Sailors for Dolphins herald the summer of the dolphin on the world's seas
Les Sables d´Olonne, 24 June. Following the launch of the campaign during the sailing regatta Route de l´Equateur in June, the campaign flag will fly again in the rig of the boats competing in the "Les-Sables-Madeira-Les Sables" and of "Record SNMS".
French skipper Philippe Naudin initiated the project ‘Sailors for Dolphins’ and linked the world’s most famous races to the Year of the Dolphin campaign. This is a unique initiative where world class sailors fly the official campaign flag while sailing on the world’s seas. “I think the competitors are natural and sincere ambassadors to convey the message on the urgent need to protect these marine species and their environment. We need to reflect on the future of our planet: Protecting dolphins is protecting life”, said Philippe Naudin.
Now Sailors for Dolphins are involved in two major races this summer: Les Sables-Madeira-Les Sables that is open to Classe Mini boats and “Record SNSM” between Saint Nazaire and Saint Malo on the Northern coast start with a total of 50 boats. The organizers of Record SNSM work for the protection of stranded cetaceans. Participating sailors have committed themselves to the National Sea Association of Rescue (Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer). With their support of the campaign, Sailors for Dolphins share the same values and create a link to dolphins, which are know to have saved men who were in distress at sea.
The Classe Mini will further support the campaign by including other races: it has announced that the Year of the Dolphin flag will be on official display during the Race of the three continents starting 1 July from Marseille to Alexandria and the Transat 650-Charente Maritime. The Classe Figaro will raise awareness on dolphin conservation in the villages serving as stop over during the Figaro 2007 trials. Moreover, information will be distributed to its members on its website.
A press boat in the colours of the Year of the Dolphin will escort the competitors during the first stage of Transat 650.
TUI being the main private sponsor of Sailors for Dolphins has provided financing of the campaign flags for the sailing boats.
