April 20, 2016, Updated April 19, 2016

The largest water sports festival in Israel is now underway at the Tel Aviv Marina. Sailors, surfers, kayakers, SUP boarders, swimmers and marine fans are all taking part in the Sail Tel Aviv-Yafo (April 18-28) Passover holiday event.

The highlight of the water festival is a rally on April 28 featuring all types of vessels as they sail across the coastline between Tel Aviv Port and Jaffa Port.

Tel Aviv water sports. Photo by Efrat Saar
Tel Aviv water sports. Photo by Efrat Saar

“The city of Tel Aviv-Yafo cultivates values of pluralism, entrepreneurship and innovation. We at Atarim endorse the same values and have set ourselves a challenge to develop and expand the Tel Aviv coastline. Our projects include accessible beaches to everyone encourage and develop water sports and tournaments as well as positioning Tel Aviv as an attractive beach destination for tourists and residents alike,” said Yaron Klein, CEO of Atarim — the municipality’s department in charge of the city’s coast. “I invite the public to join one of the city’s most significant projects- the renovation of the Lahat promenade, and enjoy the beaches’ attractions.”

Tel Aviv coast. Photo by Efrat Saar .
Tel Aviv coast. Photo by Efrat Saar .

Also on April 28, four competitions will run throughout the day: The sports competitions and main events will take place on April 28th, activities will include: a professional sailing competition, a SUP competition, a kayak contest, and an open water swimming event.

The kayak competition is unique in that it will feature 150 paddlers replete with nets and one common goal: to collect the largest amount of waste from the sea.

The happening includes activities such as a beach volleyball tournament and an Instagram photo contest.