The final leg of the inaugural Nord Stream Race will see the Swan 60 fleet complete the 750 nautical mile race from Visby, Gotland to Greifswald, Germany.  This ultimate sprint of 350 nautical miles will bring the full race fleet into the picturesque city of Greifswald for the end of competition celebrations on October 27th. The city of Greifswald will also witness the crowning of the first ever team to win the Nord Stream Race.

This challenging race finishes in the very North-East region of Germany on the south bay of Greifswald. Greifswald is a very old town and gained city rights as early as 1240. In 1278 it became a part of the Hanseatic network and in 1456 a university was founded in the city.  The centre is located around the inlet from the Baltic Sea, home to the Nord Stream Race, and its historical heart is 5 km up the river Ryck where St Nicolas Cathedral, a 13th century architectural wonder stands 100m high.

Since 1926, when the Greifswald Yacht Club was founded, the inhabitants of Greifswald have sailed all manner of boats from small dinghies to larger yachts. This leisure sport has evolved over the years and now regattas are a regular feature in the Bay and inlet all year round.

Dr. Arthur King, Mayor of Greifswald:

‘The Nord Stream Race is a wonderful vehicle to develop new international links and economic co-operation.  The race from Saint Petersburg to Greifswald along the course of Nord Stream’s new natural gas pipeline through the Baltic Sea will help to associate Russia, Finland, Sweden and Germany with a prominent sporting event.  Over the years the relationships between these nations will grow.  I wish the participating crews from 15 different countries a fair competition with success in particular to Team Germany’s skipper Thomas Jungblut.’

With museums, fashion stores, numerous cafés, markets and specialty shops, there is plenty to be entertained by. The city has also embraced the use of bicycles – Greifswald regularly vies for first place each year as Germany's most bicycle-friendly city.  This relaxing city will provide the perfect location for the final festivities of the Nord Stream Race.

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Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg, Russia

The Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg (SPBYC) is based at Hercules Yacht Harbour within the heart of Russian sailing and was established in 2010.  The Yacht Club aims to develop sailing as a sport across the Russian nation as well as valuing the duty to keep traditional maritime history and sea ethics alive through a sustainable worldwide legacy programme for future generations.  High profile honorary members include His Majesty Constantine II, King of Greece and Goran Petersson, President of the International Sailing Federation.  SPBYC is a meeting place for like-minded individuals who all have a love and respect of the sea and is now ready to become a world renowned yachting hub.

www.yacht-club-spb.ru

Cailah Leask  

Last Updated ( Sunday, 14 October 2012 )