A 21 billion ruble reconstruction project on Petrovskaya Kosa (Petrovsky Spit) has ignited a controversy in St. Petersburg, pitting the city’s yachting community against broader public interests. The heirs of one of the city’s oldest sailing clubs are protesting the plan, which would require them to relocate.

The core of the conflict lies in the competing visions for the prime waterfront land: should it serve a relatively small group of sailboat owners, or be redeveloped into a public space for millions of residents and tourists?

Vladimir Lyubomirov, president of the St. Petersburg Sailing Union, acknowledged the existing shortage of yacht parking in the city. He stated that St. Petersburg will have more than 3200 moorings for approximately 2500 yachts by 2030 due to several reconstruction projects.

The approved concept for the territory’s development excludes space for winter storage and vessel repairs on the shore.

According to Vladimir Lyubomirov, the city is prepared to locate and develop a territory for winter storage and vessel repair. The city authorities asked the administration of the yacht club in Gorskaya to provide temporary parking. Summer parking on Petrovskaya Kosa will be preserved.

Residents of the River Yacht Club voiced strong opposition to the proposed relocation. They argue that the argument that places for yacht repairs interfere with safety during reconstruction is incorrect. They expressed concerns that the move would impact not only the 56 boats of River Yacht Club members but also sailboats from other clubs participating in competitions on Petrovskaya Kosa, totaling approximately 150 boats.

In response, Vladimir Lyubomirov asserted that Petrovskaya Kosa is intended as a public space for the benefit of six million St. Petersburg residents, not just 600 yachtsmen. He used the Singer House construction as an example.