Mauritius Ocean Classic – Race AnnouncementWritten by Rob Mousley The inaugural Mauritius Ocean Classic is scheduled for 1 and 4 July 2009.The event is supported by both an airline - Air Mauritius - and a resort chain - Naiade - which makes this the first World Series race geared towards family as well as outstanding racing conditions.
Downwind Dash - Le Morne in the background (Pic: Owen Middleton) Two World Series RacesThe event will see not one, but two downwind Surfski World Series races:
The actual dates may change by a day or so depending on the weather. What's it like to paddle in Mauritius?Picture this:
This is paddling heaven. For weather forecasts and statistics, see: www.windfinder.com/windstats/windstatistic_plaisance_mauritius.htm What you can expect in July is a moderate to strong ESE wind with big 2-3m swells coming from behind you as paddle towards the southwest tip of the island.
Apart from the stunning downwind conditions, there are thrills to be had when you come in through the Le Morne channel - huge breakers on either side and a wave that jacks up in the middle - the guys who can catch that wave will have a huge advantage.
The two images below show my track - on the short 15km course from Tamassa to Les Pavillons. The first image is evidence of poor judgement - I went OVER the reef. Fortunately it was a small day and I was only smacked gently by the sea and I didn't break the boat! The second image shows the track when you come in through the channel.
The last kilometre of the race is inside the reef on flat water - and it'll be the most spectator friendly finish in the series. Family Time?Naiade Resorts have made massive reductions in the rates for Tamassa (4-star and the race headquarters) Resort and the Les Pavillons (stunning 5-star) Resorts. Air Mauritius is adding ridiculously low airfares into the mix. This is the first race where the families may have more fun than the paddlers... The resorts are beautiful - snorkelling, sailing and windsurfing are thrown in and there are spas and gyms and... then there's the rest of the island. Click here for the Event Brochure Click here for the Resort Rates Air Mauritius Rates are still to be confirmed and will be posted ASAP Event website: (Still under construction) Dolphin ExperienceAlmost every morning wild dolphins may be seen cruising gently in a group inside Tamarin Bay near Black River. No-one knows why - but it's almost as though they're gearing themselves up to hunt, and around mid-morning they disappear, swimming out into the open ocean where they spend the night. Next morning, there they are, back in the bay... One of the highlights of my first trip to Mauritius was a trip to swim with these dolphins - it was a mind-blowing experience to be in crystal clear water, within touching distance of the beautiful creatures. If you do nothing else in Mauritius - you must do this. JP Henry Charters Ltd are offering discounted rates to paddlers and their families during the event - for the dolphin trips, catamaran day cruises as well as big game fishing. Claim a 10% discount when you book prior to arrival via pascal@blackriver-mauritius.com For more information, see www.blackriver-mauritius.com |
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