Regatta in Ashkelon

Each year in late June, a regatta of about 80 yachts from 20 different countries arrives in Ashkelon from Turkey. For the past 17 years the regatta has been led by the same Turkish businessman named Hassan Kakmaz. The regatta started at the end of April in Istanbul. For a couple of days there's an atmosphere of festival at the Marina. Boats, flags, tourists and local sea lovers - all meet and celebrate together. The visitors take tours and go on hikes in Israel, they see Massada and Jerusalem.The City of Ashkelon honors them with a festive welcome reception. This morning the mall was full of sailors, all shopping after many days at sea.

From Ashkelon they continue their journey to Egypt, bringing with them a message of peace and brotherhood to all . Nicole