Owned by energy trader and Gunvor head Gennady Timchenko, Russia’s Ferrari-like Katusha is a top pick among regatta fans to place in the top ranks of this year’s races. Just where did Katusha come from, given that Gennady Timchenko only came to racing later in life?
Team Katusha first appeared in the RC44 Championship Tour three years ago, in 2009. Timchenko’s team surprised fans and professionals alike, as Katusha won its first racing event at the RC44 Portoroz Cup, held in Slovenia. Led by owner Gennady Timchenko, Katusha placed seventh overall in 2010—not bad for its second year of competition ever.
Timchenko’s Katusha joined the RC44 Championship Tour in 2009 and immediately laid down a marker by winning their first-ever racing event at the RC44 Portoroz Cup in Slovenia. The Russian team, led by owner Gennady Timchenko, finished seventh overall in 2010. And, after winning the first event of the 2011 Tour and holding a steady score line to finish sixth overall, the team is confident going in to 2012.
This year’s races will be even more thrilling, as New Zealander Brad Butterworth will take on the role of professional skipper. Brad Butterworth is an acclaimed yachtsman who, unlike Gennady Timchenko, has been sailing since the young age of six. He was inducted into America’s Cup Hall of Fame in 2004.
Yacht racing magazines call Butterworth a “legend” in racing, and its for this reason Gennady Timchenko selected him as skipper. Even the former skippers of Katusha go on to greater things. Paul Cayard, who served as skipper on Gennady Timchenko’s Katusha last year, will be focusing on his 34th America’s Cup responsibilities as CEO of Artemis Racing.