La Regatta 2009 (This event has passed)

Description

Heave ho, me hearties! Float on cloud nine in Mauritius this November. Who can resist the happy spectacle of colourful traditional boats cutting across a beautiful, blue lagoon against the breathtaking scenery of the Grand Port Mountain range?

Scores of sails will be hoisted and set by high spirited crews for ‘La Regatta’ to Mahébourg. Over thirty ‘Pirogues', the traditional wooden sailing boats of Mauritius, will battle each other during a three-day festival celebrated at the rhythm of the Séga.

Linking the romance of the past, present and future, La Regatta aims to preserve the traditional heritage of Mauritius and give individuals and companies an opportunity to engage in joyful team building. Crews are usually made up of 5 to 7 men and women plus two skippers who compete on two different tracks on each day to win the coveted title of Best Sailor.

Protecting Mauritian biodiversity is the focus of La Regatta. The theme of eco-responsibility will be emphasised with practical workshops held by various associations and NGOs working for environmental protection.

A bit about the “pirogue”… Measuring between 19 and 23 feet, pirogues are the traditional boats of Mauritian fishermen and can take up to ten people. The hull is crafted from Black Wood and the middle mast is constructed of Takamaka wood, a pan tropical tree that can reach 30 meters. The yard that tightens the sail is made of bamboo. Pirogues of La Regatta are lighter and more pointed than those used for traditional fishing. All participating pirogue owners’ repaint their boat and give it a fresh new look. Pirogue names like “Noah” or “Just for Fun” enhance the jovial spirit of the occasion. Don’t miss this bright and breezy event!

A bit about Mahébourg Lagoon and Vieux Grand Port… Not only does this stunning region offer idyllic sailing, it also has a fascinating history. In 1598, the first Dutchmen settled here and named the island “Mauritius” after their sovereign, Maurits Van Nassau. And again in the Bay of Mahébourg, the Captain Victor Duperré of France won the Battle of Grand-Port in 1810, giving to Napoleon Bonaparte his only naval Victory, which is engraved on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

A nature lovers paradise just waiting to be explored, the lagoon of Mahébourg offers some awesome attractions. Sailing in the lagoon, you will discover numerous small coral islands - l'îlot Mouchoir Rouge, l'île Marianne, l'île de la Passe, l'île Vacoas, l’île Fouquet, l’île au Phare and finally l'île aux Aigrettes, dedicated to conservation of indigenous species like the Pigeon des Mares or the Pink Pigeon, the terrestrial tortoise and endemic plants. And apart from that, the charming village of Mahébourg is a wonderful place to explore and enjoy romantic beach walks.

Need to know? Check out www.laregatta.com