First launched in 2009 and held for three consecutive years until 2011, the Seychelles Regatta — a sailing competition designed to take place in a relaxed atmosphere — returns to the island nation’s shores in 2018. After a five-year break, the fourth edition of the sailing competition is set to take place from May 27 to June 3, 2018, when the southeast trade winds kick in.
Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Ambassador Maurice Loustau-Lalanne said, “We had the Seychelles Regatta a few years back, but it was discontinued for various reasons. Now that the event is back this is very important for us, as it goes well with the Seychelles image and we need to try and do this annually.”
The aim is to offer a balance of a rigorous sailing competition and tourism by encouraging a discovery of the Seychelles islands. For the 2018 edition, the participants will set sail from the Eden Island Marina. Praslin, Silhouette, Fregate are only a few of the islands being included on the itinerary.
Similar to past editions, the Seychelles Regatta is aiming to attract professional international skippers – both men and women.
A total of 10 international skippers are being targetted; and five — Michel Desjoyeaux, Samantha Davies, François Gabart, Loick Peyron, and Roland Jourdain — have already confirmed their participation.
“We are targeting 20 boats in total, each carrying a crew of 6 to 8 sailors, so we still have space for more participants to come in. Having local participants will help showcase the local flavour considering the competition is set to attract international press,” said Seychelles Tourism Board’s Chief Executive, Sherin Francis, adding that the Seychelles Tourism Board will also have its own team participating in the competition.
Two local skippers have already confirmed their participation. The Seychelles Tourism Board, which is coordinating the event locally, with the support of the Seychelles Yachting Association is encouraging local sponsors to support the event and local sailors to also register for the competition.
The event is organized by a France-based company — ‘Publi Voile’ — with the support of the Seychelles authorities including the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine and Seychelles Tourism Board.
Interested participants have until the end of January to register, and they can find more information on the Seychelles Regatta website or by contacting Maria Morel and Elsie Sinon at the Seychelles Tourism Board headquarters at Botanical House Mont Fleuri.
