Vitali Taks, reviewer of Morskiye Vesti Yachting is historically the oldest sport in St. Petersburg. The idea to organize a sailing race in Russia’s new capital was initiated by Peter the First. From that time, yachting traditions have been preserved in our city. The following material tells about the 12th Sailing Week in St. Petersburg. The first sailing race in Russia was held on July 8, 1847 within the water area of the Gulf of Finland westward from Tolbukhin lighthouse. From 1898, the race got its current name – Sailing Week as the competition lasted for 7 days. In 1997, in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the race St. Petersburg Sailing Union and Administration of the city decided to revive the tradition of a sailing week in St. Petersburg. Last Tuesday the event organizers told journalists about the preparation to the Sailing Week. Vladimir Loginov, President of St. Petersburg Sailing Union. The races revived by St. Petersburg Sailing Union in 1997 are among the most interesting competitions in terms of both routs and, which is more important, the participants. Unfortunately, we acknowledge it is getting more difficult to unite our yachtsmen with years. However, we hope in the nearest future, we will be able to enter international level through involving foreign participants. Organizers of the Sailing Week clearly understand their tasks. Apart from organizing a bright and exciting entertainment St. Petersburg Sailing Week is yet another step towards popularization of yachting in our country in our maritime city. What is especially important this year, the event is arranged within the framework of preparation to The Tall Ships Races 2009. Noble goals of the event organizers are to provide the professionals with the opportunity to experience the sense of competition and to spark off the interest to yachting among young people. Vladimir Kuchinski,
President of International Baltic Sailing Center
I’m here because of romantic feelings, perhaps. They say young people are different today – internet, television, business. But I think romanticism is eternal – it stays in the hearts for thousands of years. This year is the first to provide an opportunity to watch the start of the first race. For that purpose the organizers chartered a motor ship as the beauty of the contest is the brightest as seen from water. Six races including three short and three long ones, interesting geography of the routes, Gogland island, Bjerke-Zund strait, Kotlin island etc… Over 60 yachts with crews from Novgorod, Pskov, Vyborg, Primorsk, Moscow and, of course, St. Petersburg. There is a variety to watch and support. From August 14 till August 24 the 12th St. Petersburg Sailing Week is included into official calendar of the All-Russia Yachting Federation as the largest race in the North-West region of Russia. Water, wind, well-trained crews and sport fervor is a recipe for success of St. Petersburg Sailing Week.
