Genoa and Alicante come together from the big dream “The Ocean Race”
An exceptional afternoon with a long thread that unites two cities. Genoa and Alicante.
The parade between two wings of an enthusiastic crowd. Music and emotions. Hugs and pats on the back. Special moments for the crews entered in “The Ocean Race”, in the special 50th anniversary edition. After so many months of work, the “dday” has arrived. A special day especially for the sailors of Team Genova who, after an incredible run-up, showed up in Alicante with a much admired hull which will now compete in the race, in the first 1900 miles of the race.
The Mayor Marco Bucci, the Italian Ambassador to Spain Riccardo Guariglia and the Rear Admiral of the Navy Massimiliano Nannini greeted skipper Gerwin Jansen and his “international” crew on the quay. “The adventure has begun”, comments the Mayor excitedly. “Now the sporting challenge begins, and when these boats arrive in Genoa it will be a fantastic party”.
Double start for the 11 teams in the race. First the start for the six VO65s with the Italian-Austrian boat as protagonist with the cross of San Giorgio on the hull and an international crew in which the Italians, Cecilia Zorzi and Alberto Riva, stand out. Italian presence also in the 5 IMOCA60 boats thanks to Francesca Clapcich, in her second participation and embarked on the favorites of “11 Hours Team Racing”.
Like the sporting challenge, the organizers of The Ocean Race have focused heavily on the challenge of sustainability. The tender will have a particular focus on the fight against ocean pollution. “Through a sailing competition – underlines the Italian Ambassador in Madrid, Riccardo Guariglia – not only sporting values are conveyed but also more ambitious goals shared by Italy, linked to the United Nations 2030 Agenda. he Processo di Genova banner is a further source of pride for our country”.
The protagonist, in his own way, was also Tommaso Cassissa, Genoese content creator and actor, loved by young people on social networks with one million three hundred thousand followers on Instagram. He agreed to be the “Leg Jumper” of Team Genova. A tradition of The Ocean Race that requires each boat to bring a character on board for the start who, immediately after the start, dives into the sea. Team Genova “boarded” Tommaso and his angel dive was applauded by the whole crew and went viral on social media.
“It was a beautiful emotion – smiles Cassissa – even if I assure you the water is pretty cold. Experiencing the preparations of the crew and going on board with them for the parade was beautiful. I found a young and very passionate crew. It’s fantastic to see such a beautiful boat competing with our Genoa flag. I am proud to have been able to dare to make my contribution to making this wonderful adventure known even among the many young people who follow me. I will also be there for the Grand Finale and I will cheer for Team Genova in these months!”.
From Alicante to Genoa, the start of the regatta was followed live by many enthusiasts on the numerous national and local media channels, but many also wanted to experience the event at the Old Port where, for the occasion, a stage was set up right next to the giant screen of “Genova The Grand Finale” which will broadcast images of the regatta around the world every day until the party that will close this edition at the Waterfront di Levante, from 24 June to 2 July. An afternoon of music and hip hop shows but also a special stage of the World Pesto Championship.
«With the departure from Alicante we have entered the highlight of the competition which is not just a sporting event, but involves tourism promotion, the enhancement of the territory and economic development». So the councilor for Sport and Tourism who today followed the live start of The Ocean Race from Alicante in the square from the led wall located in the Old Port. Many Genoese, curious and sporty, attended the double start of the crews, preceded by the preliminary stage of the World Championship of mortar pesto. Young rap and hip hop artists performed throughout the afternoon, while street art works on the theme of ocean environmental sustainability were created in the background.
«Today’s Porto Antico event – added councilor Bianchi – demonstrates how The Ocean Race and all major sporting events are moments of sharing and aggregation made up of entertainment, but also of promotion of the territory and attention to important issues such as environmental sustainability”.
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