Start of Nord Stream Race 2020 postponed
by Nord Stream Race 22 Apr 2020 15:34 BST
The fleet - 2019 Nord Stream Race © NSR / Andrey Sheremetev
In view of the COVID-19 pandemic and the mass events restrictions applied by many European countries, it is no longer possible to adhere to the original Nord Stream Race time schedule.
The long-distance regatta Nord Stream Race from Kiel to St. Petersburg via Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki, originally planned for June 2020, has been postponed now. Depending on the future situation development, September 5 is being considered as a possible alternative start date.
The health of all athletes, guests, spectators, members and employees of participating and organising clubs remains top priority for the organisers of the Nord Stream Race and its partners Gazprom and Nord Stream AG, thus the joint decision to postpone this year's Nord Stream Race has been made after a comprehensive analysis of all circumstances.
All involved parties continue to closely monitor the development of the constantly changing situation, in order to admit a final confirmation of the new Nord Stream Race schedule latest in June.
"The official postponement of the race will take out the planning uncertainties for the summer period and, in particular, will still allow the best possible preparation for athletes and clubs", Vladimir Liubomirov, Commodore of the organising St. Petersburg Yacht Club, explains the decision.
"The 2020 Nord Stream Race will be the 9th edition of this international long-distance regatta. As things stand at present, we are doing everything possible to start the Nord Stream Race at a later time in 2020. The considered postponement to the September 5 would allow to align the start of the Nord Stream Race to the Kiel Week that may also begin then after being rescheduled.", Liubomirov says.
The organisers remain in close contact with the relevant authorities to be prepared for further adjustments of the Nord Stream Race program in order to minimize potential health risks.