Baltic Sprint Cup tulee taas tänä vuonna!
NEW EDITION OF BALTIC SPRINT CUP CONFIRMED FOR SUMMER 2007
The Baltic Sprint Cup Committee, Copenhagen, today confirmed the programme and course for the 2007 Baltic Sprint Cup, open to offshore cruiser-racer yachts from 30-85ft under ORC Club (rating conversions from local handicaps are on offer). It is not necessary to enter all the legs to take part and join the fun but the organizers encourage entries for the complete event to qualify boats to compete for the main prizes:
| Thu | 19 | July | Grand Send-Off Party given by Bank DnB NORD, Copenhagen |
| Fri | 20 | July | Leg 1: Copenhagen, Denmark – Sassnitz,(88NM) |
| Sun | 22 | July | Leg 2: Sassnitz – Gdansk, (200NM) |
| Thu | 26 | July | Leg 3: Gdansk – Klaipeda, (113NM) |
| Sun | 29 | July | Leg 4: Klaipeda – Ventspils, (106NM) |
| Wed | 01 | August | Leg 5: Ventspils – Pärnu, (117NM) |
| Fri | 03 | August | Final Showdown, Pärnu |
The Baltic Sprint Cup was first held in 2005 when one of its most popular stopovers was Helsinki at host club Nylandska Jaktklubben. The main sponsor is Bank DnB NORD.
The event takes a different course, and introduces different ports each year. One of the most popular destinations for Finnish sailors is Estonia – the 2007 Final Showdown party will be held at Pärnu, a short journey across the Baltic sea from south Finland.
Robin Oberst: “The Baltic Sprint Cup is a brilliant event you can enjoy at your own level. Last summer we took a Swan 48 and had very good company and a great time, more in cruising mode than racing. For the 07 event we will be sailing a lighter, faster boat –a fractional 38ft Harley called Tiger. “
The event offers a unique way to visit the Scandinavian, Nordic and Baltic States. “Of course the fleet is racing, but from the party at the start and at each stopover we build up a great spirit of comradeship and get to know each other really well” said public relations consultant Külli Haav, crew member of the highly-placed Estonian boat Ladybird (Jaanus Tagu).
“We are keen to include boats from all the Baltic countries as well as those from outside the region” said Race Director Alan Green, “long-distance sailing in the Baltic region is not well enough known or appreciated. The ports and harbours have enormous charm and historical attraction. The event is a perfect opportunity for a first visit with all the usual facilities organized in advance.”
The standard of racing in the 2007 event looks set to be high. How does the event fit with the existing calendar? Of course there are clashes, but still plenty of choice. The event has yet to have a Finnish champion….
Details of the Baltic Sprint Cup and initial registration are at http://www.balticsprintcup.com/.
Alan Green 15th December 2006