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This year the Nord Stream Race programme includes a four-day stopover in the Finnish capital of Helsinki.

The Gazprom Swan 60 Class will be in the city from 30th May to 2nd June as part of the Nord Stream Race 2014.

Helsinki is a very interesting destination that has a lot to offer the sailors, and when the race organisers visited Helsinki to make preparations for the event, the Finnish metropolis presented itself in the best light despite ice cold temperatures. An archipelago with approximately 300 islands, coves and peninsulas off the coast of Finland, which belongs to Helsinki, will create a great backdrop for the Nord Stream Race.

The race village and moorings for the Gazprom Swan 60 Class will be located right in the centre, close to the popular boulevard “Esplanadi” – the Match Races will take place close to here on the 30th May and 1st June.

Whilst the Swan 60 teams take part in Match Races, the additional ORC entries will start their inshore race from the small island of Blekholmen in the south harbour. The inshore race will take place on Sunday 1st June, as part of the well-established WB Sail Race, an up-and-down regatta which each year attracts around 30 – mostly local – ORC yachts. Before the race the boats will sail a flag parade which can be viewed from the race village.

Not only on the water but also on land the sailors will enjoy the sights of Helsinki, such as the magnificent dome of the Uspenski-cathedral or the old market hall, which are both easily reached by foot from the centrally located moorings and race village.

On a culinary level, another surprise awaits the crews – Makkaraperunat. The Finnish fast-food specialty that can be found at almost every snack shop and which consists of fried potatoes or chips, cut sausages, pickles, onions and lots of ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise. The Finnish cuisine is strongly influenced by the Swedish and Russian cuisine and focuses on potatoes and pasta dishes. In the seaport Helsinki naturally another important ingredient is fish. In addition you can get many variations of cake and yeast-risen pastry in the local area.