Solemn opening of the XXXVIII Sailing Regatta Onego-2009 was held on July 25 on the quay of Onego lake in Petrozavodsk. In the ceremony have taken part chairman of the State Committee of the Republic of Karelia on Physical Training and Sports Maxim Antipov and head of Petrozavodsk self-government Nikolay Levin.

In the previous years competition of sailing yachts on Onego was held in the beginning of July. This year competition is held from July 25 to August 1. As usual, the best yachtsmen from all over the country participate in the regatta. To participate in the regatta which is also a leg of the Russia's open sailing championship among cruiser yachts of OPEN 800 class there came crews from Moscow, St.-Petersburg, Yaroslavl, Pskov, Tver, Finland. The regatta consists of 6 races which total length make about 450 test sea miles.

As a whole, routes of races this year almost coincide with traditional. There is also one innovation. All yachts will start and finish in Petrozavodsk bay of Onego lake, so all spectators will be able to watch key events of the regatta from the quay. It makes competitions more entertaining.

The OPEN 800 class of cruiser yachts in recent years became the most mass and popular in Russia. In many respects it has occured because yachts of this class can be transported on automobile trailers, that raises their mobility essentially and enables sportsmen to move quickly from one stage of the championship on another. Among prizes of the regatta, as always, there are the Prize of the Head of the Republic of Karelia which makes 200 thousand roubles, and also Prize of the mayor of Petrozavodsk.

Speaking at the regatta opening ceremony, Maxim Antipov and Nikolay Levin have cordially welcomed sportsmen and have wished them successful races. Organizers of the regatta also have thanked all private individuals and organizations who took part in preparation of competitions.

http://gov.karelia.ru/ 

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