Among those who will sail in “Ust-Luga Cup” in 2016 for the first time, two teams from the Netherlands are of particular interest. Today we introduce one of them, Dutch shipbuilding company Damen which holds one of the leading positions in its industry.

Damen Shipyards Group operates 32 shipbuilding and repair yards employing about 9000 people worldwide. It delivers approximately 160 vessels ranging from tugs to naval ships, vessels for the offshore oil industry, pontoons and motor yachts annually. In addition to ship design and shipbuilding, the company offers repair and conversion of vessels. Damen has extensive experience of cooperation with Russian shipyards and ports, building tugs, pontoons, cutter suction dredgers and hopper dredgers for Russian customers.

In “Ust-Luga Cup” regatta the company will be represented by employees who have sail racing experience. Jaap Gelling, yacht skipper, is the Head of Damen High Speed Craft and is involved in speed vessels’ building. In his interview Mr.Gelling told the regatta Press Service about his aspiration to fight for the highest regatta’s prizes:

- Our goals of participating in the Cup are the same as in business: we always want to win! In my opinion, we have all the prerequisites since most members of our team are quite experienced racers. However, the team is a temporary project: we have never sailed together, as a team, previously. In regard to my personal experience, I admit that sailing has always been my number one passion!

According to Dutch skipper, the team looks forward to get to the races start and to visit St.Petersburg upon regatta’s completion. Mr.Gelling added:

- Furthermore, we expect interesting races, informative meetings and acquaintance with other participants, and we count on victory, as I’ve said before!

Please read the full interview of Damen team leader in “Ust-Luga Cup” magazine April issue.