We wish to inform the HJS assembly, its delegates, sailors and the public about an unreasonable initiative coming from two clubs to boycott the 39th International New Year's Regatta, even though it is a ranking regatta for the Laser and Optimist classes.
Every club has the right to take part in regattas in the Republic of Croatia according to its means and its work plan. JK Zvir likewise competes in regattas in line with its financial means. JK Zvir has never lobbied friendly clubs not to take part in a regatta - on the contrary, we lend out our van and trailer even when we ourselves are not competing. We consider the behaviour of these two clubs unsporting and think they set a bad example to athletes who want to spend time together, regardless of the megalomaniacal demands of their leaderships that their own athletes must stand above everyone else.
Instead of coming together so that young athletes have the chance to learn from those better and more experienced, with this behaviour they show bad blood and keep score against us - fortunately not along national lines, but according to whether or not we unquestioningly support their candidates for HJS president. All of this is happening because JK Zvir would not support Mr Mikulandra's candidacy for HJS president. We have already been told that he will do everything to prevent JK Zvir from organizing a single future regatta.
JK Zvir has its own opinion, just like the rest of you assembly delegates. So allow us to be independent, and not servants of a bigger and richer brother. We will inform the Croatian Olympic Committee and the media about this.
Despite all their attempts, this New Year's Regatta will be as successful as all the previous ones, and next year we will celebrate the 40th jubilee. All sailors are, and always will be, welcome in Hvar! See you!
JK Zvir Secretary
Nikša Ive
