We Sail For The Whale
Russian Ocean Racing Team Uses Volvo Ocean Race To Raise Awareness
Oct 23, 2008
It all began on a Croatian holiday when Oleg Zherebtsor, ex-CEO of Russia's leading retail empire met past Russian Olympic sailor and professional skipper Andreas Hanakamp. Stepping away from the day-to-day demands of being a CEO, Oleg had time to learn new adventures and dream up a Volvo Ocean Race campaign.
Making A Difference
There is more to Team Russia than a boat full of professional sailors at the top of their game; it's a team of passionate individuals who aspire to make a difference. A core goal for Oleg Zherebtsov’s was to create a legacy in St Petersburg for those less fortunate than himself. He hopes the Volvo campaign will raise awareness of sailing in St Petersburg, particularly the city's youth.
Furthermore, the campaign aims to reflect the spirit of modern Russia. A determined, hardworking, ambitious country with a strong sense of self-belief. The sailing team represents culture, adventure and fun. The project is new, it’s a world first and a story young and old Russians enjoy.
Sail For The Whale
In addition to growing the sport of sailing and the opportunities it can bring to the country's people, they sail for the whale. Oleg and skipper Andreas Hanakamp carry strong values in environmental conservation and have set up a partnership with the Whales and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) to ensure the campaign will promote this.
In a press release Hanakamp shares, “I strongly believe that it is important for the crew to have more to think about, and to work towards, than just racing for the Volvo Race in isolation. It’s about doing some good, whilst we do what we do as professional sailors. And, it’s important that we've selected a team who shares these values.”
A Whale Of An Honor
The Team’s boat has been named Kosatka, Russian for orca, in honor of the speed, agility and the team work these species portray in the wild. The tribute celebrates the orcas of Kamchatka (eastern Russia) and WDCS’s long term research and conservation project in Russian waters.
WDCS has been working in Russia since 1999, managing the Far East Russian Orca Project, along with a team of young Russian scientists. The waters off Russia’s coast provide home to 29 species of whales and dolphin, ranging in size from the 1.5 to 33 meter(s): harbor porpoise to the massive blue whale, the largest animal on Earth.
To follow Team Russia's progress visit event website for emails, videos and images from the boat. Information for this piece provided through team provided press materials and interviews conducted in Alicante, Spain.
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