News

It has begun!

Stockholm is where today the second Baltic regatta “Ust-Luga Cup” has set sail. During the solemn opening ceremony in Wasa Hamnen, the organizers have welcomed ten teams that are starting their first race tomorrow.

The opening ceremony brings out the holiday spirit and puts smiles on faces as it has always been when old friends get together and enjoy mutual company. Most participants got a chance to know each other when the very first regatta took place. And this year the racing fleet is joined by Bavaria and Elan yachts not to mention the legendary Peter I yacht that is on the list of competitors.

Baltinvestbankbank, Mining Technologies LLC, GC Nord crews have joined the Oktyabrskaya Railway - “Russian Railways” PJSC branch, ZAO “SMM”, JSC “PUL Trans”, FSUE “Rosmorport”, JSC “CSP Ust-Luga”, “Commercial sea port Ust Luga” and JSC “Rosterminalugol” teams - the veterans of regatta. Their own signature outfits – that is how you can easily notice the difference between those teams that were a part of regatta last year and those that have just joined in. The traditional railwaymen red color puts the “Red Arrow” crew on the map while a charismatic and demanding JSC “PUL trans” team name “Avos” chose to wear a sky-blue outfit.  JSC “Rosterminalugol” team, the title sponsor of the event, is wearing black racing suits. “Last year when we received the invitation there were no doubts whether we should take part in the race. Right away we said yes and we won! Right now it’s a matter of honor to defend the title” – told the team leader Alexander Aliev.

Valeriy Izrailit, the organize committee chairman, has welcomed regatta participants with the following words:

-We all have been waiting for this day and there has been so much effort put into making this regatta happen. Originally, “Ust-Luga Cup” was thought of as a 10th year port anniversary event, but you did not let us stop just on that. The second regatta would not have been possible without your energy and strive to compete. I truly believe that a great future is waiting ahead of us! I am welcoming those who were “Ust-Luga Cup” competitors last year as well as the new teams and wish the best luck to all of you!

Appreciating rounds of applause one team after another comes out on stage. As soon as the introduction is over, everybody heads to their yachts – a 40 mile training voyage from Stockholm to Sandhamn Island is waiting ahead. The newcomers had around six hours to get a hold of the ship control while the veterans used the time to recall what it was like last year. The evening in Sandhamn was dedicated to the celebration the start of regatta.

Thursday is the day when the first race outstretching seventy miles long starts, finishing in Mariehamn - the capital of the Aland Islands.