The regatta was born in 2012 and the route followed the Nord Stream gas pipeline that gives the race its name. In 2017 the offshore one-design race was given a facelift. The race changed from using the Swan 60 cruiser to the sportier Club Swan50 racer. The invitation race turned into a regatta with a clear qualification mode to make sure that the best team of each country participates.

The qualified clubs for the 2019 edition were:
Team Finland (Alandska Segelsallskapet)
Team Denmark (Kongelig Dansk Yachtklub)
Team Sweden (Kungliga Svenska Segelsallskapet)
Team Russia (Leviathan Sailing Team)
Team Germany (Norddeutscher Regatta Verein)

In order to highlight the strong connection between Nord Stream Race, to be considered as The Nations Trophy North European League, and The Nations Trophy, Nautor’s Swan awarded Leviathan Sailing Team the best-placed team of the 7th edition of the Nord Stream Race with the opportunity of joining the event in Palma next October 8-12 onboard a Swan 45 or a ClubSwan 42.
This opportunity will permit the Nord Stream Race winner to race in Palma de Mallorca, fighting for its Nation, creating a natural link between The Nations Trophy leagues and the Nord Stream Race.