International regatta sets sail in Lake Sevan

August 25, 2010 - 12:29 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - International regatta set sail in Lake Sevan on August 24 in the framework of Travel without Borders project.

Nairi and Ani boats will follow Tspatah-Ayrivank-Shorzha-Swallow Island route. The crews includes Cilicia vessel captain Karen Balayan, vice president of sailing federation of Armenia Smbat Hakobyan, diver Rafael Mkrtchyan and other navigators and researchers.

“The main goal of the event is develop tourism in Armenia. This project will help foreign citizens better know our country,” said Areg Nazaryan, editor of National Geographic Traveler Armenia.

WBA, WIBF and WBO flyweight champion Susi Kentikian and Russian diver Vadim Plevtsov were honorable guests at the opening ceremony.

“I am glad to be here today, although the water in the lake in very cold,” Plevtsov said.

The project also includes horse races on the Armenian segment of the Silk Road and international auto racing via Russia-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Turkey-Georgia-Armenia route. Besides, rock and bike festivals, as well as an international conference with participation of representatives of National Geographic Traveler offices of various countries will be organized.