MAURITIUS ISLAND

FEBRUARY - The World Marlin Cup

Held every year at Le Morne Anglers Club, whom my grandfather was the founder member of this elite fishing club Mr Allan Cambier back in the late 1950's. Mauritius is now world renowned for its Big Game Fishing, we currently hold some of the world best catch and records.

Find out more about the Marlin World Cup.

MAY- The Royal Raid 35 & 80Kms

The Royal consist of 2 races held simultaneously - a 35 & 80 Kms race which often draws in Commonwealth super stars and our national pride. The Royal Raid offers spectacular mountain trails at the very heart of Mauritius.

JUNE - The Mauritius Marathon

All those over 18 years old can take up the challenge. The departure will be given at 7am from Tamarin, the participants/competitors will have 6 hours to achieve their goal to finish at Saint Felix beach.

The Semi-Marathon, organized by Incentive Partners, will take place on the same day June 20th, 2010. A course of 21,1Kms on the beautiful coastal road between Le Morne and Saint Felix. All those 15 years old and over can take up the challenge. The departure will be given at 8am from Le Morne, the participants/competitors will have 3 hours to achieve their goal to finish at Saint Felix beach.

First stage, from Tamarin to La Gaulette, we imagine the peace of mind and the art of living of the fishermen, and feel the spirit of the surfers and the other water sports fanatics. After some additional kilometres, appears the mountain of Le Morne, cradle of rich historic past and of diverse legends. At the foot of the mountain, you will see the sails of Kitesurfers animating the sky not far from magnificent Mauritian hotels. Passed this region, you begin to experience "The great wild South "of the island. The coastal road which boards the blue lagoon brings you to the very authentic village of Baie du Cap with breathtaking landscapes. From there on not far from the road are virgin beaches with filaos.

At each corner the course unveils sights which are spectacular: the Bel Ombre estate, the Riviere des Galets beach and its hidden treasure of the Ilot Sancho in the beautiful bay of Jacotet. All along you will be cheered and supported by locals of each village! The last sprint to Saint Felix to finish on the beach and why not at the same time a well deserved swim in the lagoon! A very colourful race which combines a sport challenge and discovery of the natural and cultural heritage of Mauritius.

http://www.ilemauricemarathon.com/fr/

JUNE- JULY - Surf Ski World Cup

This event qualifies as one stage of the Surf Ski World Cup. Sponsors and held by Naiades Resorts & Epic Kayaks, this world stage offers an amazing races and endurance work out. There is 2 races held which involves 60-70 participants. 1st race: Tamassa to Le Morne Les Pavillons 2- Souillac to Le Morne Les Pavillons

AUGUST - Kite Surf Festival

http://www.kiteivalmauritius.com/

Pictures: Courtesy of Jameel Pirally

Sports Tourism ( Kite Surfing & Windsurfing)

Another activity which is ever growing in Mauritius and attracting a worldwide audience for its ride is Kite surfing. It is huge in Mauritius & Rodrigues, some of the world best come spend 3 months a year in Mauritius to train and shoot amazing pictures for International Sponsors. Local pioneer of the Sports Patrick Desveaux from Habit and his partner in crime Laurent Le Bolloch of Le Gall who both represents North Kites in Mauritius and Rodrigues Islands are both keen promoters of the sports.

Windsurfing is also widely practiced and is drawing as many keen riders and wind enthusiasts, more local and international competition is desperately needed.

Surfing can be a touchy subject amongst the locals and especially "The Whiteshorts", most southern spots are extremely crowded during the week-end and the rules remain the same, respect priorities, hierarchy and the locals. Week days are less crowded as most Mauritians are working to earn their living. Though the island stops when the famous Tamarin Bay is working which only happens rarely these days. Coming soon in SANTOSHA GUIDES e-guidebook, "The Legend of Oneye", "The Ruling Years of the Whiteshorts", "The Surf ,Windsurf and Kite Surf Pioneers "and The Mauritian Surfing History"

Other annual Sports Events and local gatherings includes: Hunting Games, Golf Competition, Rally Races, Horse Racing, Cycle Racing, BMX & Skating Competitions, Off-shore Ski Race, Quad Race/Journey & Carting.

NOVEMBER - The Regatta

Another great activity and team building program on offer is The 2009 Regatta this Nov. Local and International companies can secure a traditional pirogue with their corporate ID logo printed onto the sail. The Regatta has proven to be a great success since its launch a few years ago. It is a great day to showcase "team work and communication" and will definitely raises the participants' "self confidence and determination" to win. All aboard and off we go around Mauritius Island. Find out more about the 2009 Regatta.

