| BARCELONA, SPAIN-(6-11-2002) The 27th Christmas Race was presented today at the International Boat Show. The regatta has become a point of reference for European Olympic sailing as the first regatta of the sailing season as shown on the ISAF regatta calendar. Furthermore, it is the regatta representing Spain in the EUROLYMP circuit of the EUROSAF (European Sailing Federation).
The ceremony had the participation of the Mayor of Palamós, Jordi Pallí; the president of the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation, Gerardo Pombo; the president of the Catalan Sailing Federation, Segimón Obradors; the president of Club de Vela Palamós, Xavier Ribera and the vice-president of Club Náutic Costa Brava, Ramón Sanllehí, joined by the president of the Barcelona International Boat Show, Enrique Puig.
Gerardo Pombo outlined `the Olympic sailing spirit found in Palamós and its sailing club. Spanish sailing was concentrated during the 70s and 80s in Palamós and the results could not have been better. The Christmas Race is a classic event in Europe and, year after year, it consolidates itself as a major regatta`. On the other hand, Jordi Pallí made clear `the strong vocation of the town for the sea, being Palamós and its harbour a worlwide point of reference, both for sailing and tourism`. Xavier Ribera centered his words around `the work of 130 persons to maintain the level of the event and improve it every year`.
Many National Authoriries have chosen the regatta as a selection event for the composition of the teams towards the 2004 Athens Olympics. For the Spanish teams, only the Yngling class will use it as a selection event.
A major point to be outlined is the decision of the Organising Committee to invite (entry fee exemption) the first top classified crews in the ISAF ranking lists.
The participation of the first and third classified crews of the 49er class world ranking list, Iker Martínez/Xavier Fernández (2002 World and European champions) and Santi López Vázquez/Javier de la Plaza (2000 World champions) is confirmed. The leading crew of the Yngling class ISAF ranking, Mónica Azón/Laia Tutzó/Julie García (2002 World champions) have also confirmed their attendance; as well as Sydney Olympic sailor in the Finn class, Rafael Trujillo, among others.
Over 300 crews from 25 countries are expected in the differerent classes: Mistral Men & women, Europe, Laser, Finn, 470 Men & women, Tornado, Star, 49er and Yngling.
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