Israel Matzav

Unsportsmanlike conduct

For the second time in three years, Egypt has interfered in the "Med-to-Red" yacht race, this time stopping yachts that had visited Israel at Port Said and eventually forcing at least some of them to turn back.

Eleven yachts set sail from Tel Aviv nine days ago as part of the Med-Red Rally sailing event, during which they were meant to pass through Egypt's Suez Canal. However, Egyptian authorities delayed the yachts for over a week at Port Said, eventually forcing the disappointed yachtsmen to turn back without completing their long-awaited journey.

The angry seamen – who in previous years had been received by the Egyptians with open arms – declared that they would write a letter to the president of Egypt.

The Med-Red Rally is considered the largest sailing event in the Middle East, and this year marks its fourth anniversary. The route begins in Turkey, passes by Israel and continues through southern Egypt towards the Red Sea. The yachts left Tel Aviv's port last Sunday on their way to the finish line at Sharm el-Sheik, but were stopped at Port Said.

According to the yachtsmen, Egyptian authorities refused to allow them to pass, citing various excuses. "Every day they gave us different excuses," said C ommodoreIzzy Swisa. "Once it was a large ship that was passing, another time it was heavy traffic....I believe it those were pretexts, and the only reason was that I was Israeli, which is too bad."

...

Swisa was the only Israeli participating in the segment of the sailing event passing through Suez. The other yachts came from various countries worldwide. "The goal of the event is to encourage naval tourism between Israel and its neighbors," Swisa explained. "But unfortunately this year the Egyptians decided to dampen our spirits."

On Tuesday the Egyptians finally granted the sailors permission to sail, but unfortunately only back to Israel. "When we get back I plan to write a harsh letter to President Mubarak and the Egyptian tourism minister," Swisa said. "I can't think of a reason for their behavior, except for my being Israeli. I demand an apology."

The rally will likely change course next year. Peace treaty. Oh yeah, we have one don't we? Notice that they're not even bothering with excuses anymore.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 11:52 PM