About SAIL & RACE
SAIL & RACE founded and managed the DaimlerChrysler North Atlantic Challenge 2003 from Newport R.I. [USA] to Hamburg [GER]. With 63 yachts and 611 sailors the race was one of the biggest to ever cross the Atlantic from west to east. Against climatic predictions the event encountered hurricane force winds, fully testing the fleet. The DaimlerChrysler North Atlantic Challenge [DCNAC] was a worthy birthday present from the NRV on the 100th anniversary of the Hamburgischer Verein Seefahrt [HVS].
In 2004 SAIL & RACE developed a ground-breaking idea to link the Baltic coastal countries in a significant new offshore sailing challenge. The event matured quickly as the annual BALTIC SPRINT CUP that by the end of summer 2008 had visited eighteen ports in nine countries and had 165 starters. The race builds on its overwhelming success.
Open to sea-going yachts from a length of 30 feet, approx. nine metres, the race has introduced a new rating system without losing any of its appeal. Offered an alternative to ORC Club, boats may choose to race under IRC. The race thus offers ambitious crews in the racer division the same handicap system as the Rolex Fastnet Race or a Transatlantic, while the cruisers still use the established club formula. The full entry lists prove the wisdom of this balanced approach.
With a view to media aspects, the event organizers have also emphasized the transparency of the Baltic Sprint Cup to ensure that both points system and class divisions are logical and comprehensible. A tried and trusted tracking system takes the race live to the computer monitors of its fans day and night. Authentic reports and on-board photos make the regatta come alive for those on shore and at home.
The race is under the scrutiny of an international jury to satisfy all demands for justice and fair competition. Perpetual trophies and coveted awards are given to owners, skippers and crews at the end of each leg and at the big showdown in the final port of destination. In the wake of the exclusive Neptun trophy, designed by the porcelain manufacturer Fürstenberg for the Baltic Sprint Cup, more than a 100 trophies are handed over to the best, year after year.
