The crews of the OVC "Nessebar 2000" marked an impressive performance at the prestigious International Regatta "Cor Caroli," winning two prize places in one of the most significant events in the Bulgarian sailing calendar. The 25th edition of the competition, organized by the "Cor Caroli" Foundation in collaboration with the "Capt. Georgi Georgiev – Port Varna" yacht club and the Municipality of Varna, brought together elite sailors and provided a competitive race along the entire Black Sea coast.
The yacht Stripptease, skippered by the experienced Georgi Mihov, demonstrated exceptional skills and finished in a prestigious second place. By a minimal margin, the yacht Extasy with skipper Stefan Kalchev and tactician Bozhidara Bozovayska – another prominent figure from the Nessebar club – ranked in third position, cementing the club"s dominance in the event. This double distinction is a clear sign of the high class of the Nessebar sailing school and the consistency in the preparation of their competitors.
A Traditional Challenge for Sailors
This year's regatta attracted the attention of the sailing community, with 34 crews and more than 240 participants. The route, which is traditionally among the longest and most demanding in the country, ran along almost the entire Black Sea coast, testing the crews' endurance and strategic skills. The first day of racing took place in the waters of the Varna Bay, and the competition then unfolded in a series of long stages. The races were held consecutively along the routes Varna – Balchik – Varna, then Varna – Sveti Vlas, and finally Sveti Vlas – Burgas.
The total length of the racing distance covered was approximately 100 nautical miles, and during the voyage, the crews faced diverse and challenging weather conditions. It is this combination of long distance and variable conditions that distinguishes the "Cor Caroli" Regatta from most other competitions included in the sailing federation"s sports calendar. The length of the races and the total duration of the event make it one of the toughest and at the same time most valuable tests for any sailor.
The "Cor Caroli" Regatta was established in 1992 in memory of Capt. Georgi Georgiev, one of the greatest heroes of Bulgarian sailing. He was the first Bulgarian to participate in the OSTAR transatlantic regatta in 1976, and subsequently made the first circumnavigation under the Bulgarian flag. This historic journey began on December 20, 1976, from Havana and ended with a triumphant return to the same place. Honoring his spirit and achievements, the regatta continues to attract the best crews with keel yachts, keeping alive the memory of the legendary sailor and his contribution to sailing.