If you love your sea, and getting sporty at the sea, then the Sail Tel Aviv Yafo Festival will probably float your boat!
The festival (which takes place from April 18-28, 2016) will feature hundreds of participants, who will be using their yachts, surfboards, SUPs, goggles and whatever else they can, to ensure maritime glory!
The festival opens April 18-20 with the Israel Youth Sailing Championship, in memory of Major Asaf Asulin, with over 600 children competing.
On Wednesday April 27th, the public is invited for an open experience day with SUP, kayaking, rowing and boat sailing – all require prior registration, and a nominal participation fee.
The sports competitions and main events will take place on April 28th, including the following:
- SAIL Tel Aviv Yacht Cup: Dozens of yachts will participate in a professional sailing competition, which will also include entrance tests for the ORC European Championship 2016. Advance registration is required.
- SUP Competition at Gordon Beach: Over 300 participants will take part in a long distance paddle competition. The event will be focused on marine ecology and ocean cleaning. Advanced registration is required.
- Kayak Competition at Hilton Beach: 150 kayaks will compete and take part in an ecological activity; participants will receive nets to collect waste from the sea. A trophy ceremony will take place congratulating the winners and the participants who collected the largest amount of waste. Advanced registration is required.
- Open Water Swimming Competition at Hilton Beach: Early morning activity for professionals and amateurs. Swimmers will be organized into five heats based on their age and distance (start from 750m to 5km). Advance registration is required.
One thing to definitely mark in your calendars is the large rally for all types of vessels, which also takes place on the 28th. The rally will start from Reading (North Tel Aviv, next to Tel Aviv Port) at 11:30 and will sail along the coastline of Tel Aviv to the Yafo Port and back.
And if you’re stuck on dry land, don’t worry, there’s also a beach volleyball tournament and an Instagram photo contest with some incredible prizes on offer (tag your photos with #SAILTLV).
This looks like a great few days on the beach of Tel Aviv, especially the 28th if you’re coming just to watch (or take photos/Instagram)!
Registration for the competitions and activities at sea can be made here.