"Pouncer", a Twister 28 skippered and owned by CA Member Charlotte Wilkinson is the first foreign yacht to use the newly permitted passage to St. Petersburg.
Taking advantage of the recently announced relaxation in the Russian rules, "Pouncer" sailed direct from Santio in Finland to Vyborg across the border in Russia where her skipper was able to clear Immigration and Customs. Charlotte was expected as the authorities had been contacted by the CA's local representative, Vladimir Ivankiv. Charlotte reports a warm welcome with no problems - they were even permitted to stay on the Immigration Quay overnight. Next morning "Pouncer" sailed through the sheltered waters of the Bjorke Channel to join the main shipping lane prior to arrival at St. Petersburg.
On the return journey Charlotte chose to check out in St. Petersburg rather than return to Vyborg so as to avoid a passage against a strong headwind. She again sailed through the Bjorke Channel. There were no problems although "Pouncer" was escorted past Primorsk's oil terminal by two ribs.
After checking into Finland at Santio on 21st July, "Pouncer" sailed to Haapasaari and thence to Tallinn, Estonia where she was met by the Baltic Section Secretaries. She has since crossed back to Sweden and is currently making her way through the Gota Canal.
Picture shows "Pouncer" arriving in Tallinn.
Photo by Graham Cattell, Joint Secretary, CA Baltic Section