It is a beautiful sunny October day in Cyprus. The sea is warmer and tenderer than ever. Seagulls are circling idly above the emerald slick. This day will be remembered for its uniqueness. Sail First Company has organized and successfully held a sailing regatta in the port of Pafos on a large scale as usually. There have been 10 yachts of J-80 model competing in soft and changeable winds off the west coast of Cyprus. This exciting event afforded great pleasure to all attendees, organizers, participants, as well as kids who enthusiastically watched the show. The event was charitable and all the money raised from ticket sales went to the hospice named after the Archangel Michael in Mesa Chorio.
The participants’ level ranged from the silver medalist of the Olympics in the Laser class – Pavlos Kontides, professional teams from Famagusta Nautical Yacht Club, to teenagers, who took part in a sailing regatta for the first time.
The start was at the breakwater, not far from the Sodap Municipal Beach, the windward mark was mounted at the lighthouse, and the course mark was at the bay mouth. Considering light breeze forecast for the regatta, the route was a simple triangle.
The yachts put to sea and the race began. Coastal cafes were fully packed with spectators, who stared at the horizon with intense eagerness, keeping the track of the competition. Though it was advisable to get off the mark at the left end of the line, a few boats have preferred to start near the official boat. All yachts got off to a good start, and soon divided into several groups. The group of three boats decided to keep out at sea, some boats have moved to the coast, and the rest of the group stuck to the general course, as the result got into calm zone and moved towards the first mark incredibly slow.
The five yachts met at the windward mark. Notably that the newcomers’ crew was on the second place at that moment. The amateurs managed to preserve their position in the race till the next mark. When the boats were rounding the course mark, the wind reinforced and the fleet rushed to the finish downwind, occasionally interchanging each other as the leader.
At the pier the music played and singer Andrew sang «Road to hell» in Chris Rea’s voice. The silver surface of the cups, waiting for their future winners, reflected warm October sun. The first prize – the check for 1,000 euros was a great motivation for the participants to win.
Finally, spectators’ patience was rewarded. The crew from the Famagusta Nautical Club, led by skipper Nicolas Epiphaniu, came first. The joy was beyond measures! The winner turned out to be the club’s junior team. Having skillfully moored and folded sail in a matter of minutes, the guys set feet on the pier.
Our national hero Pavlos Kontides came off second best. The supporters in the cafe and on the pier greeted him with thunderous applause! Pavlos greeted his numerous fans in a dignified manner, as befits a hero. His participation in the regatta was a surprise, for the company kept the news under hat until the last minute.
The rest of regatta participants began to appear one by one soon to the joy of spectators, who eagerly anticipated the awarding ceremony. Accompanied by splashes of champagne and fiery music, the head of «Sail First» company, Michael Nicholas, awarded the winners. The berth was filled with joyful mood and a happy feeling of completing something good and meaningful. Here are the names of the winners: Nicolas Epiphaniu, Andreas Epiphaniu, Kyriakos Karatsis, Christos Georgiou, Royce Neophytou.
Mr. Michael Nicholas expressed his heartfelt thanks to the regatta’s participants and sponsors, whose keen interest and desire to help had provided a warm and joyful atmosphere of the whole event.
The regatta has aroused great interest and gained incredible popularity, but unfortunately, not all participation requests were accepted due to the large number of people willing to take part in this wonderful event. That’s why, the company has decided to hold similar events every month and invites everyone to experience the team spirit and recharge from the waves.
Dear friends, we are waiting for you!