Mauritius Regatta - Back on the official course

by Coralie Rassinoux on 24 May 2013 Following the friendly regatta* yesterday with the best skippers of the Grand Baie Yacht Club, it was back on the official race course today with the fourth leg of the Mauritius Regatta, leading the fleet from Grand Baie to Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius.

In a force three breeze, the catamarans crossed the start line under the hot Mauritian sun.

After a very tactical race to get out of Grand Baie to round the mark at Cap Malheureux, the skippers sailed under spinnaker all along the Western coast of Mauritius. The battle between Michel Desjoyeaux and François Gabart turned to SOL’S with more than a minute gap on the « Professor » after more than three hours of racing.

In this very closely fought leg, one must notice the race within the race between Romain Attanasio and Michel Desjoyeaux. Both skippers have identical boats for the race and they finished between seconds. It wasn’t without reminding us of Formula 1 Grand Prix when two cars from the same team arrive neck and neck.

In the third group, there was a fine sleight of hand between Harry Spedding onboard Yacht Management and Dee Caffari onboard MTPA. The match was won by Yacht Management.

The virtue of the Mauritius Regatta is to give an incredible opportunity to discover all aspects of this wonderful island. Today’s leg finishing in Port Louis, the boats are moored in the capital’s harbour, at the feet of the Suffren hotel. Partner of the event, the hotel is hosting the Mauritius Regatta tonight for a garden party.

Everywhere the regatta stops, one common thread : the warm and enthusiastic welcome from the Mauritians.

*The first leg was won by Michel Desjoyeaux and the second leg by François Gabart who wins the event. The regatta was raced onboard monohulls.

22/05/2013 – Ranking

1. Sol’s François Gabart
2. Champagnes Nicolas Feuillatte (Bateau 20° Sud) Michel Desjoyeaux
3. La Balise Marina / Investec Romain Attanasio
4. Fondeole Franck-Yves Escoffier
5. Yacht Management Harry Spedding
6. Mtpa (Female Boat) Dee Caffari

Provisional overall ranking

1. Champagnes Nicolas Feuillatte (Bateau 20° Sud) Michel Desjoyeaux
1. Sol’s François Gabart

Tie
3. La Balise Marina / Investec Romain Attanasio
4. Fondeole Franck-Yves Escoffier
5. Yacht Management Harry Spedding
6. Mtpa (Bateau Féminin) Dee Caffari Mauritius Regatta website