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3. Twenty Thousand Leagues on the Sea: Beirut and Cannes, United by a Passion for Yachting

Between tradition and modernity, the Beirut Yachting Club and its Cannes counterpart are celebrating a maritime friendship forged in the Mediterranean spray since 1955. This historic twinning, renewed on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Lebanese club, reflects a shared commitment to strengthening sporting and cultural ties between the two shores.

On the occasion of International Francophonie Day, which coincided this year with the 70th anniversary of the Beirut Yachting Club, a fresh breeze of renewal has swept over maritime relations between Lebanon and France. After seven decades of sailing together since 1955, the Beirut club has officially renewed its twinning agreement with the prestigious Cannes Yachting Club.

A Historic Alliance

Under the leadership of Commodore Rabih Salem, President of the Lebanese Yachting Federation, the Lebanese delegation arrived in Cannes. He was accompanied by Carla Chaghoury, president of the Lebanese Federation of Water Sports and member of the International Federation, Anthony el-Hachem, honorary president of the Beirut Yachting Club, and Anthony Radetic, ambassador for the International Federation’s Commission for Equality.

The French welcoming committee, led by Jean-François Coutoneau, president of the Cannes Yachting Club, and Commodore Pierre Gil, went to great lengths to celebrate this maritime friendship. In his opening speech, Coutoneau highlighted the deep ties between the two clubs and the two nations, recalling the special bond between Commodore Salem and the late Jean-Pierre Champion, a legendary figure in French sailing who led the French Sailing Federation for 21 years before his recent passing.

“Building bridges across the Mediterranean is an essential mission. This twinning is more than just a symbol—it represents a lasting commitment to both sport and culture,” Coutoneau emphasized.

A New Wave for Beirut

Taking the helm, Commodore Salem underscored the excellence of the relations between the two clubs, stressing the significance of this initiative for Beirut’s international presence.

“This partnership goes beyond yachting. It’s an opportunity to affirm Beirut’s role on all fronts: sports, tourism and the economy,” he stated, before thanking the President of Lebanon, General Joseph Aoun, for his unwavering support of the club—an engagement that dates back to his tenure as head of the army.

Ceremony and Friendly Maneuvers

The ceremony then took a symbolic turn, with an exchange of trophies and flags, followed by a toast in honor of this maritime alliance. The day concluded with a tour of the Cannes Yachting Club’s facilities, led by its president, allowing the Lebanese delegation to immerse themselves in the spirit and infrastructure of their long-standing partner.

With this renewed twinning, Beirut and Cannes set sail toward a new era of maritime collaboration, balancing tradition and modernity, on a sea where the winds of friendship continue to blow.