|
|
|
The island of Curaçao, Dutch Caribbean, celebrated its 500th anniversary in 1999 and that year’s greatest event, Sail Curaçao 500 was part of the year round celebrations. Although it was the first time such an event was organized, it was a huge success for the crews of the participants, the "ARC Gloria" (Colombia) and the "ARV Simón Bolívar", as well as for our local people. During those days Curaçao and our harbour were in the spotlight, showing the enthusiasm of our naval visitors joining that of our local people and emphasizing our close link with the sea throughout our history. Based on this experience, the Curaçao Sail Foundation was established in 2000 in order to promote the interest in traditional and tall ships – especially among the youth - by organizing international maritime events. At the same time our mandate is to promote our harbour in the center of Willemstad our World Heritage capital.
In this context we as
host port organized our second Sail Festival, as starting
event of the 3rd Americas' Sail Regatta 2002. The participants of this Festival were the "Insulinde"
(Curaçao), the "Bat'kivshchyna " (Ukraine), the
"Polynesia" (Grenada), the "Cisne Branco" (Brazil), the
"Jaguar" and the "HM Bloys van Treslong" (Royal Dutch
Navy & Coastguard). The enthusiasm of the crews, the work done by our Project Team and Volunteers and
the cooperation of the Royal Dutch Navy & Coastguard turned this event
in another successful festival. Due to its geographic position since the 17th century, Curaçao has played a fundamental role within the historical processes of its neighbours, including a bridging role between Great Colombia and Holland. Hence one may say, that its key economic position as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, depends on this strategic position and that of its harbour, in between Latin America and the Caribbean region. It is this strategic position that makes Curaçao a perfect hub for vessels from all over the world sailing through the Caribbean. |