FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE MARTINIQUE FLYING REGATTA — A NEW INTERNATIONAL SPORTING EVENT IN MARTINIQUE TAKES FLIGHT
The World’s first and Premier 100% Foiler Event Launches mid-November 2018
New York – June 13th, 2018 | Organized by the Martinique Tourism Authority (MTA), the Martinique Flying Regatta will take place from November 17 to 24, 2018. It will be the world’s signature international foiling event.
The bay of Fort-de-France is the perfect location to run a race and showcase these hydro-foil sailboats that represent the technological future of competitive sailing. Inducted into the prestigious club of “The Most Beautiful Bays in the World,” the Fort-de-France Bay is particularly well suited for these sailing boats, with is vast and protected 28 square miles (72km2) of maritime space. Wrapped in the island’s low 80s temperatures the bay’s steady, moderate winds and smooth seas will provide these speedsters with perfect conditions..
“We are very proud to hold this groundbreaking race,” commented Karine Mousseau, the Martinique Tourism Commissioner. “The Martinique Flying Regatta will not only showcase the beauty of the island and everything we have to offer, but also our people’s innovative knowhow. The joyous mix of our natural wonders and perfect sailing conditions with the sleek designs of the foil revolution will make the Martinique Flying Regatta the nautical must of the Caribbean and of the World.”
To date, about 40 participants have been registered in this seven series race (or foil types), representing most of today’s hydro-sailing boats. Foil types include the very fun and high-tech Kitefoil and Windfoil—that may soon be seen at the Olympics—the one-man Onefly and the celebrated Moth; the race will also feature bigger crafts like the Flying Phantom, the Easy to Fly and the American favorite, GC32.
The competition will include demonstrations and racing events in the Fort-de-France Bay; residents and guests will enjoy what promises to be a spectacular show. The program will also include races from the bay towards the farther shores of Trois-Ilets, Anse Mitan or Anses d’Arlet.
THE PROGRAM
Saturday, November 17: Individual training and launch day
Sunday, November 18: Individual training and demonstrations
Monday, November 19: Martinique Exploration day for the participants
Tuesday, November 20: Start of official races
Wednesday, November 21: Long-distance race day – Skippers Supper Soirée
Thursday/Friday, November 22- 23: Official races
Saturday, November 24: End of races – prize-giving – special soirée
Major logistical support will be provided to registered competitors including complimentary shipping in containers or and preferential rates for accommodations. Access from the US to Martinique is just a hop skip and a jump; with Norwegian Air from JFK & FLL, American Airlines from MIA.
The Martinique Tourism Authority has also secured support from the Fort-de-France Port Authority and the Sailing Federation of Martinique, representing the island’s clubs which will provide nautical logistics. Registration to Martinique Flying Regatta is handled by Sirius Event.
For more information visit the new website www.martinique-regatta.com
Registration is open until October 17th, 2018 www.martinique-regatta.com/index.php/en/register/
SIRIUS EVENTS CONTACT
5 rue de l’Amiral Hamelin - 75116 PARIS
contact@sirius-events.com - 00(33) 1 47 04 61 14
Sophie Claudon Courbon
sophie@agence-ced.com – 011-33-6 83 59 65 37
About Martinique (www.martiniquepresskit.org)
The French Caribbean Island of Martinique is also known as the Isle of Flowers, The Rum Capital of the World, the Birthplace of coffee in the New World, The Isle of the Famed Poet (Aimé Césaire) – Martinique ranks among the most alluring and enchanting destinations in the world. As an overseas region of France, Martinique boasts modern and reliable infrastructure – roads, water and power utilities, hospitals, and telecommunications, services all on par with any other part of the European Union. At the same time, Martinique’s beautifully unspoiled beaches, volcanic peaks, rainforests, 80+ miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, streams, and other natural wonders are unparalleled in the Caribbean, so visitors here truly get the best of both worlds. The currency is the Euro, the flag and the official language are French, but Martinique’s character, cuisine, musical heritage, art, culture, common language, and identity are of a distinctly Afro-Caribbean inclination known as Creole. It is this special combination of modern world conveniences, pristine nature, and rich heritage that has earned for Martinique several notable distinctions in recent years. In 2018, Martinique is highlighted in the Caribbean segment of the New York Time’s “52 Places to go in 2018.” and prominently featured in a January 2018 article in Travel + Leisure. In a 2017 review of noteworthy French Islands throughout the world ThePointsGuy.com selected Martinique as number one. Other distinctions include being named as a “Must-Visit” destination by Caribbean Journal, “Best Caribbean Destination” by About.com, and “Top Caribbean Island for Delectable Dining” by Caribbean Travel + Life.