First Transatlantic solo sailing by a Russian female receives official support by WISTA Russia
September 22, 2019
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY RUSSIAN FEMALE SAILOR Irina Gracheva
WILL PARTICIPATE IN FAMOUS SOLO SAILING RACE CROSSING THE ATLANTIC OCEAN – MINI-TRANSAT 2019.
Mini Transat is a solo sailing race across the Atlantic Ocean. The emphasis is primarily on the ability of sailor to work with sails, independently analyze weather, navigate with a minimum number of technical devices. So, while racing, any chart plotters are prohibited, as well as any equipment capable of analyzing the forecast and automatically recommending courses. Any connection with the shore is prohibited, including the usage of the satellite phones.First of all, skippers must be good navigators, but not only this: they must be also well versed in meteorology and be able to prepare the yacht technically. They must be strong and endurant. In Mini-Transat race they will sleep no more than 20 minutes in a row for dozens of days. More than 4,000 miles and about a month, face to face with the Ocean, on yachts only 6.5 meters long!
Race starts: 22 of September 2019
Total distance: 4050 nm
Rout: La-Rochelle – Las-Palmas – Martinique
Number of crew: 1 (solo)
“Empowering Women in the Maritime Community” is the theme of the World Maritime Day 2019 that the United Nations (UN) has chosen to increase awareness of the gender equality importance and highlight women’s contribution to the shipping industry development. The topic was supported by the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) at its 120th session at IMO headquarters in London.
Times have changed, and stereotypes are passing away bit by bit, but due to the fact that for so many years shipping was considered as a purely male affair, the industry is noticeably lagging behind the global trend towards professional gender equality.
We are happy that 2019, which is so eventful fulfilling the theme of the World Maritime Day, finishes with so outstanding event as the first trans-Atlantic solo sailing by a Russian woman. We are convinced that obtaining legal registration for WISTA Russia under Ministry of Justice in 2019 and Irina Gracheva’s participation in Mini-Transat La Boulangère marks a revival of Russia leadership in the field of shipping and gender equality.
