Mauritius regatta off to a flying start

by Coralie Rassinoux on 19 May 2013 Mauritius will host some of the biggest names in sailing for the opening edition of the Mauritius Regatta. With six participating boats and five legs, the Mauritius Regatta will be an amazing opportunity to discover the Northern coast of the island.

After the speed tests yesterday, the competitors were this morning on the start line of the first regatta going from La Balise Marina in Rivière Noire to Bénitier. Mainly downwind, the course allowed to try on the spinnakers with various rates of success. The first regatta was witness to a skirmish between 'the professor and the pupil', Michel Desjoyeaux and François Gabart. Advantage went this time to young François Gabart onboard SOL’S whilst Michel Desjoyeaux took third onboard Champagnes Nicolas Feuillatte.

Let’s not forget the fantastic second place for Franck-Yves Escoffier onboard Fondeole who proves, if need be, his racing talents by placing his team between two Vendée Globe winners!

The fleet then headed towards their moorings in Bénitier facing the hotel LUX* Le Morne where they will attend a party offered by the hotel, partner of the race.

19/05/2013 - Ranking

1. Sol’s François GABART

2. Fondeole Franck-Yves Escoffier

3. Champagnes Nicolas Feuillatte Michel Desjoyeaux

4. La Balise Marina / Investec Romain Attanasio

5. Yacht Management Harry Spedding

6. MTPA (female boat) Dee Caffari

The Mauritius Regatta participants are:

Romain Aattanasio -La Balise Marina / Investec - Lagoon 440 

Dee Caffari - MTPA - Nautitech 47’

Michel Desjoyeaux - Champagnes Nicolas Feuillatte - Lagoon 440

Franck-Yves Escoffier - Fondeole - Leopard 46’

François Gabart - Sol’s - Catana 471

Harry Spedding - Yacht Management - Lavezzi 40