Today at the Saint Petersburg Yacht Club the remainder of Dragon boats arrived for registration and measurement for the Russian Open Championships 2012 sponsored by Gazprom. The boats will have their first and only practice race at 15:00 local time in a strong breeze of 14 knots and glorious sunshine, which sets the precedent for the rest of the week.
Racing starts tomorrow with two races each day until Sunday where one race is scheduled. The social agenda includes an opening ceremony, a gala dinner and a prize-giving ceremony. Thirty yachts will be competing with entries from Russia, Sweden, Lithuania, Hungary, Ukraine and Denmark.
In light of the races set to begin tomorrow, sailors are taking care of last minute refinements and tactical decisions. Among the tacticians on site is Italian sailor Alberto Barovier, sailing on-board the Commodore of Saint Petersburg Yacht Club, Vladimir Lubomirov’s yacht, LTU1. For the past few years Alberto has been competing on America’s Cup campaigns including teams such as Luna Rossa, Mascalzone Latino and BMW Oracle Racing. He is ten times world champion but today’s practice race will be his first time sailing the technical Dragon.
At the beginning of the summer Vladimir commenced a Mediterranean campaign in his new Swan 60, Bronenosec. The crew consists of Russian Dragon sailors and professional Italian sailors such as Alberto. For Vladimir it was his first taste of offshore racing in a competitive environment and he had a lot to learn from the Italians but now the student becomes the teacher.
Vladimir Lubomirov, Commodore, Saint Petersburg Yacht Club, commented:
“To host the Russian Open Championships for the second time in St. Petersburg is not only a major boost to our home club, it is also a big thing for sailing in the city. We have a superb week of Dragon racing planned and an extensive shore side social plan to entertain the competitors and to showcase Saint Petersburg.”
Dmitriy Samohin, President, Russian Dragon Class Association, talks about the popularity of the Dragon Class in Russia:
“The Dragon embodies all the qualities that have made day-racing keelboats the preferred form of competition of many of the best helmsmen from dinghy sailors to America’s Cup competitors. The Dragon Class is non-exclusive where professionals, amateurs and even royalty are on equal playing grounds united by their love of racing and of the boat. It’s what makes the Dragon so incredibly popular in Russia with 70 boats forming the Class. It is perhaps the only international class which allows the gifted amateur the opportunity to race on truly level terms with leading professionals. This week we have our fair share of both and I’m excited for the results!”