forward to calling press conferences soon at Saint Petersburg and Kiel/Hamburg to publish the Notice of Race and provide more information.

SAIL & RACE is working with an organizing group including the Russian Yachting Federation, the Yachting Union of Saint Petersburg and the Norddeutscher Regatta Verein assisted by the Kieler Yacht Club at the finish.

Expected Rules: IRC (ORC Club as a parallel ranking). Eligibility: Minimum LOA 40ft, minimum TCC 1,000. A maximum size may be decided at a level to include all current maxi-racers. Race records to be reported to the ISAF WSSRC (World Sailing Speed Record Council). The race to be listed for ranking in the hanseboot Baltic IRC Open and acceptable as a qualifier for the Royal Ocean Racing Club's Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race 2010.

A full web site tracking service is expected with specialist beacons supplied to each boat.

Great social events are planned in Saint Petersburg and Germany at a level equal to or exceeding the best of the renowned parties enjoyed in the Baltic Sprint Cup!

Owners are welcome to email SAIL & RACE with indications of interest.  All owners in previous Baltic Sprint Cups will automatically receive direct invitations as soon as details are known.

A new web site is being prepared and it is planned to release details shortly.

Watch this space!!