The Mayor of Kalamata Mr. Panayotis E. Nikas confirmed today the commitment of the City to host GREEK CHALLENGE begin_of_the_skype_highlighting     end_of_the_skype_highlighting and other America’s Cup teams during their training sessions. Furthermore, GREEK CHALLENGE is put under the auspice of the City and becomes its first Official Supplier towards the 34th AC and the LVT. The Mayor along with GREEK CHALLENGE will shape the coastal development of the City and will prepare to host international regattas in the future.

Kalamata is the second-largest city of the Peloponnese in southern Greece. The capital and chief port of the Messenia prefecture, it lies along the Nedon River at the head of the Messenian Gulf. Located near the ancient city of Pharai mentioned by Homer. Its population is approx.70,000. Kalamata is renowned as the land of the Kalamatianos dance and the silk kerchief; of succulent dark olives, honey-eyed figs and the honey-covered sesame sweet called pasteli. The city can be reached from other Greek cities by bus and train. Furthermore,
the city has an international airport and an important harbour which part of it will be developed to host GREEK CHALLENGE. Olives and olive oil are important and famous products that are exported from Kalamata.The wind conditions are perfect for AC sailing and the weather conditions are excellent throughout the year. In 1924 the Nautical Club of Kalamata was formed and since then is has developed many different sporting activities.

GREEK CHALLENGE has applied to the port authorities to provide an area of 1700 square meters of warehouse space and 5200 square meters of docks to develop its base and looking forward to the finalization of the process by the end of April in order to start developing its base.


Panayotis E. Nikas, Mayor of Kalamata…” GREEK CHALLENGE’s impressive debut in LVPS last year convinced us of their determination and commitment to the cause. Hosting the team(s) in our port will only enhance our city’s tourist industry and boost economic activity while Kalamata will develop to become as one of the most important sailing centres in Greece and the Mediterranean. In 1821 this city triggered the Greek Independence War and its liberation was the beginning of the Hellenic Republic. In a parallel GREEK CHALLENGE’s attempt to the America’s Cup will break the national sailing borders.”

Sotiris Buseas, CEO of GREEK CHALLENGE…”The Mayor and Municipality of Kalamata has been supportive from the first day we announced our goals early 2007. The Messenian bay is a natural amphitheatre which will help us develop our team due to its perfect sailing conditions while our members will experience the hospitality and taste the gourmet cuisine of Kalamata. We are breaking new ground here. The people of Kalamata will have the chance to observe the birth of the most interesting sport project in Greece. We thank the people of
this great city for their warm welcome”

GREEK CHALLENGE
Sail with your heart … win with your mind
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Port of Kalamata.

Kalamata City Hall, April 12 2010
Sotiris Buseas (CEO) and Panayotis E.Nikas (Mayor)