Marseille (FRA) - Zaterdagmiddag 16u werden de ISAF World Sailing Games officieel geopend door niemand minder dan de ISAF President Paul Henderson.Deze zullen gehouden worden van 29 juni tot 10 juli.
De formele openingstoespraak werd gevolgt door een parade van zeilers door de oude haven van Marseille (FRA)
De Maxi-trimaran ORANGE manouvreerde ook nog sierlijk door de haven en werd met een luid aplaus onthaald voor zijn prestaties nog geleverd tijden de Jules Verne trophy
Clubracer heeft voor u de onvertaalde toespraak van ISAF President Paul Henderson:
"The winds are great, the water beautiful, temperature superb.
On behalf of all the 800 sailors from 70 countries thanks to Marseilles and the Federation Francaise de Voile for organising on such short notice an excellent venue and regatta management. If you are not here in Marseille than you missing a great event.
This event is very important in the Sailing calendar being held every four years as it brings together sailors from countries that are not usually seen at major events to mix with the more developed nations. This is possibly due to the fact that the equipment is supplied and I would like to thank Nautivela 470, Hobie, Laser, J-22, J-80. Bic Formula for their support. Also for the first time in 2002 ISAF has undertaken an "Athlete Participation Programme" to assist in funding sailors’ costs and provide coaching.
This is the third ISAF World Sailing Games, first in La Rochelle -France, then Dubai and now Marseilles. All great successes.
Who will be the next Host?
If we start immediately to publicize the next Games for 2006 and bring the sailors of the World together following on this tradition I am sure that we can get over 100 nations and 1000 competitors.
The next week in Marseille will be a Sailing spectacular!"
Meer info:
www.sailing-games.com