NOVEMBER - Indian Ocean Triathlon

The Indian Ocean Triathlon consists of a 1.8kms swim in a lagoon, a 55 km bike through the picturesque hills and village of Chamarel Pass and a 12 km run along the beach.

NOVEMBER - Look Cycling Event

Cyclying in Mauritius is the second most loved and practive sports after football. Look Cycling Event offers five stages ranging from 5kms to 100kms for a total of (430kms). This event offers you a chance to discover the beauty of Mauritius coastal roads and landscape. Cyclists from all ages and backgrounds join the fun.

DECEMBER - International Kreol Festival

During the November-December festive season is held the Festival International Kréol which celebrates the vibrancy of the Creole culture with poetry readings, dances, Sega dance spectacles and parties which don't stop until the sunrise. Every year, several events are scheduled such as a conference, a culinary festival and numerous music concerts which sees international and local black artists celebrate this global abolition. 2009  saw Jamaican singer "Shaggy" supported by local groups  Othentik Street Brothas (OBS) and mauritius most talented group "The Blackmen Blues" famous for their song "Gabriella"

DECEMBER - Sea Kayak Tour

The best way to see Mauritius Real Beauty is from its shores. This event offers exactly this. Paddle through the mangroves, soak in the sun, the pieceful surrundings. Enjoy its amazing scenery, its turquoise lagoons and its unique beaches.

WORLD EVENTS - The Mauritius Open Air Festival (UK)

http://www.mauritianopenair.com/

SEYCHELLES ISLANDS - ISLAND CRUISES

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SEA SHELL & SEA PEARL

Weekly 7- Night Cruise Itinerary from 30th October 2010 to 29th April 2011

Day 1 - Saturday Day 2 - Sunday Day 3 - Monday

Embarkation at the Inter-Island Quay at 1030hrs, followed by the Captain's welcome briefing. Depart Port Victoria at 1200hrs, sailing from Mahé to a late afternoon anchorage at Round Island, just off the isle of Praslin. In the evening, introduce yourself to Creole cuisine with a welcome barbecue dinner onboard.

Sail to Praslin, Seychelles' second-largest inhabited island, for disembarkation to the famous World Heritage Site, the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve. This ancient forest is home to the curiously shaped double coconut, the coco de mer, as well as the Black Parrot, unique to Praslin. Explore the valley's eerie pathways beneath its canopy of massive palms, before returning onboard for afternoon opportunities to dive, snorkel or enjoy other water sports.

A morning sail brings the vessel to La Digue, a sleepy island community where ox-carts and bicycles still remain the most common mode of transportation throughout the island. La Digue is home to the endemic Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, and is perhaps most famous for its massive granite boulder formations at Anse Source d'Argent, which is thought to be the most photographed beach on earth. Explore the entire island by bicycle, perhaps stopping by Union Estate, a sprawling network of traditional island activities, including a copra mill, vanilla plantation, and shipyard.

Weekly 6 Night Cruise Itinerary from 30th April 2011 to 28 October 2011

Day 1 - Saturday Day 2 - Sunday Day 3 - Monday

Embarkation at 10.30hrs from Anse Possesion, Praslin, followed by the Captain's welcome briefing. Spend the day at leisure with different water activities in this scenic cove, named for the stone of possession placed in this area by French explorers to stake their claim to the island more than 200 years ago. Final embarkation is at 1700hrs followed by a sunset sail to Curieuse Bay. In the evening, introduce yourself to Creole cuisine with a welcome barbecue onboard.

In the morning disembark at Curieuse for a visit of this virtually uninhabited island. Experience the island's vast mangrove forests and its giant tortoise farm, along with the historic ruins of this former leper colony. After a barbecue lunch on the island, enjoy an array of water sports or simply relax and enjoy the island's beautiful beach and turquoise waters. A morning sail brings the vessel to La Digue, a sleepy island community where ox-carts and bicycles still remain the most common mode of transportation throughout the island.

La Digue is home to the endemic Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, and is perhaps most famous for its massive granite boulder formations at Anse Source d'Argent, which is thought to be the most photographed beach on earth. Explore the entire island by bicycle, perhaps stopping by Union Estate, a sprawling network of traditional island activities, including a copra mill, vanilla plantation, and shipyard.