After 25 consecutive line honour victories in the Mediterranean and northern Europe, the Esimit Europa 2 yacht will race for the first time in Slovenia. On 14th September the 30-metre European-flagged yacht will compete at the unique Diplomatic Regatta in Izola.
Having received an invitation from the organising committee, and with all the details finalised, Esimit Europa 2 will finally race at a Slovenian regatta. On 14th September at 13:00 CEST, the recent Rolex Fastnet Race monohull line honours winner will compete at the traditional Diplomatic Regatta. The renowned race is unique globally as it teams professional sailors with diplomats, ministers, ambassadors, consuls and businessmen. According to the organisers, this year’s event will attract around 650 people from more than 50 countries, including representatives from 50 accredited diplomatic and consular missions in Slovenia. At least 2,000 people are expected to follow the race from either the shore or tender boats.
"We proudly represent the Slovenian Sailing Federation at the most eminent races in Europe, so I am extremely happy that we will compete in Slovenia for the first time. I would also like to thank the organisers who have slightly modified the regatta field, allowing the inclusion of Esimit Europa 2. I welcome the goals of the event too, which not only promote competition, but also ensure participants are able to establish personal contacts in a relaxed atmosphere. The mission of the Esimit Europa project is to strengthen sports, diplomatic and business ties between all European countries, so the entire Esimit Sailing Team is looking forward to an enjoyable event," said Igor Simčič, founder of the Esimit Europa project.
"Every regatta organiser in the world wants to host Esimit Europa 2 at their race and it is with great pride that the Diplomatic Regatta 2013 will host this prestigious yacht, which flies the European flag and is endorsed by the European Commission and European Parliament. We thank Igor Simčič and the crew for their eagerness to participate at our event; we are convinced that Esimit Europa 2 will attract a high number of spectators to watch her performance in Izola. As for the rest of the sailors, they have a great opportunity to compete in Slovenian waters against the world’s best monohull yacht. We are confident that many Slovenian sailors and our friends from Croatia, Italy, Austria and other countries will not want to miss this fantastic occasion," added Branko Auguštin, president of the Veter Sailing Club.
This year's Diplomatic Regatta represents the 11th edition of the popular sports and social event, which traditionally takes place in Izola town on the second Saturday in September. The honorary sponsor of the regatta is the Republic of Slovenia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The organising committee consists of members of the diplomatic corps, working in collaboration with Veter Sailing Club.
