May 21, 2019
Come on, "Battleship"!
Today, May 21, on the island of Menorca (Spain) will start the first race of the new season class TP52 – 52 Super Series. At the start of the first stage of the Menorca 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week will be released 11 teams from 8 countries, including the “Battleship” under the pennant of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. For the only Russian team in the series, this is the start of a long way.
After a year of interruption of performances in the 52 Super Series “Battleship”, the composition of the central series of international “Grand Prix” keel yacht rallies returns. Preparations for such a major event were long and painstaking.
Having completed the season of 2017 on the fifth line, the crew of the “Battleship” was reorganized. A part of the crew was invited to the teams of the America's Cup and, accordingly, was replaced by new athletes. Expanded and the Russian part of the crew. Together with Vladimir Lyubomirov in the “Battleship” Pavel Karachov (trimmer), Alexey Kulakov (buck), Yegor Larionov (grinder), Alexander Ekimov (trimmer). On the shore, technical support is provided by Vladimir Ikonnikov and Dmitry Arsenyev.
Important changes occurred in the tactical group of the team. In conjunction with the titled tactician Morgan Larson, the Olympic champion in the 470 class, the Croatian Shime Fantel, debuts as a strategist in the series, who will also be the second helmsman.
For almost a year was the construction of the new boat TP52 “Battleship” at the famous Spanish shipyard Longtitude Zero, designed by Botin Sudio. The new boat of the Russian team will be the only one in the fleet of the series launched this year. Most of the fleet performs on the race cars built in 2018. The “test run” of the new boat took place in intensive training sessions in Valencia, and the “baptism of fire” took place within the framework of Palma Vela in early May. Competing with future rivals in the 52 Super Series, “Battleship” managed to finish twice in the top three.
“We can say that the team has everything necessary for a successful start in the new season,” said Vladimir Lyubomirov, the helmsman and captain of the Bronenosec team. – We have a new boat and, for the most part, an experienced crew. On the other hand, we did not compete in the class for a year, our rivals simply had more hours on the water. And this is a serious factor. But we are sure that we will be able to perform adequately. ”
The weather in Menorca promises mostly light winds. Competitions Menorca 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week will last until May 25, inclusive.
The official website of the series is http://www.52superseries.com/
Alexey Zhirov
PR-director of the Yacht Club of St. Petersburg
136 May 21, 2019 # 9014
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