COOPERATION among Europeans has taken on many forms in recent years; we’ve had sporting events like UEFA, political cooperation through the EU Commission and Council and even some cultural progress through the Eurovision song contest.
Now, however, there is a unique project underway that brings together sport, business and politics under one yellow starred and blue banner.
The Esimit Europa project is the brainchild of the businessmen, wine producer and yachtsman Igor Simcic, who was in Cyprus this week to meet with government ministers and gather their approval for a visit to Cyprus during its EU presidency in 2012.
The Sunday Mail caught up with Simcic during his busy schedule to learn more about the project, its origins and where it will go next.
A good starting point is the boat itself. The Esimit Europa is the world’s fastest and most technologically advanced yacht, sailing under European Commission President Manuel Barroso’s patronage and registered in, of all places, Cyprus.
But it is much more than that: sailing under the EU flag with a pan-European crew and financial backing from the Russian energy giant, Gazprom, the Esimit Europa 2 is a world class performer and a symbol of what Europe and Russia can achieve if they work together.
“By promoting a united Europe, merging high technology and team spirit, Esimit Europa 2 symbolises the future of the European continent as a global force of the 21st century,” Simcic said. “Today, the Esimit Europa is the first European project that combines key messages from the world of sports, diplomacy and business.”
It is significant that Simcic refers to the continent, and not just the European Union, because one of the core values of the project is the potential to be gained from greater cooperation and collaboration with Russia.
This might explain their decision to register Esimit Europa in Cyprus, which has among the closest ties with Russia of all EU member states.
“I believe the future is in cooperation with Russia, which can help us in extreme economic situations. The EU is too small in this world and at the moment is a follower. But if we can manage its potential it can be a leader,” he said.
Asked how the project came into being, Simcic describes Esimit Europa’s first sailing project – back in 1995, which sought to build relations between his native Slovenia and Italy.
The project was a success and it has since gone from strength to strength.
A milestone was reached in 2004 when Esimit Europa won the backing of the European Parliament President Pat Cox, who gave permission to sail under the European flag, and later the patronage of Manuel Barroso.
“The project enjoys confidence and support of European presidents, prime ministers, ministers and other endorsers,” he said.
Simcic’s success in the political arena has also been matched by successive wins in sailing regattas. For example, in its first season in 2010, Esimit Europa 2 yacht won all of its races (11 in a row) by competing in five Meditteranean regattas, setting two course records and winning the world maxi yacht championship title.
“An important element of Europe’s prosperity is its environmental efforts,” Simcic said. “That is why the yacht acts as an ambassador of the European Energy online movement, which motivates people to focus their energy on actions that will iimprove our lives in the future.”
Asked about the next steps for the project, Simcic said: “we want to consolidate our achievements so far. We are working very hard on the technological side of things. We are optimising the crew and preparing the project so that it remains a serious player.”
The yacht is now being fine tuned by a team of engineers ahead of its next race in San Tropez, followed by the Monte Carlo Regatta in June.
n For more information about the project and updates on the team’s progress, visit http://www.esimit.com
