The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry highlighted in Horta the symbolism of Atlantis Cup, the biggest and most important sailing regatta held in the Azores that celebrates its 30th anniversary. It bears the designation of "Autonomy Regatta."
 
"Autonomy is one of our greatest assets as a Region and we all have the duty to uphold and consolidate it. Designating this regatta, which unites all islands and all Azoreans, as the Autonomy Regatta is quite accurate insofar as it embodies the spirit we intend to instil," said João Ponte at the presentation of this year's event.
 
João Ponte also highlighted the fact that the 2018 edition, held once again with the support of the Regional Government, is even more symbolic since it accomplishes the goal of reaching all islands of the archipelago.
 
For the Regional Secretary, the longevity of this event, organised by the Horta Nautical Club, is a sign of the success achieved over the years, continuing to arouse interest among different audiences.
 
"This regatta has turned the sea into a kind of road that unites the islands," stressed João Ponte. In this context, he added that this reality is particularly felt on the so-called "Triangle islands" (Faial, Pico and São Jorge) throughout the years, bearing in mind that "the sea is regarded as an extension of the territory as well as an element that unites instead of separating."
 
The government official stressed that the Azores Sea is a "source of wealth, research and potential for future development," but, simultaneously, is a space for recreational activities and the practice of sports, as evidenced by the organisation of Atlantis Cup - Autonomy Regatta.