| PALAMOS, SPAIN-(11-5-2003) Over 200 crews from 24 countries will participate in the traditional “Christmas Race” for Olympic classes, from 26 to 30 December in Palamós (Girona) focussing on the next Olympics to be held in Summer 2004 in Athens.
The Christmas Race has been presented today at the Barcelona International Boat Show with the presence of the President of the Barcelona International Boat Show, Enric Puig, the mayor of Palamós, Maria Teresa Ferrés, the President of the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation, Gerardo Pombo, the President of the Catalan Sailing Federation, Segismón Obradors and the Presidents of Club de Vela Palamós, Xavier Ribera and Club Nàutic Costa Brava, Josep María Ribas.
The 2003 Christmas Race is the first event in the ISAF international sailing calendar and it is the only Spanish event included in the Eurolymp circuit, a circuit formed by the eight main European regattas. The Christmas Race is included in the Olympic classes World and European ranking lists.
Palamós has always been a renowned racing area in Europe and some teams are already training in Palamós. Furthermore, some teams have already confirmed they will used Palamós as training venue for the 2004 Olympics.
The President of Club de Vela Palamós, Xavier Ribera, has outlined “ that the regatta reaches its 28th edition this year and that it is consolidated in the circuit” and “it is also an event enjoyed by the whole town with enthusiasm”. Gerardo Pombo, President of the RFEV, commented that “he had the honour to participate in the first Christmas Race as a sailor and that after 28 years the regatta has shown it is one of the best international sailing events with a great human team behind it. Finally, the town mayor, María Teresa Ferrés, has said that “Palamós is proud of hosting such an important regatta with a great recognition at international level and therefore, it would be a pleasure for Palamós to finally have the so awaited High performance sailing centre “.
Rafael Trujillo, Finn class silver medallist at the ISAF World Sailing Championships in Cádiz and Neus Garriga in the Europe class have confirmed their participation in the regatta. Other renowned sailors such as Iker Martínez and Xabi Fernández in 49er, Natàlia Via-Dufresne and Sandra Azón in 470 Women and Mònica Azon/Graciela Pisonero/Marina Sánchez del Campo in Yngling are also intending to participate in this year’s edition.
|
