President Kersti Kaljulaid is racing the Moonsund regatta |
The third day of the A. Le Coq 63rd Moonsund regatta set off with 108 yachts and 700 sailors from Estonia, Latvia and Finland, with Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid among them.
This is the longest leg of the entire regatta, taking participants from Pärnu to Kärdla. As if the distance was not a mean challenge enough, the weakening wind made everything harder still. As there was no chance of reaching Kärdla powered by sails, PRO Jüri Sõber made a decision to move the finish line nearer to Kuivastu, from where on the boats were allowed to use engines until their final destination Kärdla. This would make the distance, depending on the group, 44-60 nautical miles.
President Kersti Kaljulaid was racing on Piloilleri 3 (Rein Ottoson Purjespordikool/Kalev Yacht Club), skippered by Anne-Mari Luik. This all-female team is racing in ORC III and is currently the leader among the 19 teams of the group.
Before the race President spoke about the importance and contribution of the Moonsund regatta in Estonian maritime culture: “Each start takes us closer to being a maritime country, a status we have earned long ago. What you all are doing each summer during the Moonsund, is much more meaningful than a series of starts.”
This would be the third Moonsund for the President to race. You can follow the boat the President is on here.
All boats are trackable on Sportreci page http://www.sportrec.eu/?page_id=671
President Kersti Kaljulaid on yacht Piloilleri 3 (Rein Ottoson Purjespordikool/Kalev Yacht Club), skippered by Anne-Mari Luik sailing on Pärnu-Kärdla leg. Foto: Piret SalmistuPresident Kersti Kaljulaid on yacht Piloilleri 3 (Rein Ottoson Purjespordikool/Kalev Yacht Club), skippered by Anne-Mari Luik sailing on Pärnu-Kärdla leg. Foto: Piret Salmistu
Regatta Director Agnes Lill with Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid who sailed on yacht Piloilleri 3 (Rein Ottoson Purjespordikool/Kalev Yacht Club), skippered by Anne-Mari Luik sailing on Pärnu-Kärdla leg. Foto: Piret Salmistu