In 1997, 4 - 6 July, for the first time in the history of powerboat racing, one of the Offshore World Championship Class 1 Grand Prix-races was held in Russia.
St. Petersburg - marine capital of Russia - hosted this remarkable event.
Astra Holding Ltd was the Local Organizer.
Teams from UAE, Italy, France, Australia, Norway, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and others Spent 3 days in the historical center of the city. The famous Strelka of Vasilijevsly Island was devoted to the Russian Grand Prix.

In spring 2000, during 29 April - 14 May St. Petersburg hosted the WORLD ICE HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP WSA2000 POOL A. Astra Holding Ltd, specially for this event, constructed a conceptually unique Hospitality village in the surrounding of the sport palace "Yubileiny". The Governor of St. Petersburg, Mr. Yakovlev together with IIHF World President, Mr Rene' Fasel, officially opened the Hospitality Village on the 29th of April. Despite the fact that the hospitality Village was a temporary construction, the high-quality multifunctional area included all necessary services for the Championship guests. The Hospitality Village was able to host up to 3.500 guests simultaneously.