Team Russia was the name of the Russian backed entry in the 2008–09 Volvo Ocean Race. Team Russia was founded by Oleg Zherebtsov, the founder of the Lenta hypermarket chain in Russia. Zherebstov met former Olympic sailor and professional skipper, Andreas Hanakamp, by chance during a sailing holiday in Croatia. The CEO of Team Russia is Michael Woods, who was director of Race Operations for the 2001-02 race.Team Russia: Profile, Michael Woods
Their yacht, a second generation Volvo Open 70, was designed by British designer Rob Humphreys and built by Green Marine in Lymington, UKVolvo Ocean Race Official Press Information: British design and British build team for Russian race entry she was christened Kosatka (which is Russian for orca or killer whale) at a ceremony at Gunwharf Quays Marina, Portsmouth, UK on Monday June 16, 2008, by the boats godmother Birgitta Westerberg, co-founder (with Oleg Zherebtsov), of the Solntse (Sun) Foundation charity for sick and underprivileged children in St Petersburg, Russia.SeaBreeze (au): Sailing: Team Russia names Volvo Open 70 Kosatka
Team Russia had to suspend racing upon arrival in Singapore at the end of Leg 3 due to "insufficient funds". They officially withdrew from legs 4, 5, and 6 of the race, and whilst the team hoped to rejoin for the last legs of the race, this was not possible, however the team did sail Leg 10 beside the rest of the fleet to their hometown of St Petersburg.Team Russia Email: 'Not Prepared To Sit And Do Nothing'
Race team
The race team consisted of some previous Volvo Ocean Race sailors, as well as some newcomers to the event.Team Russia: The Team
NamePositionPrevious VOR Experience Mark CovellMedia Crew Member Michael JoubertBowman1997-98 'BrunelSunergy', 2001-02 Assa Abloy, 2005-06 'movistar' Andreas HanakampSkipper(Newcomer) Wouter VerbraakNavigator2001-02 Djuice Dragons Rodion LukaHelmsman(Newcomer) Oleg ZherebtsovBowman 2 and Pit(Newcomer) Jeremy ElliottTrimmer and Sail Designer(Newcomer) Guillermo AltadilWatch leader2001-02 Assa Abloy, 2005-06 'Ericsson' Nick BubbPitman(Newcomer) Stig WestergaardWatch Captain2001-02 'Djuice Dragons' Ben CostelloTrim / Helm Camron WillsGrinder and trimmer
WDCS Partnership The WDCS were announced as the official partner for Team Russia.TeamRussia.org Team Russia Announce Marine Environment Partnership - 10 Mar 2008 Kosatka sailed under the logo 'We Sail For The Whale’ which calls for the creation of twelve new marine protected areas for whales and dolphins by 2012.WDCS International - Volvo Ocean Race - We sail for the Whale For more information see: WDCS#2008–09 Volvo Ocean Race
References
External links Team Russia Volvo Ocean Race WDCS: We Sail For The Whale WDCS Homepage