Larnaca:More than 120 sailors from 13 countries participated in the 'Regatta for Peace', marking the largest amateur sailing event ever held in Cyprus. A total of 24 boats competed on the route from Larnaca Marina to Ayia Napa Marina. The event took place on Saturday, 17 October, and was organized by the Italian Embassy in Nicosia, in collaboration with the Cyprus Sailing Federation and the marinas of Larnaca and Ayia Napa.

According to Cyprus News Agency, the race commenced in the late morning from Larnaca Marina, attended by Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras and Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis. The crews, consisting predominantly of mixed nationalities and featuring many Italians, navigated approximately 16 nautical miles along the island's southeastern coast, reaching Ayia Napa Marina by early afternoon.

The competition included two classes, A and B, utilizing a handicap system to allow boats of different designs to compete on equal terms. The Italian Embassy highlighted that the 'Regatta for Peace' serves as the first European leg of an international roadshow leading up to the America's Cup, which will be hosted in Italy for the first time in July 2027.

Ambassador of Italy to Cyprus, Antonella Cavallari, dedicated the regatta to the theme of peace, emphasizing its critical role as a cornerstone of diplomacy and the significance of sports diplomacy in promoting values such as fair play, respect, and cooperation among nations.

The Italian Embassy also noted that Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis expressed his appreciation for the regatta and his aspiration for it to become an annual event, citing its positive impact on diversifying Cyprus's tourism offerings. Marios Panayides, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the value of such initiatives.