Larnaca:A total of 23 boats and over 120 crew members are set to participate in the Regatta for Peace on Saturday, October 17. The event will see participants sailing from Larnaca to Ayia Napa in one of the largest independent and amateur regattas ever organized in Cyprus.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the regatta is organized by the Embassy of Italy in Nicosia, in collaboration with the Cyprus Sailing Federation and the marinas of Larnaca and Ayia Napa. It marks the first European stop of a global roadshow leading up to the America's Cup, scheduled to be hosted in Naples, Italy, in July 2027.
The race will begin in the late morning from Larnaca Marina with the Mayor of Larnaca, Andreas Vyras, in attendance. The starting line will close between 1130 and 1200, and crews will sail approximately 16 nautical miles along the island's southeastern coast, concluding at Ayia Napa Marina in the afternoon. The event is open to boats with an ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) rating certificate, ensuring fair competition among different boat designs.
The Embassy of Italy emphasizes the role of sports as a diplomatic tool, enhancing ties between Italy and Cyprus and fostering economic, cultural, and tourism connections, particularly through nautical tourism. Italian Ambassador to Cyprus, Antonella Cavallari, highlighted the historical connection between Italy and Cyprus through the sea and expressed the event's aim to bring the spirit of the America's Cup to Cyprus.
Following the race, events will continue in Ayia Napa with appearances by sailing champions and official guests, including speeches from the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, Marios Panayides. A ceremony will feature the Minister of Justice and Public Order, Costas Fytiris.
The Marina's Conference Centre will host a screening of the mini-series Terra Maris, which explores Italy's relationship with the sea. Additionally, Manuela Rafaiani from the Symbola Foundation will present 100 Italian Sport Stories on Sailing and Water Sports. Transoceanic sailor Matteo Miceli will share his ocean-crossing experiences in a video presentation.
The evening will also feature a photo exhibition showcasing images from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and Luna Rossa, with augmented reality experiences available to guests. Prizes will be awarded by several dignitaries, including the Italian Ambassador and Cypriot sailing champion Pavlos Kontides. The event is organized in cooperation with Assonautica.