A word from the Mayor of Gravelines

« Ladies and Gentlemen,
Yachting friends,

It is with a real pleasure that the town of Gravelines will join forces to the next edition of the Skippers d’Islande race

After having fitted a boat with the colours of our Port, for the last editions of Skippers d'Islande, we will cross an additional path in 2009, joining the organization. In the name of the nautical resort of Gravelines, I wish to thank Emile Poidevin and his Committee for the confidence they’ve granted us with the rallying and the stage in Gravelines.

The people of Gravelines, of all generations, will do everything in their power to hold a cordial reception to the skippers and the organizing members. I know that this collaboration will add a further stage to this race; it is the objective we target jointly.

Beyond the sporting exploit, the competitors will sail over our old maritime territories of the “great fishing era”. It is the most powerful homage which will be paid to the French fishermen in Iceland.

See you all in 2009 for a great moment of sailing and I already wish to welcome you
on the banks of the river Aa, on the Opal coast in our great region of “Nord-Pas de Calais" »

Bertrand RINGOT
Mayor of Gravelines,
Vice-President of Dunkerque Grand Littoral
President of SIVOM des Cantons de Bourbourg/Gravelines et de l’Aa
President of the Board of Tourism of the Rives de l’Aa