August 6, 2019

      “It's really cool on the water!”

On August 5, in the park of the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg, the opening ceremony of the world championship for windsurfing among juniors took place and passed training races.

On the registration day, the participants of the World Championship in RS: X class among juniors learned what a classic St. Petersburg summer is. Strong wind (up to 20 knots in gusts), low air temperature (15 degrees) and cold water (18 degrees) – these are the three main companions of windsurfers on training races.

And if the weather hardly pleased the guests of the racing village, then the athletes themselves glowed with happiness. In quite extreme weather conditions for the summer, they chased enough, cheerfully planed and checked the equipment before the races. After several races on the water, the guys returned a little tired, but happy.

Frenchman Fabien Pianaza – the main favorite of the World Windsurfing Championship – shared his impressions of the training.

– It’s very cool on the water because a strong wind blows. True, there is no point in drawing conclusions on the training races. Tomorrow there will be completely different weather conditions. This water area and weather suit me, so everything is super, ”said Pianaza, two-time world champion in windsurfing among juniors.

Some riders on the registration day chose a different tactic and stayed on the shore to save energy before the races themselves.

“I didn’t go to the water because I don’t want to get tired of the competition,” says Pole Jan Goralski. – I need more time to prepare the equipment. Everything should be perfect on Tuesday. I want to relax a bit, have fun and morale on the first day of the competition.

The organizers have prepared an extensive coastal program for athletes and guests of the park of the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg. The participants were met by the mascot of the World Cup – Brown Bear. The organizing committee of the regatta decided to follow the traditions and chose as a mascot the world-famous symbol of our country, tested at the home Olympics of 1980 and 2014. The guys reacted vividly to the appearance of the bear, hugged and took pictures with him.

The opening ceremony began with a parade of participants who together passed under the national flags of their countries. 104 windsurfers from 19 countries came to St. Petersburg. Flags of Russia, Israel, Turkey, Hong Kong, Holland, Greece, Spain, USA, Italy, France, Thailand, Japan, Great Britain, Poland, Philippines, Belarus, Cyprus, Estonia and Oman proudly flew over the 300th anniversary park.

On stage, the best young windsurfers of the world, including silver medalist of the world championship Yana Reznikova and current champion Fabien Pianaza, raised the flags of the host country of the tournament – Russia, the general partner of the regatta – PJSC Gazprom, the organizer is the Yacht Club of St. Petersburg and Federation class RS: X.

During the opening ceremony of the world championship in RS: X class, honored guests addressed the athletes from the stage.

“On behalf of the Acting Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Dmitrievich Beglov, I am pleased to welcome the participants of the World Championships in the Northern and Marine Capital,” said the Vice Governor of St. Petersburg Vladimir Kirillov. – It’s no coincidence that the regatta takes place in our city, the most beautiful city in Europe. I would like to wish the contest participants good victories, a good mood and, of course, to communicate with the beauties of our beloved city. I wish you happiness, success and tailwind!

“On behalf of the organizers of the competition, the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, I am glad to welcome you here,” said Elena Solovyova, Project Manager of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. – Every year we hold large international regattas. This year we will organize the world championship in the RS: X Olympic class among juniors. Be sure that we will hold these competitions in the way we would accept the Olympic Games. In the coming years, the reconstruction of our Yacht Club will end. After which we will be very happy to host the largest international competitions and see you in St. Petersburg in the future. For us it is not just a sport. All of you represent your countries in Russia. I hope that you will see St. Petersburg and Russia as we see them and return home with the best of impressions.

“We are very pleased that the RS: X class international association has entrusted the world championship to this beautiful city,” said Vladimir Silkin, President of the All-Russian Sailing Federation. – This is the Northern and Sea Capital of Russia and the first Yacht Club, which appeared 301 a year ago. I believe that you will get an unforgettable experience from racing and a beautiful city. I am sure that all of you will leave here with the desire to return here as soon as possible in the future.

– As you can see, St. Petersburg is a sunny and windy city. I hope that this weather persists for the entire World Cup, ”said Andrews Poxy, international secretary general of the RS: X class. – Special thanks to all athletes who came to St. Petersburg. I also want to thank the volunteers, organizers, sponsors, and everyone who supports the RS: X class. I wish you a great race. But at the same time, this is a great time to enjoy the beautiful views of St. Petersburg.

