The Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg, Russia, sponsored by global energy giant Gazprom, have appointed Fast Track Sailing, a division of CSM Sport and Entertainment, to manage the inaugural Nord Stream Race, a Baltic offshore race starting at Saint Petersburg, Russia and finishing in Greifswald, Germany in October 2012.
The 750 nautical mile, (approximately 1400 kilometres), race is scheduled to start on October 18, 2012. The race will follow the route of the Nord Stream pipeline through the Baltic Sea and will cross the waters of Russia, Finland, Sweden and Germany, bringing together sailors from more than 15 European countries.
The 2012 Nord Stream Race is an invitational event, open to Swan 60s for the inaugural edition with open entry for future editions. With €100,000 prize money for the overall winner, the event is expected to be fiercely contested.
Five teams have been confirmed for the inaugural Nord Stream Race.
Team Europe skippered by Tim Kröger, sponsored by Nord Stream AG.
Team France will be sponsored by Stroygazconsulting with details to follow shortly.
Team Germany skippered by Thomas Jungblut representing the Norddeutscher Regatta Verein, sponsored by Stroygazmontazh.
Team Holland skippered by Pieter Keijzer representing the Royal Netherlands Yacht Club, sponsored by Gazprom International.
Team Russia skippered by Vladimir Liubomirov representing the Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg, sponsored by Gazprom.
Starting in Saint Petersburg, Russia on Thursday 18 October, the five Swan 60s will race directly to Helsinki, Finland. Helsinki will host the fleet for three days with a Match Racing Regatta scheduled for Saturday 20 October followed by an Open Day for the general public, media and guests to view the yachts. Monday 22 October will see the fleet depart to race to Gotland, Sweden where they will pit-stop overnight on Wednesday 24 October before the final leg to Greifswald, Germany. The race is scheduled to end on Saturday 27 October with a parade of sail by the fleet along the river before a final celebration and prize giving.
The Nord Stream Race will take place annually, with the inaugural edition starting in October 2012 and the second edition planned for late September 2013.
Inga Leask, Director, Fast Track Sailing said, “Having worked with the Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg throughout 2012, this is an exciting addition to our client portfolio and we look forward to ensuring the inaugural Nord Stream Race is a resounding success for all involved.”
For further information please contact henry.robson@fasttrackagency.com or 
+ 44 207 593 5252.