It’s under the radient sunset on a friday night, on “the Green Beach” of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, that Opening ceremony of the 2018 World University Sailing Championship was held. This lively ceremony was marked by the presence of an unexpected and distinguished guest.
After each of the 10 délégations marched at the parade of nations in the presence of 300 spectators and guests, former French Prime Minister and also former mayor of Cherbourg, Bernard Cazeneuve made his appearance while the french national anthem sounded in the sky of Normandy.
A great opportunity arised for Benoit Arrivé, the President of the local organizing committee and current mayor of Cherbourg, and for Leonz Eder, 1st Vice President of the FISU to pay tribute to those who supported from the very start the Candidate City of Cherbourg three years ago.
Mr. Cazeneuve was even invited to give a speech on the stage and take this opportunity to thank the founders of the event, Olivier Gosselin and Eric Le Roi, two professors of physical education of the Cherbourg University campus.
The Admiral Pascal Ausser, Maritime’s prefect, officially declared the World Championship open which was followed by the artistic performance of the students from the University of Normandy.
Now, it’s time for sport: here come the four days of the competition!