USA and Russia win gold medals in international regatta

Vladivostok welcomes international regatta ISAF 2015

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©ISAF Nations Cup Grand Final 2015 Vladivostok Russia/BARRACUDA COMMUNICATION

The ISAF Nations Cup Grand Final ended with a win for hometown sailor Vladimir Lypavskiy in the open division and USA's Nicole Breault in the women’s division.

©ISAF Nations Cup Grand Final 2015 Vladivostok Russia/BARRACUDA COMMUNICATION

On July 14-19 the Russian city of Vladivostok (situated on the east coast of Russia, 9141 km from Moscow) hosted an important event: the Nations Cup Grand Final regatta.

©ISAF Nations Cup Grand Final 2015 Vladivostok Russia/BARRACUDA COMMUNICATION

The regatta in Vladivostok is the largest event in Russia’s sailing calendar this year.

©ISAF Nations Cup Grand Final 2015 Vladivostok Russia/BARRACUDA COMMUNICATION

Vladivostok was awarded the competition in November 2014 at the annual ISAF conference in Palma de Mallorca.

©ISAF Nations Cup Grand Final 2015 Vladivostok Russia/BARRACUDA COMMUNICATION

After a year of qualifying compeitions, there were 9 teams in Vladivostok in the open division, and 6 more in the women’s.

©ISAF Nations Cup Grand Final 2015 Vladivostok Russia/BARRACUDA COMMUNICATION

65 yachtsmen from Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, France, Brazil, Singapore, Bahrain, Algeria, Malaysia and Russia set sail from Amur Bay.

©ISAF Nations Cup Grand Final 2015 Vladivostok Russia/BARRACUDA COMMUNICATION

Nicole Breault, USA, skippered the winning team in the women’s division: “Well, the French team was very good in the pre-start. We started behind them and then caught up. When a races is very aggressive, we make sure not to get tired. We enjoyed the race a lot and we worked very hard to win.”

©ISAF Nations Cup Grand Final 2015 Vladivostok Russia/BARRACUDA COMMUNICATION

Vladimir Lypavskiy, Russia, led the winning team in the open division: “This win means so much to me as the event is very prestigious. I’m very proud that it took place in Vladivostok, Russia, in my home town. We were a bit under pressure as we felt that we were expected to win. We were so happy to win.”

Amur Bay and the weather conditions in Vladivostok in July are considered to be perfect for any type of sailing, including match racing. It will also host another 100 young sailors competing in international classes and about 400 participants in a keelboat race.

“The idea to hold a mighty international regatta appeared long time ago,” said Tatiana Ermakova, a member of the ISAF organizing committee. “The main problem is logistics, so it’s impossible for us to hold an Olympic-class regatta. When we found out about the Nations Cup Grand Final, we applied immediately. We meet all the requirements: Platu 25 boats and vast experience of holding match races.”