History
The Famagusta District Sailing Club "Begafigo" was founded in 2002 by private initiative of sailors whose wish is to offer sailing opportunities in the ideal conditions of the charismatic east coast. After the Turkish invasion in 1974 and the destruction of Famagusta, sailing disappeared from the area, leaving the local youth without the choice of sailing, seamanship and the noble human ties & friendship that only sailing can cultivate.
Famagusta District Sailing Club was originally named "Begafigo", a word which derives from the Latin name of “Ambelopouli” (the bird of the vine or fig tree). The idea was born from the fact that the seabird, travels from the African coast and nest in the environment of our Sailing Club. The colors of the emblem of our club are as follows: The Orange, which is the most visible, and the last color that disappears at sea when it gets dark. The White, symbolizing the sails while scripts the official name of the Club. And the Black, color of the honoured sea bird which shows the original name of the Club in an exclusive graphical performance.
In 2005 the club was awarded with a certificate of registration from Cyprus Republic and an athletic recognition certificate by Cyprus Sports Organization. In 2006 was honoured by the Cyprus Sailing Federation for its contribution in spreading and expanding the sport and tournaments in Cyprus. Today Begafigo has over 200 registered members, 2 safety boats and a fleet of over 60 trail-able sailing classes as Laser, Catamaran, Monohulls, and Optimists. The club maintains an inshore sailing and racing academy and since 2009 a very active offshore racing section that operates a fleet of 11 yachts berthed in Larnaca Marina. Begafigo runs throughout the year a Club championship and participates in the National championships in the classes of Optimist, Laser and Open Sea, which also organizes and hosts. Begafigo, pioneers in the creation of a new mixed Catamaran Class for which organizes annual National Regatta. Also managed a significant upgrade in offshore sailing by the establishment of the annual international “Israel to Cyprus” race in cooperation with Israel Yacht Club, and by continuously extending the training of our crews.
Since its establishment, the Club was situated at the South coast of the “Nisia” area in Protaras where it grew and operated for 6 years. The rapid development required to move towards a more broad and unrestricted coast, thus moving towards Famagusta after the consent of Paralimni Municipality. Now is located 100 meters South of the of the Holy Trinity Church’s fishing shelter, after a ministerial decision on leased land, which was granted for the development of sailing through the Cyprus Sports Organization. The Club has now the necessary management facilities and the basic sanitation installations in the service of athletes and visitors.
Famagusta District Sailing Club "Begafigo" has become a magnet of people who love the sea and embrace its values. After 10 years of painstaking and persistent voluntary work, these people managed to create an organized and secure environment through which youth can now discover the potentials of enhancing their quality of life by approaching the sea through this sport. Sailing is undoubtedly one of the best and more environmentally friendly ways to understand and enjoy the magic of the sea.
With the imminent hiring of a qualified coach, the board expects a broad attendance of local youth in the sport, through communication that we seek with parents and educational institutes. Only then we believe that our long-term efforts will be justified and gain value.
Famagusta District Sailing Club was originally named "Begafigo", a word which derives from the Latin name of “Ambelopouli” (the bird of the vine or fig tree). The idea was born from the fact that the seabird, travels from the African coast and nest in the environment of our Sailing Club. The colors of the emblem of our club are as follows: The Orange, which is the most visible, and the last color that disappears at sea when it gets dark. The White, symbolizing the sails while scripts the official name of the Club. And the Black, color of the honoured sea bird which shows the original name of the Club in an exclusive graphical performance.
In 2005 the club was awarded with a certificate of registration from Cyprus Republic and an athletic recognition certificate by Cyprus Sports Organization. In 2006 was honoured by the Cyprus Sailing Federation for its contribution in spreading and expanding the sport and tournaments in Cyprus. Today Begafigo has over 200 registered members, 2 safety boats and a fleet of over 60 trail-able sailing classes as Laser, Catamaran, Monohulls, and Optimists. The club maintains an inshore sailing and racing academy and since 2009 a very active offshore racing section that operates a fleet of 11 yachts berthed in Larnaca Marina. Begafigo runs throughout the year a Club championship and participates in the National championships in the classes of Optimist, Laser and Open Sea, which also organizes and hosts. Begafigo, pioneers in the creation of a new mixed Catamaran Class for which organizes annual National Regatta. Also managed a significant upgrade in offshore sailing by the establishment of the annual international “Israel to Cyprus” race in cooperation with Israel Yacht Club, and by continuously extending the training of our crews.
Since its establishment, the Club was situated at the South coast of the “Nisia” area in Protaras where it grew and operated for 6 years. The rapid development required to move towards a more broad and unrestricted coast, thus moving towards Famagusta after the consent of Paralimni Municipality. Now is located 100 meters South of the of the Holy Trinity Church’s fishing shelter, after a ministerial decision on leased land, which was granted for the development of sailing through the Cyprus Sports Organization. The Club has now the necessary management facilities and the basic sanitation installations in the service of athletes and visitors.
Famagusta District Sailing Club "Begafigo" has become a magnet of people who love the sea and embrace its values. After 10 years of painstaking and persistent voluntary work, these people managed to create an organized and secure environment through which youth can now discover the potentials of enhancing their quality of life by approaching the sea through this sport. Sailing is undoubtedly one of the best and more environmentally friendly ways to understand and enjoy the magic of the sea.
With the imminent hiring of a qualified coach, the board expects a broad attendance of local youth in the sport, through communication that we seek with parents and educational institutes. Only then we believe that our long-term efforts will be justified and gain value.
Weather
25°C
Partly Cloudy
Humidity: 50%
Wind: SW at 21 mph
Sat 15°C / 26°C 
Sun 15°C / 22°C 
Mon 17°C / 25°C
