Sep 14, 2023, 11:00:00 AM
The Nautical
Cluster of Ría de Vigo announced this morning the fourth edition of Blue Week.
The presentation event was attended by Carlos Botana, President of the Port
Authority of Vigo; Marta Fernández-Tapias, 1st Vice President of the Provincial
Council of Pontevedra; Ana Ortiz, Territorial Delegate of the Xunta in Vigo;
José Ramón Lete, Secretary General for Sports; and Jorge Alonso, President of
the Nautical Cluster of Ría de Vigo.
According to
information provided during the presentation of this event, which has become a
benchmark in promoting Galicia and the Ría de Vigo as cultural and tourist
destinations through sports, cultural, and recreational nautical activities,
Blue Week will take place from September 30th to October 8th and has the
support of the Secretary General for Sports, the Regional Ministry of the Sea,
Abanca, the Port Authority of Vigo, Ecoembes, and Anfaco Cecopesca.
The fourth
edition of Blue Week promises to exceed all expectations, as it will feature a
wide variety of activities offered by members of the Nautical Cluster of Ría de
Vigo and prominent collaborating entities. These activities aim to provide an
unforgettable experience in the Ría de Vigo, open to both schools and the
general public. Among the collaborating entities participating in the event
are: Galping, Prado Surf, Rías Baixas Sports Fishing Association, Traslatio
Foundation, Wake&Dive, Surf Vigo, Julio Verne Association, Sailway, Real
Club Náutico de Vigo, Breogán Diving, Nabia Shipping Company, CEMMA, Coca-Cola,
Trece Grados, Royal Galician Federation of Powerboating, Devanceiros do Mar
Association, Sueste Association, Amonaga, O Cerco Redeiras de Cangas, Naval
Military School, and Nos Agrupación Cultural Deportiva Recreativa.
Unique
Experiences
During these
days, attendees will be able to enjoy unique experiences in the Ría de Vigo,
ranging from guided cruises to introductory activities in various sports,
learning cooking techniques in show cooking, practicing snorkeling at the Cíes
Islands, or visiting the submarine observatory "Nautilus," the
"Hidria II," or the training sailboat "Peregrina" of the
Navy.
In addition,
to promote environmental awareness, Ecoembes will offer training and awareness
talks in collaboration with Blue Week, and various free marine-themed
exhibitions will be installed at the facilities of the Maritime Station of
Vigo.
This year, a
gastronomic and musical space will also be set up on Las Avenidas promenade,
where attendees can taste the best products from the Ría while enjoying musical
performances by local groups.
Those
interested in participating in Blue Week can consult the complete program of
activities and access registration forms for each of them through the blog of
the Nautical Cluster of Ría de Vigo website (Nautical Cluster of Ría de Vigo
blog), as well as on the association's social media channels, Twitter
(@RiadevigoAriven) and Facebook.
De-seasonalizing
these types of activities
As the port
president, Carlos Botana, revealed, the goal of the institution he presides
over is to extend these types of sea-related initiatives through various
activities throughout the rest of the year. This was also highly appreciated by
Ana Ortiz, the territorial delegate of the Xunta in Vigo, who emphasized the
importance of bringing the Ría closer to the citizens.
José Ramón
Lete, Secretary General for Sports, pointed out that the sea is a
"strategic sector of the utmost relevance for the blue growth of our
economy," and that nautical sports are "a reference point" at
the national level.
Finally,
Marta Fernández-Tapias, 1st Vice President of the Provincial Council of
Pontevedra, advocated for "showing our Ría to the world" through such
initiatives, which she highly praised and which represent "creating a base
for children to approach the sea."
The Cluster
The Nautical
Cluster Association of Ría de Vigo is a non-profit entity that was established
as part of the Blue Growth strategy of the Port of Vigo to promote nautical
culture and strengthen the nautical sector. It currently consists of 23
entities linked to the nautical value chain in the Ría de Vigo, including
numerous nautical sports clubs and operators of tourist activities. They have
experience in designing events and initiatives related to maritime tourism and
recreational nautical activities.
The
Association works for the strengthening of the nautical sector through multiple
avenues, with a priority focus on valuing heritage resources related to the sea
as a way to enhance the culture, history, and natural elements present in the
area. In this framework, they promote the implementation of actions to bring
society closer to the sea through sports, recreational nautical activities, and
cultural and tourist activities. This not only promotes health but also
personal and social enrichment and serves as a clear driver of local economic
development.
• A total of 528 students from six schools in Vigo and the surrounding metropolitan area took part in nautical, environmental, and cultural activities organized in the Vigo Bay. • The educational program included workshops, sailing experiences, and visits to historic ships, all carried out over two intense mornings of active participation. • This marks the fifth edition of Festival Azul, promoted by the Rías Baixas Nautical Cluster Association, which continues to establish itself as a key cultural, sporting, and educational event in Galicia.
• The new edition of Festival Azul will take place from May 22 to 25 in the Vigo Bay, featuring a full program of sports, tourism, culture, and educational activities. • The event was officially presented today at a press conference with representatives from the Xunta de Galicia, the Pontevedra Provincial Council, the Port Authority of Vigo, and the Rías Baixas Nautical Cluster Association. • Registration for activities is now open on the website and social media channels of the Rías Baixas Nautical Cluster.