Today, may 21, on the island of Menorca (Spain) will start the first race of the new season class ТР52 – 52 Super Series. At the start of the first stage Menorca 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week will be 11 teams from 8 countries, including “Battleship” under the pennant of the Yacht club of Saint-Petersburg. For the only Russian team in the series this is the start of a long journey.
After a year break of playing in 52 Super Series “Battleship” returns the composition of the Central series of international “Grand Prix” racing keel boats. The preparation for such a major event was long and laborious.
Finishing the season in 2017 on the fifth line, the crew of “Battleship” was reorganized. Part of the crew was invited to the team of America’s Cup and, accordingly, replaced by new athletes. Expanded the Russian part of the crew. Together with Vladimir Liubomirov in the “Battleship” Paul Karachov (trimmer), Alexei Kulakov (tank), Egor Larionov (grinder), Alexander Ekimov (trimmer). On shore technical support is carried out Vladimir Ikonnikov Dmitry Arsenyev.
Important changes have occurred in the tactical group command. In conjunction with the award-winning tactician Morgan Larson to the position of strategist in the series debut of the Olympic champion in the class “470”, Croatian Shima Fantela, which will also be the second steering.
Almost a year was to build new boats ТР52 “Battleship” at the famous Spanish shipyard Longtitude Zero project Botin Sudio. The new boat of the Russian team will be the only one in the fleet series, launched this year. Most of the fleet speaks at the cars in 2018 was built. Tested the new boat was held in intensive training sessions in Valencia, and “baptism of fire” took place in the framework of the Palma Vela in early may. Competing with the future rivals in the 52 Super Series, “Battleship” managed to twice finish in the top three.
“We can say that the team has everything necessary for a successful start in the new season, says the helmsman, the captain of the team Bronenosec, Vladimir Liubomirov. – We have a new boat and, for the most part, experienced crew. On the other hand, we year not competed in a class, the opponents simply have more hours on the water. And this is a serious factor. But we are confident that we will be able to act adequately”.
The weather forecast for the waters of Menorca promises mainly light winds. Competitions Menorca 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week will last until may 25, inclusive.
Official website of the series http://www.52superseries.com/
Alex Fat
PR-Director of the Yacht club of Saint-Petersburg
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