2021 Sailing Season Opens in Balatonfüred

The traditional sail launching ceremony opened the sailing season in Balatonfüred on Saturday, and this day also saw the start of the 878 Co. Grand Prix.

The President of the Hungarian Sailing Federation, Zoltán Gerendy, said at the ceremony, which was held in a smaller circle than usual due to the coronavirus epidemic, that 164 boats had entered the race. Speaking about the forthcoming Tokyo Olympics, he said that despite the continuing uncertainty surrounding the epidemic, they were optimistic about the future and were preparing for the event with great vigor.

The organization’s secretary general, András Holczhauser told the state news agency MTI that the season-opening race would feature 26 categories, with competitors returning to Balatonfüred after passing Alsóörs and Tihany. He pointed out that 15% of the field is made up of women. The prize-giving ceremony, which has been held since 1935, will take place on July 21, he added.

Balatonfüred Mayor István Bóka said that the opening ceremony was not only the start of the sailing season, but also the traditional start of the tourist season. He welcomed the fact that "by now, Lake Balaton and Balatonfüred count as four season venues". The mayor expressed his hope that this year will be another successful Olympic year for sailing. He stressed that never before had there been such a chance of achieving good results in both the men's and women's disciplines as in Tokyo.

In keeping with the tradition of sail breaking, the celebrations included a wreath-laying ceremony at Lake Balaton, with the national flag flying.