Top yachtsmen to compete in Vladivostok

The world's top yachtsmen are taking part in the fifth "Godspeed" race, which got underway here today. (Vladivostok is a city in the Russian Far East - Ed.)

The best yachtsmen from the Royal Hong Kong Yachting Club, i.e. citizens of New Zealand, Great Britain, Australia and the United States, have joined the race for the first time ever.

Talking to RIA Novosti, people at the "Godspeed" yacht club's administration noted that the two-stage race will take place in Amur bay. Around 100 young sportsmen from Vladivostok, Nakhodka, Khabarovsk and other Russian cities will compete during the first stage.

The second July 31-August 1 stage of this race is to involve more than 30 Conrad 25-class yachts taking part in the regatta race and team races.

Russia's best yachtsman Maxim Taranov from Yekaterinburg, who has so far placed 19-th place on the international ratings list, will also do his best to grab the "Godspeed" cup.

Two-time world champion Georgy Shaiduko from Moscow also agreed to participate in the race.