The Crimean Cup cannot include the Sea of Azov because of "security measures", Russian sailing officials have announced ©Getty Images

An amended route has been drawn up for a Russian sailing competition in annexed Crimea, because of "security measures".

The Crimean Cup, which began yesterday, had a planned leg across the Sea of Azov to Shcholkine but this has now been axed.

Every section of the route is now in the Black Sea, visiting Yalta, Sevastopol, Ordzhonikidze and Balaklava.

More than 25 yachts from 16 regions of Russia are taking part in the race, which comes following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year.

There are eight stages with both long-distance races and shorter events across bays part of the competition.

Most of the world still considers Crimea to be Ukrainian territory ©Getty Images
Most of the world still considers Crimea to be Ukrainian territory ©Getty Images

"The length of the first stage is 50 miles," said Oleg Yushkov, the chief referee of the competition, to Russia's official state news agency TASS.

"We wanted to reach the Sea of Azov, but it didn't work out. 

"This year we have a shortened programme due to security measures." 

Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014 but most of the world still recognises it as Ukrainian territory.

Vladimir Putin then launched his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and Russian advances have created a "land bridge" to Crimea, meaning the Sea of Azov is currently entirely under its control.

Ukraine has launched a long awaited counter-offensive to try and re-claim land it lost in the east of the country.