Worldwide Circassian brotherhood presented round-the-world sailing campaign project

The Worldwide Circassian brotherhood (WCB) started discussion of the project of a round-the-world sailing campaign of the Adygeyan-Abkhazian team. The initiator of the idea was ethnic Abkhaz David Ghechba, USSR master of sailing sports, participant and prize-winner of the international regattas, member of the organizing committee of the round-the-world sailing race "Volvo" of the Russian team of 2001, yacht distant navigation captain.

WCB addressed to the public, first of all Adygeyan-Abkhazian Diaspora, and the historical native land, in searches of sponsors and support, the president of the organization Zamir Shukhov informed “Caucasian unit" correspondent. The project should be implemented under patronage of the International Circassian association, the International Circassian academy of sciences, governments of Adygeya, Abkhazia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachaevo-Circassia, as the initiators of the project consider.

"Abkhazia was always glorified with its seaworthy traditions, - the author of the idea David Ghechba remarked. - So, in the 90s the sportsmen from Abkhazia had participated in the international regatta devoted to 500 years of America’s opening. During one of the stages of those competitions the crew on yacht "Abkhazia" won the first place. It is a very high parameter, as representatives of almost all the states participated in the regatta".

As to Circassian (Zihian, Abazghian and actually Circassian) sailing, it could be testified by the antique, Genoa, Ottoman and Russian sources, the author reminded. The existence of such fleet could be traced till the times of the Russian-Caucasian war, when it was destroyed by the imperial armies, he said.

The offered action today is especially urgent both to Circassians, and Abkhazes, the author of the idea supposes. First, it would appear to be a solid political benefit in the view of the world public. Many states sent their crews in the round-the-world navigation, but there had never been seamen from Caucasus there.

"We are obliged to remind the world about the past glory of our people and our sailors, - he told. – This event for unrecognized Abkhazia, coming in the XXI century being a dynamically developing independent state with a way to the sea, is especially urgent".

"The world public and especially our numerous Diaspora will be watching with a great attention and pride the sea racing of Adygeyan-Abkhazian (Circassian) seafarers, - he told further. - And our round-the-world navigation is necessary to understand as contribution to the memory of our ancestors - Circassian seafarers. On the other hand, it will remind the world about the great tragedy of Circassian people, which is not having of analogues in the world history".

The crew of the vessel should total from 6 up to 12 men, the author of the idea considers. The basis of such crew should be formed by 4 men - professional known people in the sailing sports. Among them there could be some Russian sportsmen, that would quite correspond to the historical information about joint sea campaigns.

The temporary crew should be formed by people of different professions (journalists, writers, historians, artists, students and so on). They would be changed in ports at each stage of the regatta, and their quantity could reach thirty men. They should be interesting people, who could give positive representation about Caucasus as a whole.

NatPress