Ilhavo regatta is officially opened

The Mayor of Ilhavo, Jose Agostinlio Ribau Esteves, has officially opened the festival during a ceremony on board the museum ship, Santo Andre. In front of an audience of local diginitaries and the fleet  captains, the Mayor welcomed everyone to Ilhavo and expressed his delight and pride at having the fleet here.  The Mayor was followed by the President of Aveiro Harbour Admininistration Jose Luis Cacho, who spoke about the work that has been done on the port in the last two years in readiness for today. 

Finally STI race chairman Bernard Heppener spoke to say how delighted we all are to be here and he looks forward to the next four days of festivities. 

The official party then made their way off the ship, through the gardens and on to the ceremonial raising, by local boy and girl scouts, of thirteen flags representing the thirteen nations from which the fleet come.   Having taken their salute the Mayor officially opened the event by walking through the main gates, followed by hundreds of people keen to view the ships. 

The Mayor proceeded to visit every ship to present each Captain with a bottle of wine in order that they could all make a toast together. 

This evening the Captains' Dinner takes place at Ilhavo Maritime Museum while the festival carries on at Oudinot Garden.

Pic: (top)The Mayor's party walk through the gates, followed by hundreds of people keen to see the ships at closer quarters.

(below) Mayor Jose Agoshinlio Ribau Esteves presents a gift to the Captain of Cueuhtemoc (Mexico)