10 out of 10 men surveyed failed to spot the windsurfer in this pic…

Olympic Gold Medallist to Open Largest Watersports Festival in Greece

19 – 23 June 2009, Vassiliki, Lefkas, Greece

Sofia Bekatorou, Gold medallist in the 470 class in Athens and Bronze medallist in the Yngling class in Quindao, will be the guest of honour at the Opening Ceremony for the ‘Vassiliki Midsummer Madness’ watersports Festival now in its third year and already the biggest watersports Festival in Greece.

Vassiliki, on the Ionian island of Lefkas, is famous for its strong afternoon winds and it is not surprising that the event which includes slalom, freestyle and speed windsurfing disciplines as well as an Open catamaran, Laser, Open Dinghy and Yacht regatta attracts a high standard of international participation. Last year the Laser event was won by the former Youth European Champion, Kier Clarke, while the catamaran trophy was taken by Joe Bennett former winner of the Round Texel Tiger class.

Already this year entries have been received from Olympic contenders including the current (2008 & 2007) Tornado European Champions, Jordanis Paschalides and Kostas Trigonis, among others. Windsurfing entries have been received from teams as far away as Denmark, Germany, the UK, Turkey and Bulgaria and with 10,000 euros in prize money up for grabs more entries are to be expected.

As well as a serious sailing event the Festival promises to be a spectacular attraction to visitors to the island and as well as the opening night Greek cultural programme including fireworks and a display of Greek folk dancing there is also Saturday night’s Miss Bikini competition which, backed by the excellent UK band Wizard Sleeve, has in recent years for some reason attracted thousands of visitors to the small fishing village to the south of the island.

Entries are still being accepted for all the events, and there are inexpensive packages available for entrants wishing to attend. For example a package INCLUDING flight from the UK, transfers and accommodation as well as hire of windsurfing equipment costs from £614 (other arrangements exist for competitors bringing their own equipment)

Full details can be found on the Festival website at

www.vassiliki-watersports-festival.com