The bronze medalist of the 2016 Olympic Games and the ambassador of the World Windsurfing Championship among juniors Stefania Elfutina recorded a video message for the participants of the World Championship in RS: X class.

“I'm glad to welcome you to the world championship in RS: X class among juniors in St. Petersburg,” said Stefania. – It is a great honor for us to host such important competitions in Russia. I wish everyone to show the best result and get a lot of positive emotions. Have a nice week!

At the end of the ceremony, participants and guests performed a cover band from Pskov, Drum & Jazz, who performed compositions in a variety of styles (from jazz to popular music) and helped athletes tune in to the right wave before the races themselves.

Alexey Zhirov,

PR-director of the Yacht Club of St. Petersburg

105 August 6, 2019 # 9339
                                                    
      
    

Chief Editor

July 27, 2019

      It's not so obvious
      We have become accustomed to the fact that racing in such an unstable in strength and direction of the wind, which these days reigns in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland, sometimes presents very unexpected results, writes http://russiandragon.ru.

Either one or the other teams with a high rating every day find themselves, if not in the end, then in the middle of the fleet, and instead of fighting for the top places, they spend forces to finish at least in the top ten. Interesting racing, not simple!

So on the eve, looking into the standings of the Russian championship in the Dragon class, it was difficult to assume that we would see the sail of the Estonian yacht EST 5 first, because the guests from Tallinn, headed by Alexei Zhigadlo, occupied only a modest 16 a place. The second came around the yacht Russo Orient Express Mikhail Chaikin (RUS 91), which is fighting to hit the top ten. Already the third sign reached Anatoly Loginov (RUS 27), followed by the “dragons” of Denis Pilipenko (RUS 45), Sergey Borodinov (RUS 81) and Vasily Senatorov (RUS 34).

The leaders successfully (and, probably, not without a share of luck) took advantage of the significant approach of the wind, which occurred while the boats tacked on the windward mark. The same circumstances did not allow other teams in the first segment of the distance to realize their full racing potential. Many recognized leaders at the sign found themselves in unusual places: the Portuguese Pedro Andrade – on the twelfth, Dmitry Samokhin – on the sixteenth, Mikhail Senatorov – on the seventeenth …

Subsequently, the wind direction changed less frequently and less, and the repetition of such evil jokes from the weather no longer followed. To the credit of the leading racers, the further course of the struggle showed that it would be unfair to explain their luck on tacking with luck alone. Mikhail Chaykin did not just keep ahead, but managed to bypass Estonian yachtsmen at full speed and was the first to pass the gate. Anatoly Loginov also proved successful and, having passed well under the spinnaker, pushed EST 5 to the third position. “Dragons” by Sergey Borodinov, Vasily Senatorov and Victor Fogelson kept track of them, gradually “eating” RUS 45 began to lag behind.

On the second tack, Chaikin’s resistance was finally broken, and the country's multiple champion, Anatoly Loginov, rushed to the finish line, already in a clean first position. And Mikhail joined the fight against Vasily Senatorov, defending his second place now. Both teams had a great finish of the race, finishing almost simultaneously, but I feel good IDA Chairman still crossed the coveted line first. Honor and praise to both teams, which now can safely bring the past race to their assets!

Pedro Andrade again, according to the “scheme” tested at the start of the regatta, played seven places by the end of the race and finished fifth, Sergey Borodinov remained in fourth place. Estonian sailors on EST 5 chalked up 6 points. Dmitri Samokhin, who so vexedly failed at the beginning of the race, also did everything to improve the situation, and eventually finished it on the 9th, having risen from 16th place, but … It’s too little to feel confident in the last day of the competition fight for top honors. Moreover, now the silver of the championship for one of the favorites of the regatta can be a very difficult task.

After 6 races, Anatoly Loginov (RUS 27) had 13 points, Vasily Senatorov (RUS 34) had 15 points, Dmitry Samokhin (RUS 76) had 18 points.

