Press release -
Karpaz Gate Marina Reflects on The Success of Hosting The 'Winds of Change' Sailing Project
On September 21, 2023, the Winds of Change Cyprus Team, under the leadership of Olympian and IOC Young Leader, Sophia Papamichalopoulos, made history by achieving the first circumnavigation of the island of Cyprus within its territorial waters in nearly fifty years.
The 'Winds of Change' project, initiated with a vision to build peace, connection, and transformation through sport, achieved a remarkable milestone as it brought together young Greek and Turkish Cypriots in a bi-communal sailing endeavour to circumnavigate the divided island of Cyprus. Following an extensive planning period of over 2 years, skippers, and Olympian siblings Sophia Papamichalopoulos Oly and Christopher Papamichalopoulos together with captain Nigel Davies, led a bi-communal crew on a journey along 327 nautical miles around the island, arriving back in Larnaca on the International Day of Peace.
Karpaz Gate Marina proudly announced its unwavering support for the historic 'Winds of Change' sailing project, which has now successfully concluded its mission to foster unity and promote yachting tourism across the island of Cyprus.
Karpaz Gate Marina, recognized as a pioneering development in Northern Cyprus, recognized the opportunity to enhance yacht tourism in the region and wholeheartedly endorsed the Winds of Change mission. This endorsement reaffirms the marina's commitment to fostering peacebuilding efforts and solidifies its position as a driving force in the future growth of yachting and travel tourism for the entire island.
As an Official Supporter of the 'Winds of Change' project, Karpaz Gate Marina played a vital role by hosting Sophia, the selected sailors, and coaches for a significant portion of their training schedule in August. The marina graciously provided access to its exceptional marine and leisure facilities, including accommodation, restaurants, conference rooms, and a gym.
Reflecting on this, Sophia Papamichalopoulos stated: “We felt warmly welcomed by the entire team at Karpaz Gate Marina and the local sailing community there. With the support of local skippers who provided their boats for the training, we managed to complete a successful course and explore the beautiful Karpaz Peninsula by sea. We were grateful to use the high-level facilities at Karpaz Gate Marina to conduct our intense training course which also included other sport activities such as open water swimming, running, and indoor training. I am so grateful for Liza’s support and the fact that she believed in me and supported this project from a very early stage, and even before we were certain that we could make it happen.”
Liza Singer, Managing Director at Karpaz Gate Marina, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, saying, "When I heard about Sophia's ambitious idea for the Winds of Change project, I had no hesitation in offering support. There is a synergy with the Karpaz Gate Marina development and our vision to lead the development of the region, a lesser-known area of the East Mediterranean, in the yachting community and in the yachting tourism sector. We have enjoyed hosting and getting to know the members of this inspirational team and would gladly welcome them back for any future events."
In the ultimate challenge that unfolded in September, team members lived together on the boat, honing their communication and leadership skills as they endeavoured to become the first Cypriot team to circumnavigate the island.
Reflecting on the project's profound impact, Sophia Papamichalopoulos stated: “For some of our participants it was the first time crossing a checkpoint to the north. Completing our sailing training course with the support of both sailing institutions on the northern and southern coasts of the island, demonstrates the power of sport to foster relationships and collaboration between the people and to create a neutral ground for people to share their passion for sailing. Our project contributes to peace and conflict prevention by bringing the two divided communities in Cyprus together, inspiring more bi-communal activities on the island, and promoting the use of sport in the peace-building process.”
A dedicated film crew documented the journey, capturing pivotal moments for an upcoming documentary production. This documentary aims to showcase how the power of sports can inspire and promote peace on a global scale. The 'Winds of Change' sailing project represents an inspiring chapter in Cyprus's history, where the spirit of unity and the allure of yachting tourism have joined forces to leave a lasting legacy of peace and cooperation.
Ends
For further press information, contact:
Karpaz Gate Marina
Office Tel: +90 533 833 7878
E: info@karpazbay.com
Charlotte Bulloch, Saltwater Stone
Tel: +44 (0)1202 669244
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Notes to Editors
Winds of Change venture was officially launched back in April 2023 in celebration of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP).
Originally, the intention was to choose only six people to advance to the next steps of the project, but owing to everyone's incredible engagement and efforts, another crowdfunding campaign was launched by the Winds for Change group, which granted the project enough funds to advance all twelve participants to the second phase.
For live updates and content on the Winds of Change project see Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Karpaz Gate Marina Resort
Our Vision: Karpaz Gate Marina’s mission is to introducethe less travelled areas of the Eastern Mediterranean to lead the development of this region to create a unique Home, Haven and Heaven on Earth for guests by land and sea.
To achieve the high standards required and to be able to realize our vision, we recognize the importance of upholding the dedication and commitment of our well-trained, motivated and enthusiastic team of employees.
We are committed to making a difference, both for all of our clients as well as for our local community in the remote and beautiful area of the Karpaz.
We are Different, Better, Special.
