International Brindisi – Corfu Regatta: Large numbers expected to participate again this year
CORFU. More than 100 boats are expected to participate in the 33rd International Brindis-Corfu Regatta, 6 – 8 June, starting from Brindisi Port, passing by Otranto and finishing at Kassiopi in Corfu.
Co-organizing the event are Gouvia Marina Sailing Club, which took over from Corfu Sailing Club in 2015, and Brindisi Sailing Club (Circolo Vela Brindisi).
How it started
33 years ago, based on their love of sailing and the Adriatic, Italian and Corfu sailors - members of the Lega Navale Italiana and Hellenic Open Sea Sailing Club - attempted this sea-crossing in the form of a race for the first time. Since then, the number of participants has increased yearly, with a record number in the 2016 Regatta of 132 boats from 9 countries moored at Gouvia Marina.
The aim of Gouvia Marina Sailing Club, apart from excellent organization, is to increase the number of boats from Corfu participating in the Regatta. In 2017, there were 8 participants from Corfu and the year before, the Corfu public was delighted by Gouvia Marina member, Michalis Tsatsopoulos, coming first for Greece - the second time in 30 years - in the general rankings with RUSH boat.
The International Brindisi – Corfu Regatta has become well- established in Corfu and Italy and attracts more than 1000 visitors, crew members and attendants each year. Amongst these are international athletes, Olympic champions and other important sports personalities. Recognizing the importance of the Regatta as a means of promoting sports tourism, for which the island is ideally suited, local businesses and other organizations have given their support: Municipal Culture, Sports and Environmental Organization (DOPAP), ElinOil, ‘Mitera’ Hospital, AB Vassilopoulos, DAES Insurance Company, Corfu Fish Farms, Corfu Beer, Park Hotel and Aquacraft - and the list is growing.
Gouvia Marina plays a major role in the event – not only in welcoming the boats at the finish and offering mooring space, but also in the organization of the award ceremony. Corfu local authorities attend the ceremony, which is a wonderful coming together of both sides of the Adriatic as well as all sailors.
