A boat that sails to-Europe!

Project Esimit Europe, which has been promoting dialogue and cooperation among European nations for he past two decades, now has a powerful, new symbol, the yacht Esimit Europe 2. The yacht, which is supposed to represent the best of Europe, is registered in Cyprus. It has a 18-member crew, led by triple Olympic champion and double winner of the America Cup Jochen Schuman, and boasts a truly exclusive detail- the European flag.

Though it is neither a political party, lobbying group or a think tank, Esimit Europe 2 seeks to revive the old ideal of a truly united Europe, says Igor Simcic, founder of the Project Esimit Europe, which has been promoting dialogue and cooperation among European nations with yacht Esimit Europe 2 as its symbol. The yacht, which is supposed to represent the best of Europe, is registered in Cyprus. It has a 18-member crew, led by triple Olympic champion and double winner of the America Cup Jochen Schuman, and boasts a truly exclusive detail- the European flag. All members of the crew come from different parts of the old continent as well. This serves as a powerful reminder that even in the midst of the economic crisis forces can be joined for a common good and differences surpressed so that inspiration can be found to fight as one team. The latest in a series of vehicles that carries the flag of the EU is also supported by two most powerful men in the EU: President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz and the European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. Schulz recently said: "As President of the European Parliament I would like to congratulate you on your deep commitment to strengthen the European identity through a fascinating sport, 'Rolex yachting European project'. This ship represents a high-tech European project, which is a welcome step, which brings people together under the European flag.'
'Supermax' yacht 'Esimit Europe 2' is 30 meters long and can reach the speed of over 38 knots. Thanks to its expert crew it has so far achieved 11 consecutive wins and in 2010 it broke two records. It is interesting that, although the crew members initially agreed to communicate in English, in practice they mostly use a form of 'to the point' language which, says Schuman, is the best solution, especially when it comes to competitions and races. Teams competing under the European flag can be found also in golf, specifically the Ryder Cup, but experts say it is unlikely that this could become a mass phenomenon since most people are too interested in local clubs and national teams.
'Esimit Europe 2' will compete against ships only in the major European regattas but Simcic hopes that this will change in the future so that one day entire continents and regions compete. Jochen Schuman is certain that this goal can be achieved, and therefore says: 'Sailing has been a way to connect countries and continents for centuries. I think the 'Esimit Europe 2' is a very appropriate symbol of what we are trying to achieve, and that is to show the world that we are always stronger when we work together. "