<p>We are very pleased and honoured that the naval warfare academies of Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland have chosen to hold the 2015 Nordic Cadet Meeting in Ystad. The last time NOCA was held in Ystad was 1970, 45 years ago.</p>

<p>Ystad has a long and proud maritime history. We have a soft spot for Hiorten. The original sailed between Ystad and Wittow and Stralsund in Swedish Pomerania during the 1600s to deliver the mail – Sweden’s first regular overseas route. Hiorten actually has its own jetty in Ystad Marina.</p>

<p>Ystad was populated by fishermen as early as the 1100s. At that time, the shoreline was several hundred metres further up towards Stortorget, the main square. In the 1300s, Ystad was characterised by the Hanseatic League. The medieval period brought trade in oxskins, salt and herring. Engelska bryggan, our harbour in the 1600s, is now a reef running a few hundred metres from shore near the Sandskogen sports ground. It has become a popular spot for sea anglers. During the Napoleonic period and Continental Blockade, Ystad grew rich thanks to its shrewd merchants. This explains the town’s mix of small, medieval half-timbered houses and large, Empire-style stone houses. Today, Ystad is Sweden’s third-largest passenger port, serving over 1.7 million travellers annually. You will get to see all the vessels up close.</p>

<p>Nowadays, Ystad is known for its many events and festivals, detective novels and films, and sport. You will visit some of our fine sports arenas.&nbsp; And, you will run into Wallander fans from different parts of the world. On the sports side, Ystad can proudly claim world stars in everything from handball and swimming to boxing. When you are in Ystad, the jazz festival visitors will have just gone home and the tattoo visitors will have just arrived.&nbsp; Ystad’s military history as a base for dragoon, air-defence, infantry and tank regiments, makes it an ideal venue for a military music festival, which you will all be able to experience.</p>

<p>We wish you a warm welcome to Sweden’s Riviera, and hope you will also find time to enjoy our 40 kilometres of wonderful sandy beaches. Good luck with all your events!</p>

<p>Kaj Jönsson<br />
Mayor</p>

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