Spectacular start of the Swan 60 yachts
Whilst the ORC-yachts left in time yesterday towards Russia, the Swan 60 had to wait for their start until 4pm today. Earlier the race committee followed a request from the Swan 60 class and announced a start postponement. Reason for this was damage of the forestay of the Russian yacht “Bronenosec“ which already occurred before the originally planned start time of 12.30pm.However, this was repaired in the course of the day.
For the start of the Swan 60 teams from Great Britain, Germany, Russia, Turkey and the all-European Team on board “Spirit of Europe” the weather conditions were volatile with sun, rain and gusts up to 25 knots. At the moment the fleet is still very close together. It will be interesting to see, how they position themselves during the first night and which tactical decisions the different yachts will make.
Swan 60 teams agree with race committee’s decision
The start postponement of the Swan 60 which jumbled up the schedule a little was accepted by all teams who were very relaxed about it: Thomas Jungblut, skipper of Team Germany: „I agree with the decision of the race committee. The Russians couldn’t have sailed with that damage. In the end we all want a fair race with all participants.“
Robert Klein, Watch Captain of Team Turkey: “It would have been a pity if we couldn’t have started with all five Swan 60. For me the postponement is the right decision.” Adrian Stead, skipper of Team Great Britain: “That is absolutely fi e. We are happy to wait for Bronenosec.” And the German offshore-professional Tim Kröger from Team Europe also supported the decision: „We are all in for a good race, so let’s have it – even if we have to start the fleet a bit later…”
“Outsider” leads the ORC fleet by far
The five ORC-yachts taking part in Nord Stream Race already had their start yesterday. After a short upwind course to the windward mark 12 to 14 knots fr m westerly direction allowed the crews to set their gennakers and spinnakers and as expected, “Outsider“ with helmsman Tilmar Hansen raced away. At the moment they are leading the fleet by far in front of the Russian “Blagodarnost 2“ and “UCA“ from Kiel, followed by “Haspa Hamburg“ and “Nordic Falcon“.