On 13th March, the island of Guadeloupe witnessed the start of the Russian Business Sailing Week-2011. This was the third annual Russian Business regatta in the Caribbean. At the start of the first race in marina Bas-du-Fort 35 boats came out, divided into three divisions: “Dominica” (38 - 43 ft), “Guadeloupe” (45-52 ft) and “MAXI” (over 65 ft). More than 200 Russians – sailing professionals and amateurs - took part in this amazing event. This year Russian Business Sailing Week was first time held on the route Guadeloupe – Dominica; before the regatta started twice from Antigua. The regatta first reached the islands of Les Saints, then sailed to Dominica, and returned to Guadeloupe. The final race took place in the bay of Pointe-a-Pitre.

Started as a series of amateur sailing races, today the regatta becomes more and more popular among professionals. Raised level of the racing, the professionalism of the organizing committee and qualified referees allowed this regatta to be included into the official calendar of Russian Yachting Federation. Many Russian regions were well represented at the event: Moscow and Moscow region, St. Petersburg, Taganrog, Kaliningrad, Saratov, Chelyabinsk, Irkutsk etc.

In 2011 the project of Russian Business regattas takes new steps forward. As a part of the IV Russian Business regatta, which will be held in July at the French Riviera, a new racing division of monotypes will be present which will make the race even more spectacular. Throughout the sailing season participants of business regatta will be able, together with a professional team of Allied Nippon Russia, to compete in the biggest European regattas. “The Cup of Federation” will close the season in November 2011 in Lanzerot at Canary Islands.

To date Russian Business regatta is Russia's largest sailing competition overseas. A distinctive feature of the project is unique membership which consists of prominent businessmen. The golden rule to hold the race in the world's best waters in high season has turned the regatta into the club of successful and active people - owners and top managers of the Russian biggest companies. In 2011 the regatta is supported by LAND ROVER and National Bank TRUST. Regatta is also included into the official program of the two biggest Russian business forums: International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg and International Investment Forum in Sochi.

Russian Business Sailing Week plans to once again return to Antigua in 2012!

Written by Eugene Kipper
Photos courtesy of Larisa Repina