The sailing team of MU-Varna has become vice-champion in the IRC 2 and ORC B classes at the National Championship for Keel Yachts. It took place in the waters of Varna Bay from 12th to 15th September. The event was organised by the Bulgarian Sailing Federation with the kind assistance of Medical University - Varna and hosted by Sailing Club Pontos and Black Sea - Breeze Sports Club. Twenty-eight sailing yachts have taken part in the race this year.
The final result after the two racing days assigned the second place for the youngest team at the regatta, only half a point behind the winner in class IRC 2 and two points behind the winner in class ORC B. The sailing yacht "Hygeia" was navigated by Captain Angel Dipchikov and a crew of students, who have passed the sailing course organised by the University.
A diverse social programme including a fire show, fireworks, and sailing demonstrations accompanied the Saturday. The award ceremony for the winning teams in the regatta was held on 15th September at Morska Gara - Varna (Sea Port – Varna). The Assistant Rector at MU-Varna Eng. Deyan Grancharov, the Chairman of the Bulgarian Sailing Federation Mr. Rosen Marangozov and the captain of the University yacht "Hygeia" Angel Dipchikov awarded the cup and the medals to the best sailors.
The yacht crews which took part at the championship thanked the organisers for the perfect work and wished everyone new achievement in the upcoming competitions.
Since academic year 2014/2015 Medical University - Varna has made Sailing a traditional and emblematic part of the mandatory student sports training. This attractive maritime sport has been practised by the students at leading universities around the world such as Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, Brown, etc. The Department of Foreign Language Training, Communications and Sports at Medical University - Varna has three new vessels for training, sports and competitive activities. The Sailing training courses provide future medical professionals with in-depth knowledge on the structure of the sailing yacht and the sailing racing regulations, the ability to navigate a sailboat on their own under moderate weather conditions, as well as legal capacity to participate in sailing regatta crews. At the same time, the training course fosters important skills in students - teamwork, perseverance, tenacity and responsibility. MU-Varna is also the only University in Bulgaria which provides training in "Maritime Medicine" for its students and gives expertise in the field of health issues associated with the human-marine environment relations. Thanks to the vessels available for training at the University, students have the opportunity to learn and gain knowledge on issues related to shipping and diving medicine, life guard activities and skills in water sports.
Veronica Stoyanova
