Credit : Vuelta España Vela
Following the welcome by the Deputy Mayor of Hondarribia, Jon Elizalde, who stressed the marine and nautical tradition of the town, took the floor to the President of the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation, Gerardo Pombo, who expressed appreciation on behalf of the organization Fishermen's Guild of their cooperation and hospitality to share its port facilities with the fleet of IMOCA Open 60 participants and the operational organization of the race: "We thank you for your support received for this event, the people of the sea we be united. "
The President of the Fundació Navegació Oceanica Barcelona, Pere Alcober, said: "The Tour of Spain Sailing is a project that we launched in the hope that has continuity, by involving different ports and its citizens, and is also a tribute to the ocean sailors ". The Director of Public Works, Transport and Housing of the Basque Government, Iñaki Arriola, wanted the best winds to all participants and stressed:" This is a good opportunity for the Basque Country Hondarribia to view these spectacular boats and take advantage the repercussion of this event. "
The Secretary of State for Sport, Jaime Lissavetzky, explained that "the choice of these IMOCA Open 60 boats make this Tour of Spain to sail one race of the century. We serve to promote the sea in terms of education and human resources, and also wake up the sport. "
Olympic champions Iker Martinez de Hondarribia natural sailor, speaking on behalf of all employers. "We appreciate the efforts of all parties involved in the organization, which we know are many, and I want to especially thank the Sailing Tour of Spain starts in my hometown. Of course, emphasize the great participation and especially the presence of the two French teams, which are also favored by his experience. "
From Vuelta España Vela
