One of the most important sporting events for Black Sea sailing, the Kaliakria Cup Black Sea Regatta 2009, took place between 4th and 7th June in the bay of Balchik for a second consecutive year under the motto “Let the wind be your partner”, using as a backdrop to the event the stunning white rocks of the Balchik Bay and its gorgeous modern yacht marina.
The official opening was held at Helios hotel in Balchik. On the 5th June, at 10:00 hrs sharp, 38 sailing yachts and a total of 236 participants made a start for their first race. The competition was held in six different classes:
- Conrad Peterson P25,
- Megles 74,
- Cruiser C1,
- Cruiser C2,
- Racer
- Freestyle.
The regatta was governed by the racing rules of Sailing 2009-2012, which were introduced at the beginning of the year. The organizer, Balchik Yacht Club, with a long tradition in sea sports and passion for adventure, fulfilled ambitious goals in 2008 with the first sailing competition. Last year saw more than 35 crews contribute to a strong start for the sailing season. This year the teams, enjoyed good winds and displayed tough spirits in sailing along the route Balchik – the bay of Kaliakria Resort – Kranevo.
The prize giving ceremony and the closing of Kaliakria Cup 2009 was held on the 7th June 2009 at the Balchik marina. Yach Club Balchik was brought back to life in the summer of 2007 by 13 enthusiastic sailors from Balchik, who participated in the old Balchik Yacht club, which was disbanded in 1990. The aims of the club are reviving of sea traditions, promoting of the sea sports and nurturing a new generation in sailing skills and love of the sea. Currently the club is educating 40 children and youngsters on a voluntary basis. In the past only one sailing competition was held yearly in Balchik under the name “October”. After 10 consecutive years it ceased in 1987. In autumn 2007 the regatta was revived under a new name and format when the clubs’ enthusiasm met with the maverick vision of Angel Lingorski founder of Linexa Property Group, an innovative company developing sustainable projects with care for the essential architectural, social, cultural and ecological aspects of the sites.
The sailing project, inspired by the idea of bringing back to life an old tradition at the heart of the town’s cultural and social life has already succeeded in turning a true sensation amongst members of the local community. A further success of Linexa, which is sharing the same spirit, is also the newly found football club of the region village of Topola with the recently refurbished village to him stadium. The regatta is named after Kaliakria Resort, a destination on the northern Black Sea coast developed by Linexa Property Group, the official partner of Kaliakria Cup Black Sea Regatta. Adding a distinctive touch to the unique landscape of the area, the resort is situated between Balchik and Kavarna in close proximity to there golf play grounds. With more than 100 types of trees, shrubs and flowers Kaliakria boasts also five swimming pools, all with an enchanting view towards the sea. This year the resort welcomed the opening of El Balcon del Mundo, perhaps the most attractive gourmet restaurant on the Bulgaria Black sea coast, hanging above the sea on a 140 m cliff.
