Yacht Feature- Esimit Europa 2 - Europe's symbol of hope
by Sail-World Cruising on 23 May 2012
Esimit Europa 2, symbol of European unity - and of hope for a secure future. SW
At a time when Europe needs symbols of unity-strengthening more than ever before, this week's yacht feature is on Esimit Europa 2, the hi tech yacht which is meant to foster sports, business and diplomatic relations among European nations.
Esimit Europa 2 is one of the fastest and technologically most advanced sailing yachts in the world with a maximum speed over 38 knots. She is 30 meters (100 feet) long and has 18 crew members drawn from seven different European countries, who all together sail under the European Flag.
Founded in 1995, the Esimit Europa project started as a visionary idea by Igor Simcic. From a project uniting the cities of Nova Gorica (Slovenia) and Gorizia (Italy), it strived to enhance the relations between an Italian region (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) and the Republic of Slovenia, passing on to represent all European countries. Today, Esimit Europa’s vision grew broader in its scope, advocating for Pan-European cooperation. The project provides a platform for Pan-European dialogue in both the diplomatic and the business spheres, in the belief that this is the way to Europe’s success.
Attracting growing support from both the worlds of diplomacy and business, Esimit Europa today provides a great platform for dialogue about crucial issues for the development of our societies. The yacht furthermore acts as ambassador of the European Energy online movement, which motivates people to focus their energy on actions that will improve our life in the future. The project's main sponsor is Gazprom, Russian Global Energy company and large gas supplier to the EU.
Since Esimit Europa 2 sailed into its winter base at the end of last season, she has seen many technical improvements, especially in terms of electronics and hydraulics; it has become a true research and developmental laboratory for the biggest suppliers of nautical equipment in the world.
Recently Martin Schulz, the president of the European Parliament, delivered an extensive speech, recognizing project's key attributes and supporting endeavours in terms of fostering sports, business and diplomatic relations among European nations.
'The Esimit Europa project is a bright example of the optimism that better times are ahead. The European Union may be facing the greatest challenges in its history. Without responsibility, cohesion and solidarity, we will not be able to overcome those challenges and take advantage of Europe's full potential. I therefore support your endeavour of Europeans working towards a common goal, and I wish you and the crew of the Esimit Europa 2 yacht every success in the future.'
The yacht is registered on Cyprus, a member of Yacht Club de Monaco, competes for the Slovenian Sailing Federation and on board joins the best sailors from various European countries. It has been invited to be a part of the protocol during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU takeover and will carry the official emblem for the duration of the presidency. The Esimit Europa 2 yacht is under the patronage of the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso.
Length: 30 meters
Width: 5.3 meters
Mast height: 44 meters manufactured by Sothern Spars
Draft: 5.2 meters
Crew: 18 members
Hull: manufactured by McConaghy Boats
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