‘Agonas Eleftheria’ Sailing Race Crowned with Success
The 6th edition of the now annual Agonas Eleftheria Sailing Race (AESR) culminated on October 1, 2024 to rave reviews, deemed by both participants and attendees alike as a resounding success.
The two-day event – organised by the Limassol Nautical Club, and sponsored by Fameline Holding Group (FHG) – came to fruition over the weekend commencing September 30, and was comprised of a bounty of activities, tasked with encouraging young athletes to hone their skills and aspire to ever-betterment, and inspiring a sense of pride in belonging to the sailing community.
Proceeds from this year’s AESR have been given to FHG’s Heri me Heri Foundation, thus enriching the race’s already humanitarian identity. Established by FHG – a multifarious conglomerate headquartered in Limassol, and composed of some 28 companies chiefly active across the maritime, industrial, and oil and gas sectors – Heri me Heri (Greek for ‘hand in hand’) aspires to support families with children under the age of 18, who are experiencing financial difficulties or suffering from health issues.
Some 70 young athletes came together to participate in this year’s B’ Optimist and B’ Laser boat races, along with more than 24 yachts that raced head to head in the offshore sailing race. The Catamaran escort tour for those wishing to stay up-close to the action proved hugely popular, with 150 friends and associates taking to the sea to witness the regatta unfold.
Meanwhile, the evening cocktail reception hosted at the Evagoras Lanitis Centre – Carob Mill, and live concert featuring Greek bands, Imam Baildi, and Broken Radio, was met with great praise and excitement. Further to the crème de la crème of the shipping and maritime community of the island congregating in support of the AESR, an esteemed cohort of senior government officials also attended the evening’s festivities in lending further gravitas to an already revered event.
Sharing his thoughts, FHG founder and managing partner, Adamos Seraphides explains of the AESR: “Once again, the AESR has served as a unifying event in the island’s sailing community.
“The proceeds raised will be hugely helpful to the Heri me Heri Foundation’s efforts, but even more bountiful on a long-term basis is the opportunity that the AESR has created to teach our youth about the strength found in solidarity, and the benefit and power of coming together for a common cause. This,” Seraphides concludes, “is priceless.”
Without the time and help of the event’s co-sponsors and supporters, the AESR could not have come so bountifully to fruition, and a heartfelt thank you is extended to: Cathelco, Bunkernet, MIE Group, SKF Marine, Soteco Group-Comtech, Turbo Belgium, SBS, VTE, Scanjet, Denjet, MBS Cargo, ARK Marine Services, Southern African Shipyard, BLRT Group, Santierul Naval Constanta, W.Smith BV, Crosscomar Ship Repair, Exxon Mobil, Inmarsat, WSK, Intellian, One Net, One Tech, Medpool, One Novation, Exelia Technologies, Marcas, eSafe Solutions, and Moore Stephens.
