Team Russia

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.[2] The CEO of Team Russia is Michael Woods, who was director of Race Operations for the 2001-02 race.[3]

Team Russia
Team Russia Logo
Yacht name:Kosatka
Skipper: Andreas Hanakamp
Founder: Oleg Zherebtsov
Sponsors:WDCS
Suppliers:Polyvanced, FSE Robline, Steiner[1]
Flag:Russian
Sail #:RUS1
Website:www.teamrussia.org

Their yacht, a second generation Volvo Open 70, was designed by British designer Rob Humphreys and built by Green Marine in Lymington, UK[4] 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.[5]

Team Russia had to suspend racing upon arrival in Singapore at the end of Leg 3 due to "insufficient funds".[6] 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 Petersberg.[7]

Race team
'We Sail For The Whale’ Logo

The race team consisted of some previous Volvo Ocean Race sailors, as well as some newcomers to the event.[8]

Name Position Previous VOR Experience
Mark Covell Media Crew Member
Michael Joubert Bowman 1997-98 'BrunelSunergy', 2001-02 Assa Abloy, 2005-06 'movistar'
Andreas Hanakamp Skipper (Newcomer)
Wouter Verbraak Navigator 2001-02 Djuice Dragons
Rodion Luka Helmsman (Newcomer)
Oleg Zherebtsov Bowman 2 and Pit (Newcomer)
Jeremy Elliott Trimmer and Sail Designer (Newcomer)
Guillermo Altadil Watch leader 2001-02 Assa Abloy, 2005-06 'Ericsson'
Nick Bubb Pitman (Newcomer)
Stig Westergaard Watch Captain 2001-02 'Djuice Dragons'
Ben Costello Trim / Helm
Camron Wills Grinder and trimmer

WDCS Partnership

The WDCS were announced as the official partner for Team Russia.[9] 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.[10]

For more information see: WDCS#2008–09 Volvo Ocean Race

References
  1. Team Russia: Partners
  2. Volvo Ocean Race Official Press Information: Team Russia announces key crew members
  3. Team Russia: Profile, Michael Woods
  4. Volvo Ocean Race Official Press Information: British design and British build team for Russian race entry
  5. SeaBreeze (au): Sailing: Team Russia names Volvo Open 70 Kosatka
  6. Volvo Ocean Race News: Team Russia Suspends Racing
  7. Team Russia Email: 'Not Prepared To Sit And Do Nothing'
  8. Team Russia: The Team
  9. TeamRussia.org Team Russia Announce Marine Environment Partnership - 10 Mar 2008
  10. WDCS International - Volvo Ocean Race - We sail for the Whale
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