- Location: the northern shore of the Karpaz Peninsula in North Cyprus, 20nm west of Cape Andreas and 48nm east of Girne (N35 33.5’ E34 13.6’)
- Awards: Karpaz Gate Marina was named The Yacht Harbour Association’s (TYHA) International Marina of the Year Runner-up in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022, and the 2017 International Marina of the Year Winner; TYHA’s rating of 5 Gold Anchors was received in July 2013 and the rating of Platinum, Clean Marina status in April 2023; ICOMIA Clean Marina standard achieved in July 2013 and Sustainable Smart Marina award at the Monaco Sustainable & Smart Marina Rendezvous in September 2023.
Karpaz Gate Marina won booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards 2023; two LUXLife awards, a Restaurant Guru award for Hemingway’s and a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award.
Marina
- Berths: 300 accommodating up to 60m vessels, including 15 berths for superyachts
- Berth services: power and fresh water available for every berth; TV connection; high speed Wi-Fi to all areas of the marina
- Security: 24/7 CCTV and security personnel throughout the marina as well as access control and access cards for each marina area
- Boat Yard: 18,000 square metres of dry storage area, with modern and fully-equipped workshops and a 300-ton travel lift accommodating yachts with a beam up to 10m. Services include: yacht painting, carpentry, hull repairs, anti-fouling (including Coppercoat application), polishing and varnishing, teak work, engine and reduction gear servicing, rudder system servicing, navigation equipment servicing, electrical works
- Fuel: Euro diesel and gasoline available
- Duty Free status: includes duty-free prices on fuel, technical services and supplies, as well as berthing fees
- Yacht Club: boat owner and crew meeting place with lounge, kitchen, play area, meeting room
- Yacht Charter: sailing yachts and motorboats available for full and half day trips
- RYA Training Centre: Ocean Yachting RYA Training Centre offers theory and practical courses
- Port of Entry: marina office provides full assistance with clearance procedures
- Group membership: ICOMIA Marinas Group (IMG); ‘Destinations’, a network of exclusive marinas established by ART Marine Marinas
- Contact: Marina Office on VHF Channel 10 ‘Karpaz Gate Marina’. The marina also listens on Channel 16
- Cruising locations: there are miles of sandy beaches, coves and bays along the north east coast of Northern Cyprus, with Famagusta (67nm) and Girne (48nm) a short sail away. The nearby southern Turkish coastline includes the harbours of Alanya, Antalya, Marmaris and Bodrum. In just under 300 nautical miles it is possible to reach Rhodes, gateway to the Greek Islands
- 2023 offers*: packages include a free haul out, hull wash and anti-fouling application with 21 days hard standing for annual berth holders; Easy Come Easy Go ‘Freezing Option’ to suspend annual contract; Flexible packages to berth in water or dry dock; Technical Package; Discounts for renewing clients *Terms and Conditions apply
Resort
- Hotel: on-site boutique Karpaz Gate Marina Hotel featuring nautical design, with 52 cabins, each with terrace or balcony views, including 44x32sqm Standard Cabins, 4x58sqm Family Corner Cabins, 4x58sqm Corner Suite Cabins
- The Gallery: 20m indoor pool, jacuzzi and gym are exclusively available for marina and hotel clients; 2 x corporate meeting rooms with tables, chairs, audio and visual equipment
- Hamam and Spa:treatment rooms, saunas and tradition hamam
- Beach Club: with 33m Infinity pool, watersports centre providing kayaks and SUPs, private beach with cabanas, children’s pool and play area, restaurant and bar
- Hemingway’s Resto-Bar: serves international and traditional cuisine all day on the promenade
- Fitness studio:for pilates, yoga and other classes
- Events and occasions: music events, weddings, parties, business meetings
- Shore services: on-site mini-market, chandlery, laundry room, international currency ATM
- Concierge: airport transfers and border pass assistance, transportation around the island, tours, activities, car rental, all personal assistance
- Freshwater: produced on site
- Pollution controls: waste water collection and treatment plant; solid waste collection stations; bilge water collection service; waste engine oil collection stations; independent desalination plant on site
- Sustainability: solar plan, recycling, on-site vegetable and herb garden, green house and nursery
- Hotel and activity packages include: Golf & Relaxation; Gourmet; Wellness; Sail; Pilates, Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat
- North Cyprus sites and attractions include: Karpaz National Park, Golden Beach, St Hilarion, Kantara and Buffavento Castles, Apostolos Andreas Monastery, the ruins of Agia Trias Basilica (Siphai Village), the Ancient City of Salamis, Famagusta old city, Kyrenia (Girne) old harbour, Kyenia Castle and the Shipwreck Museum, Nicosia (Lefkosa) old city, Alagadi Turtle Beach, Bellapais Village and Abbey, Five Finger Mountains and Ayios Philon Church. An abundance of shops and restaurants and interesting attractions are available at the main hubs of Famagusta (Gazimağusa), Nicosia (Lefkoşa) and Girne (Kyrenia).
