HERAKLION, CRETE - The first race of the Cretan Union Cup kicks off today from Chania, at 13:00 local time, followed by Rethymno at 10:00 on Wednesday, October 16, then Heraklion at 10:00 on Friday, October 18; and finally Aghios Nikolaos at 10:00 on Sunday, October 20. There will be 9 races in total, opened to athletes from all over the world, with boats with overall length equal or greater than 7 meters in one of the following classes: ORC International; IRC; Classic & Vintage Yachts; ORC Club; Charter Boat (ORC Club Non spinnaker boats). The registration completed on Sunday, October 13, 2013.
The first event of this
kind ever organized on the North coast of Crete, the Cretan Union Cup
celebrates 100 years since the raising of the Greek flag at the fort of Firka,
which marks the union of the Island with Greece. The regatta also aims to be a
homage to ancient Minoan sailing traditions, which shaped local culture, art,
and lifestyle. Participants - both athletes and the public - will enjoy a
superb display of sailing skills, but will also learn about the Minoans, and
the birthplace of Zeus, all while enjoying authentic Cretan hospitality,
cuisine and culture.
The Cretan Union Cup is a
joint initiative by the Region of Crete, the Hellenic Sailing Federation, and
local nautical groups—the Nautical Club Gaziou Crete, the Nautical Club of
Chania, the Sailing Club of Chania, the Sailing Club of Rethymno, the Sailing
Club of Heraklion, the Sailing Club of Ag. Nikolaos, and the Nautical Club of
Sitia.
The event is sponsored by
numerous local businesses, each contribution in different ways to the event.
For example, aside giving the winners free stays in the best suites, the Lato
Boutique Hotel in Heraklion also offers an exclusive 10% discount to our
readers who want to stay at the hotel during the regatta. To take advantage of
this offer, use the following code “travel” when you make your reservation.
Lato Boutique Hotel has direct access to the marina in Heraklion - you can see
the sails leaving the harbor and returning at the end of the race, right from
your window, or from the terrace at Lato's Herbs Garden restaurant and rooftop
bar.
Lato Boutique is also
awarding the winner of the regatta a stay in the hotel’s Executive Suite
(above) overlooking the Venetian fortress of Rocca al Mare and the harbor.
