| MIKONOS, GREECE-(5-8-2005) After an impressive Olympiad in the 470 Class with three World Titles, several European Titles and a Gold Medal at the Athens Olympic Games, Sofia Bekatorou, two times Isaf World Sailor of the Year makes another dream come true. Sofia takes the initiative to set up an impressive Match Race programme to support youth sailing and the popularity of the sailing sport in general in her home country.
Teams that will participate in the initial set up are not the least. Sofia will skipper a yacht, and so will her 470 Class team mate Emilia Tsoulfa. In the races they will compete big boat Pros like Russell Coutts.
Sofia unfolds her plans in following interview.
The idea
Following the overwhelming feeling of joy, redemption and relief that came from the success of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, I was left with a void. At first this feeling was frightening but as the days passed, came the realization that all competitions must have a beginning and an end - the natural progression of any event. Inside of me however I felt that something was missing, the sea and the process of fighting to make my dreams come true.
One year before the Athens Olympic Games, I already knew what I wanted the next step for me to be: The America's Cup, the most famous of races, where sailing is born and takento the ultimate extreme
in every form. The accessibility of this race for Greeks however seems like just a dream.It was Easter at Pessada beach on the island of Kefalonia when I drew in the sand for the first time the name of the proposed race. At first I wondered if such a race could actually be conceived in Greece but soon after a friend simply asked me 'Why don't you find out? I'm sure a lot of people would love to compete in the radiant blue waters of a Greek island and enjoy beautiful moments such as those enjoyed during the largest athletic event in the world'. Those words preoccupied me for some time after until the next large 10-crew vessel international event that I attended, when I finally got the courage to ask the opinion of the 3-time winner of the America's Cup, Russell Coutts. The surprise was huge was he answered with a simple 'Why not?'
The Invitation
From that moment on, I began a constant communication with international athletes during all of the international races that I participated in, in order to promote our country and its natural beauty and in turn to gain their support for the organization of match races here in Greece. In addition their presence here in Greece would strengthen the sport of Sailing due to the fact that match races are much easier for spectators to follow as they take place right before their eyes with only two boats battling each other for position.
Greek Representation
As there have already been efforts in Greece to grow the sport of Sailing through similar races organized by people with love for the sport, I believed that the contribution of such people would give incentive and purpose to new athletes to participate. For this reason, we decided to contribute to the growth of the Mykonian Sailing Federation, which with great enthusiasm accepted, in cooperation with the Town Government of Mykonos, to help us with the organization of the Dream Race.The event will have a philanthropic nature with all proceeds going towards the construction of three new sailing vessels for the young athletesof the island.
Organization
Most individuals' first experience in Mykonos can only be described as memorable. Although the period of the Dream Race will be a difficult one due to its extremely busy nature, the success of this race is mandatoryas it will be the first time that high-level international sailing athletes will be competing in our country. Thankfully, the Town of Mykonos has proved to be a great help in the organization of the event and in an extremely positive atmosphere we have begun our co-operation. In the beginning the organizational team was small but has quickly grown, and now includes individuals with vast experience in large-scale event organization including the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. All related parties including individuals with sailing backgrounds, co-organizers, friends and related companies all look at this event as their own baby and are working hard to create the best possible impression of Greece for our international spectators.
Spectators
We welcome all individuals that wish to share with us the days of passion that only the sea can offer. One boat per day with 75 person capacity will give the opportunity to the adventurous to witness the greatest sailing athletes in the world battle it out in front of Little Venice. Tickets will be sold from the website http://www.dreamrace.gr and from selected locations that will be announced from the website. For those land lovers direct viewing will be possible from Little Venice as all races will take place directly in front. For those of you that cannot make it to Mykonos, live video streaming via the website and through our soon to be announced technology sponsors will be available.
Competition
Four Greek boats skippered by World Champions and Olympic Winners will face-off against four International boats from the America's Cup.
The international teams thus far will include: Team Luna Rossa(Prada, Italy), Team Oracle (BWM, USA), Team Coutts (New Zealand) and DESAFIO ESPANOL (Spain). The races will take place using 25 foot sailing vessels with 3 sails and 4-man crews. Each race will be judged by 4 Greek and International judges. In total there will be 25 twenty minute one-on-one races (in a total of 4 days) On the final day (17 August) all eyes will fall on the final races for places 1-4.
Social Events
13th of August the program 'Live Sailing' opens in Mykonos. Along with Emily Tsoulfa we will sign autographs and have open discussions. On the 14th the Grand Party will follow at a well-known hotel in Mykonos that will be announced where VIPs, athletes, and all race-related people and ticketholders will have the opportunity to interact and win various prizes.
Technology
The event area will be supported with Wi-Fi hotspots for easy internet access to all those interested. In addition, thanks to our technology sponsors my-Channels and Forthnet, live video-streaming via the website www.dreamrace.gr will allow individuals to view the race from anywhere in the world. Photographers and reporters will follow the race minute by minute and provide direct coverage. Highlights of the races will also be seen on the Greek evening news
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