First European Sports Team Presented in Monte Carlo

MONTE CARLO, Monaco, June 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- After a season of new acquisitions, featuring some of the best sailors from several different European countries, the Esimit Europa team is now ready to start with an exciting sporting season. The presentation of the crew, the first one to sail not for a nation, but in the name of a united Europe, has taken place in the Yacht Club de Monaco, Monte Carlo, at the presence of Prince of Monaco Albert II and other important personalities.

HSH the Prince of Monaco joined the Esimit Europa crew for a sailing trip, after welcoming them at the pier, where he delivered a key-note speech: "Sailing is a unique and noble sport; it promotes a strong and united team, encouraging dialogue between crew members. As President of the Yacht Club de Monaco I am proud that our members defend these core values of solidarity, friendship and cooperation. Today, on this special occasion of the launch of Esimit Europa 2, I wish the owner and his crew every success in realizing their future goals and to them representing a united and successful Europe at the largest regattas all over the world."

The ambitious project has announced even further challenges for the future, in sports as well as in the field of diplomacy. Igor Simcic, the project founder and owner of the Esimit Europa 2 yacht, announced: "Going beyond Europe is among our long-term plans. For the moment, we will focus on doing our best to improve our results even further in Europe's most important regattas. Furthermore, our efforts to foster collaboration among European peoples in ways other than sports continue. We are working on several projects and preparing our participation in the celebrations for the Cypriot presidency of the European Union."

The team members appeared very united and eager to start the new season in full steam. They will be coming back to Monte Carlo later on this summer, defending the champions' title at the Palermo -- Monte Carlo regatta (18th-23rd August).

Some of the team members' comments have been:

Jochen Schumann (GER): "Sailing has always united peoples and continents. We are Germans, Slovenians, Italians, French, Spanish or whatever, but everyone is driving the same boat, the same Europe, and we are driving the continent together in this global development."

Juan Vila (SPA): "This crew is composed not only by world-class sailors, but foremost by dedicated team players. Only highly motivated individuals, able to overcome their personal interests, can lead this boat to the top results."

Sidney Gavignet (FRA): "Sailing, to me, equals to sharing: each time you sail, you share something with those you are working with and with those who are watching you. Thus, for me it is very important to be on a boat that does not only sail for victories, but also carries a greater message."

Alberto Bolzan (ITA): "When you sail on the same boat, you become part of the same family. Despite our different backgrounds, there has never been the least problem of communication among us, as sports unites us."

Vasilij Zbogar (SLO): "It is actually bewildering how it has been possible to gather a team with such a perfect synergy in a relatively short time."

Please visit the online Esimit Europa press center, where you can access current information and view and download related images and videos.

Media Contact:

Gorazd Mauri, Public Relations Manager
Address: Corso Italia 226/228, Gorizia, Italy
Phone: +39 366 675 90 92
E-mail: gorazd.mauri(at)esimit(dot)com
Web address: www.esimit.com

SOURCE Esimit Europa