More than 120 sailors from 13 countries took part in the “Regatta for Peace”, the largest amateur sailing event ever held in Cyprus, with 24 boats competing on the route from Larnaca Marina to Ayia Napa Marina. The event was held on Saturday, 17 October, on the initiative of the Embassy of Italy in Nicosia, in cooperation with the Cyprus Sailing Federation and the marinas of Larnaca and Ayia Napa.
According to an announcement by the Italian Embassy, the race started in the late morning from Larnaca Marina, in the presence of Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras and Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis. The crews, almost all of mixed nationalities and including many Italians, sailed approximately 16 nautical miles along the island’s south-eastern coast, reaching Ayia Napa Marina in the early afternoon.
The boats competed in two classes, A and B, under a handicap system that allows boats of different designs to race on equal terms, the announcement said.
The Italian Embassy noted that the “Regatta for Peace” was the first European leg of the international roadshow leading up to the America’s Cup, which will be held in Italy for the first time in July 2027.
“We dedicated this regatta to peace, the most desired gift on earth,” said the Ambassador of Italy to Cyprus, Antonella Cavallari.
“Peace is the founding value of diplomacy – ultimately, the very reason diplomacy exists. And sports diplomacy is one of its most important instruments: sport conveys a powerful message through its values – fair play, respect for the rules, respect for one another, cooperation and friendship. Today, more than ever, these are the values that should guide relations between nations and their peoples,” she added.
According to the Italian Embassy, Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis expressed his appreciation for the event and his hope that the regatta would become an annual event, given its positive impact and contribution to diversifying the country’s tourism offering.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth Marios Panayides, speaking on behalf of the Minister, also underlined the value of such initiatives.
