Inauguration of the Sailing Tour of Spain
© Manuel Medir / FNOB
The opening ceremony for the Sailing Tour of Spain took place at midday today at the Hondarribia Fishermen's Guild. Representatives from local institutions and participating sporting bodies took part in the proceedings, as well as all of the race entrants already at the Basque port.
Following a warm welcome by the Deputy Mayor of Hondarribia, Jon Elizalde, who underlined the rich maritime heritage of the area, Gerardo Pombo, President of the Royal Sailing Federation of Spain (RFEV) took centre stage and speaking on behalf of the race organisers he thanked the Hondarribia Fishermen's Guild for their collaboration and hospitality in sharing their port and facilities with the IMOCA Open 60 fleet entries and the race organisers: “We are very grateful to have had your help for this event; we sea-folk must stick together”.
Pere Alcober, President of the Fundaciò Navegaciò Oceanica Barcelona said: “The Sailing Tour of Spain is a project that we've launched with the full confidence that it will continue well into the future, giving different ports and citizens the opportunity to get involved. It is also, of course, a homage to ocean sailors”. Councillor for Public Works, Transport and Housing for the Basque local government Iñaki Arriola wished all of the entrants good wind and emphasised that: “...this is a wonderful opportunity for the Basque Country and for Hondarribia to witness these spectacular yachts and to enjoy the impact and effect of this great event”.
Spain's Minister for Sport Jaime Lissavetsky explained that the choice to race with IMOCA Open 60 yachts makes the Sailing Tour of Spain a 21st Century regatta. It is hoped that this will help to promote the sea in both educational and human terms, as well as encouraging the practice of the sport among the general public.
Olympic Champion Íker Martínez, a native of Hondarribia, spoke on behalf of all of the skippers: “We'd like to thank all of the different parts of the organisation, which we know are many, and in particular I'd like to express my gratitude for the fact that the Sailing Tour of Spain is starting in the place where I was born. Also, I'd like to take this opportunity to highlight the great entry-list, especially the presence of the two French teams on the list, who are also favourites, thanks to their experience”.