Anatoly Loginov (RUS 27):

– Yes, today there were difficult wind conditions. But they are not easy every day. And today, even simpler than the day before. Today was one run, and a few yesterday. Statistically – and everyone talks about it – the right side is preferable in the westerly wind. But we must look at the fact. And even during the first start, when it was canceled, the right side looked good. And we were going to fight for it. But literally three or four minutes before the start, we saw that the wind was coming. And they took a bad start – and still he helped us. Are you satisfied with this race? Yes, we are happy with all the races. It is interesting because – not that in the same San Remo. It blows steadily, but here you need to be constantly alert.

Mikhail Chaykin (RUS 91):

– We started well – usually we do not succeed. Let's go left, although the plan was right. We reached the approach, turned, and even a little dragged. Estonians turned a little earlier and eventually went first to the mark. We then bypassed them at Ford. But Anatoly Loginov overtook us first, and then, on the last stretch of the distance, Vasiliy Senators. Is the success of the third coming for us? Yes, this is a jump above your head!

Championship results after 6 races –

http://dragonopen.ru/docs/Results-RusDragonOpen2019-27072019.pdf

117 July 27, 2019 # 9307
                                                    
      
    

Chief Editor

July 2, 2019

      It's time to send pictures!
      Attention, friends! Today begins the acceptance of works on the world's largest competitive bargaining photos – Mirabaud Yacht Racing Image 2019.

Works of professional photographers made from September 13, 2018 to October 13, 2019 are allowed to participate in the competition.

This year, as the organizers of the contest proudly remind, it is being held on the anniversary – 10th time. An important touch: over the past decade, 312 photographers from 47 countries took part in Mirabaud Yacht Racing Image 2018!

Yacht Russia magazine, as you know, is an information partner of the competition. We are extremely pleased that the number of Russian photographers participating in it is growing every year. Increases the level of their work. So, last year, our compatriots were authors of 6 out of 80 photographs selected by an international jury. There is something to be proud of!

This year also 80 images will be selected – it will happen on October 22. Then will start voting on the Internet. The author of the picture that won the most votes in this – online – vote will receive the so-called Public Prize.

We go further. On November 4, an international professional jury will decide who will win the main prize of Mirabaud Yacht Racing Image 2019, as well as select 20 pictures to be exhibited on November 25-26 in Bilbao (Spain) where the annual Yacht Racing Forum will take place these days. Its participants will determine by voting the winner of another prize – the Yacht Racing Forum Award.

And there, in Bilbao, the winners of the competition will receive their awards!

To the attention of those who want to take part in Mirabaud Yacht Racing Image 2019. All the necessary information you can get on the contest website –

https://www.yachtracingimage.com

88 July 2, 2019 # 9205
                                                    
      
    

Chief Editor

May 28, 2019

      It's not just money

The main news of last Monday for the sailing world was, of course, the announcement of the death of a 130-foot (39.6 m) megayacht My Song, which fell into the water from the deck of a cargo ship carrying it.

Thousands of websites, newspapers and television stations around the world reported what happened to My Song, but what is surprising is: there are practically no details. All one after another they repeated and continue to repeat the same facts. They say that the incident occurred in the Mediterranean last Saturday evening, despite the fact that the ship went to the Balearic Islands from the Caribbean.

We had to “shovel” many publications in order to get at least some additional information. We found out, for example, that My Song was being transported on board a cargo ship Brattingsborg, which in the late evening of May 25 fell into a violent storm. This, they say, everything is explained.

At the same time, it remains an open question why the megayacht, which spent the winter season in the Caribbean, was generally decided to be transported on the deck of a cargo ship. There are several versions. For example, according to https://maritimebulletin.net, My Song needed to be so seriously repaired that it was afraid to send it under its own power across the Atlantic, and the repairs themselves had to be carried out in Genoa. At the same time, www.sailingscuttlebutt.com provides other data. Saying, to launch My Song (where repairs were not needed at all, just time was running out) were going to Ibiza, after which the yacht would go to Porto Cervo – to take part in Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta from June 4 to 8.

Recall that this regatta is carried out by the owner (or better to say – already the former owner?) My Song – Pierre Luigi Loro Piana, who heads (together with his brother) the famous Italian brand, which manufactures clothes, bags, shoes, textiles and interior items. The yacht has participated in the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta since 2017 – and invariably won. Agree, it would be strange if this year she suddenly did not reach the start.

