Budget of international sailboat competition to be held in 2009 in Saint Petersburg will make about EUR 1 million. According to PortNews IAA correspondent, it was announced by Vladimir Martus, captain of the Shtandart frigate and President of Shtandart Project, at the press conference. Martus says one third of this amount may be provided by federal authorities, for example, by Rosmorport. Additional resources may be attracted from sponsors. Martus reminded that the budget of competition held in Kotka totaled EUR 350 thou, while that of Antwerp – EUR 6 million.
In 2009 Tall Ships Races competition is to be held at the Baltic Sea from July 2 to August 3. In July 2-5 it will be accepted by Gdynya (Poland), July 23-36 – Turku (Finland), July 31- August 3 – Klaipeda (Lithuania). Saint Petersburg is to host the competition on July 11-14. Martus noted that preparatory work should be supported by both municipal and port authorities. He thinks it is important to ensure mooring places at the berths with indication of berth length and depth. A-class vessels should be close to В-class and С-class vessels. It is important to settle the issues related to border control and safety with participation of GIMS (State Small Boat Inspection) and Emergency Ministry, and to ensure access for public. Besides, commercial companies should be attracted for arrangement of corporate activities onboard the vessels. Martus reminded that in 2006 the competition involved 110 sailboats from 22 countries. Income of each port totaled from EUR 30 to EUR 60 million.
