An exceptionally strong wind in the Baltic Sea and the Russian ships holding their war exercises sharpen the sailors’ attention.
The finish line of the Roschier Baltic Sea Race, an international open sea sailing competition that started from Helsinki on Saturday, is approaching, but the participants are required to pay extra attention in the final stretch. The Baltic Sea is not one of the largest seas, but the conditions have become difficult.
– The wind forecasts for the competition were exceptionally strong for the Baltic Sea, and now it seems that the return to Helsinki will be quite a blast. There have already been interruptions, and they are partly related to the fact that the conditions will be so harsh, Thomas Johnson commented on the international RORC series competition in the press release.
Johanson is not in the race, but the Olympic champion and two-time Volvo Ocean Race sailor knows the ropes of the seas.
– When the fastest boats turn towards Helsinki after a fast-paced section from the southern tip of Gotland, they are faced with unusually stormy conditions. Skippers now have to make tough decisions, such as whether they have full credit to the boat. And on the other hand, they must always keep safety in mind as well, he reminded.
In addition, the announcement mentioned Russian warships training in the Baltic Sea, about which competitors have been warned.
The fastest boats are expected to finish on Tuesday morning. On Monday morning, Tshüss 2, starred by four-time Volvo Ocean Race winner Stu Bannatyne, was in the lead. The Finnish Tulikettu and the Swedish Rán are fighting for second place.