Megayacht was the favorite toy of Signor Loro Pian, who three years ago laid out for her 30 million euros. The Baltic Yachts shipyard completed the construction of My Song in 2016 (both the interior and exterior were designed by Nauta Yachts), and since then, the beautiful boat has won many prizes for its beauty and speed. So, last year she set a record for the RORC Transatlantic Race among single-hull vessels, and a few months ago she was named the Italian Sailing Federation "Yacht of the Year".

Pierre Luigi Loro Pyana has not yet commented on the loss of My Song. No wonder: for him it is a huge loss. And the thing is, of course, not only in money …

161 May 28, 2019 # 9039
                                                    
      
    

Chief Editor

February 13, 2019

      It's time to congratulate Cutty Sark!
      The only remaining tea clipper – Cutty Sark – celebrates its anniversary. The famous ship is 150 years old!

And the celebrations will last a whole year, since the construction of the Cutty Sark began in February 1869, and on its first voyage – to China for tea – the ship departed exactly one year later, in February 1870.

And now, during the whole year, various events will be held – for example, the first of the planned concerts will take place in a couple of weeks. In addition, every day on board the famous clipper, which has long been a ship-museum and is located in a dry dock in the historic district of London – Greenwich, theatrical performances will take place.

Well, we congratulate Cutty Sark not even with the day, but with the year of birth and use the significant date to remind some facts to our readers. First, here are the characteristics of the vessel:

– Displacement: 2133.779 tons with a draft of 6.1 m;
– Full length: 85.4 m;
– Case length: 64.8 m;
– Width: 11 m;
– Draft: 6.7 m;
– The height of the main mast from the main deck to the top: 46.3 m;
– Total sail area: 2980 square meters. m;
– 3 masts.

There are several versions of why the clipper received such a name. According to the most common of them, ship captain John Willis (using the Wikipedia article) “was going to call the Sea Witch clipper, but it turned out that another ship was already registered under this name. And then he chose the name Cutty-Sark – the nickname of a young and attractive witch, the heroine of the poem of Robert Burns Tam O’Shanter. According to the plot, the witch is chasing Tom and at the last moment grabs his mare by the tail. It is not for nothing that the nasal figure of the clipper depicts a witch in a short shirt, an extended arm forward, with a bundle of horsehair clamped in it.

Many believe that Cutty Sark was the fastest clipper. But it will be more accurate to say – one of the fastest, all the more so since there is not a single victory in contests with other clippers on the Cutty Sark account.

The fame (again we use Wikipedia) was brought to the ship by a speed contest with the Thermopyla clipper in 1872. Both clippers simultaneously left Shanghai on June 18, but after two weeks the Cutty Sark lost the steering wheel in a storm and Captain Mody held the clipper down the wind during a storm with a floating anchor while a spare steering wheel was being made on board. The work lasted eight days, because the violent storm did not stop. The ship's carpenter assembled the bars, fastened them with brackets, which he forged himself. The forge was smashed on the deck over which the waves walked. Once the horn overturned, and the son of the captain, who was inflating the bellows, barely managed to jump aside, dodging hot coals. The next day, the blacksmith almost blew his head off with a red-hot iron bar. As a result of this, Cutty Sark arrived in London a week later for Thermopylae – on October 18, spending 122 days to travel. Nevertheless, the clipper forever went down in history due to the fact that after the accident the captain did not give up, but decided to continue the race by building an improvised steering wheel on the high seas (instead of going off the road to repair the port), while lagging behind one week".

In the fate of the Cutty Sark there were many such dramatic moments, but in the end, this fate was happy – the ship did not disappear into the sea, it was not dismantled. And in 1954 he was put on eternal parking in the dry dock of Greenwich.

But that's not all. In 2007, aboard the Cutty Sark, due to the ignition of the motor of an industrial vacuum cleaner, a fire broke out that destroyed more than 80 percent of all wood paneling and deck ceilings. The restoration of the ship took five years and required 50 million pounds.

Turn up in London – take the time to go to Greenwich. Congratulate the 150-year-old legend with an anniversary!

269 ​​February 13, 2019 # 8791
                                                    
      
    

Chief Editor