Yachts swarm to Moscow river regatta

For the third year, more than a hundred yachts are competing in a festival on the Moscow river. But before they begin, sailors have to navigate their way, via water and road, to the starting line.

“There are huge traffic jams, and that is the main problem we're facing on narrow streets,” said Aleksandr Abalonyshev, yachtsman.

The vessel 'Amulet' is skippered by Ivan Dedkin. He has been preparing for the event for the whole winter. But his dream of getting into the race has been thrown into doubt due to damage to his vessel.

“During the crossing, the vessel started to leak. It took some quick thinking to come up with ideas on how to fix the damage. The repairs have been made. I hope we won't pull out of the festival,” remarked Ivan Dedkin, 'Amulet' yacht captain.

Once eady, the crew of four must navigate a complicated course.

“The route takes the fleet along the Moscow River. To reach the destination, it is necessary to cross locks on the Moscow-Volga rivers watershed,” noted Andrey Maslov, Regatta Commodore.