America’s Cup, la città di Kalamata diventa base di Greek Challenge

America’s Cup – Kalamata – Il sindaco di Kalamata, Panayotis Nikas, ha confermato le voci che da qualche giorno legavano il nome della sua città a Greek Challenge. Il primo cittadino della seconda città del Peloponneso ha infatti annunciato che il team di Sotiris Buseas si allenerà nelle acque di Kalamata in vista della sua partecipazione alla 34ma Coppa America. Nell’esprimere soddisfazione per il raggiungimento dell’accordo, Panayotis Nikas ha aggiunto che spera in uno sviluppo delle coste limitrofe alla città e nello svolgimento di una serie di regata di caratura internazionale in quello che è il capoluogo della prefettura di Messenia.

Ben collegata con il resto della nazione, Kalamata ha un aereoporto internazionale e un importante porto commerciale dal quale salpano ogni giorno navi cariche dei prodotti locali: olive e olio.

Le condizioni meteo sono ideali per buona parte dell’anno e il vento non manca mai, tanto che il locale Nautical Club è stato fondato già nel lontano 1924.

Secondo l’accordo raggiunto con l’autorità locale, Greek Challenge, che debuttò in occasione delle Louis Vuitton Pacific Series di Auckland, avrà a disposizione un’area di 1700 metri quadrati da adibire a capannoni, più un’area di 5200 metri quadri ricavata lungo le banchine. Verso la fien di aprile tali superfici verranno consegnate al team che potrà così iniziare a costruire la propria base.

AMERICA’S CUP, CITY OF KALAMATA BECOMES HOMEPORT OF GREEK CHALLENGE
[Greek Challenge Press Release] The Mayor of Kalamata Mr. Panayotis E. Nikas confirmed today the commitment of the City to host Greek Challenge and other America’s Cup teams during their training sessions. Furthermore, Greek Challenge is put under the auspice of the City and becomes its first Official Supplier towards the 34th America’s Cup and the Louis Vuitton Trophy. The Mayor along with Greek Challenge will shape the coastal development of the City and will prepare to host international regattas in the future.

Kalamata is the second-largest city of the Peloponnese in southern Greece. The capital and chief port of the Messenia prefecture, it lies along the Nedon River at the head of the Messenian Gulf. Located near the ancient city of Pharai mentioned by Homer. Its population is approx. 70.000. Kalamata is renowned as the land of the Kalamatianos dance and the silk kerchief; of succulent dark olives, honey-eyed figs and the honey-covered sesame sweet called pasteli.

The city can be reached from other Greek cities by bus and train. Furthermore, the city has an international airport and an important harbour which part of it will be developed to host Greek Challenge. Olives and olive oil are important and famous products that are exported from Kalamata.The wind conditions are perfect for America’s Cup sailing and the weather conditions are excellent throughout the year. In 1924 the Nautical Club of Kalamata was formed and since then is has developed many different sporting activities.

Greek Challenge has applied to the port authorities to provide an area of 1700 square meters of warehouse space and 5200 square meters of docks to develop its base and looking forward to the finalization of the process by the end of April in order to start developing its base.

Panayotis E. Nikas, Mayor of Kalamata: ”Greek Challenge’s impressive debut in LVPS last year convinced us of their determination and commitment to the cause. Hosting the team(s) in our port will only enhance our city’s tourist industry and boost economic activity while Kalamata will develop to become as one of the most important sailing centres in Greece and the Mediterranean. In 1821 this city triggered the Greek Independence War and its liberation was the beginning of the Hellenic Republic. In a parallel Greek Challenge’s attempt to the America’s Cup will break the national sailing borders”.

Sotiris Buseas, CEO of Greek Challenge: ”The Mayor and Municipality of Kalamata has been supportive from the first day we announced our goals early 2007. The Messenian bay is a natural amphitheatre which will help us develop our team due to its perfect sailing conditions while our members will experience the hospitality and taste the gourmet cuisine of Kalamata. We are breaking new ground here. The people of Kalamata will have the chance to observe the birth of the most interesting sport project in Greece. We thank the people of this great city for their warm welcome”.

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