Friday, November 27, 2009

Paradisiac Mauritius Hosts Fun Regatta

La Regatta Mauritius is a unique international regatta being held in traditional Mauritian wooden boats called "Pirogues". The annual event is taking place this weekend in the legendary bay of Mahebourg (southeast of Mauritius) which shelters one of the most beautiful lagoons of the Island. This interactive and original event is made for travelers passionately fond of sailing and sea adventures as well as travelers eager for discovery and new sensations. This exciting challenge will attract members of boat and sailing clubs companies (team building, original incentive trips, rewards, products launch and advertising) and groups of friends. The teams are made up of 5 to 7 people, assisted by 2 Mauritian skippers on 4 different regattas to qualify for the final and to win the trophy of La Regatta.

The "pirogue" used during the competition is a traditional boat for fishermen in Mauritius. Manufactured out of Black Wood, it measures between 19 and 23 feet. (Pirogues of the Regatta, are lighter and more pointed than those used for traditional fishing). The middle mast is made of Takamaka wood, a pan tropical tree that can reach 90 feet. Moreover, the yard that tightens the sail is in bamboo. A pirogue can take up to ten people. Each team which participates in la Regatta Mauritius will receive a sail manufactured according to specific norms and on which its logo will be printed on a large scale. The sail will equip the team’s boat during the regattas. It is of course possible for participants to purchase several sails. In addition, several organizations will be promoting environmental awareness with workshops and activities on the beach during the event.

The island of Mauritius (French: île Maurice) was known by Arab and Austronesian sailors as early as the 10th century. Portuguese sailors first visited it in 1507 and established a visiting base, leaving the island uninhabited. Three ships of the eight Dutch Second Fleet that were sent to the Spice Islands were blown off course during a cyclone and landed on the island in 1598, naming it in honor of Prince Maurice of Nassau, the ruler of the Netherlands. In 1638, the Dutch established the first permanent settlement. Because of tough climatic conditions including cyclones and the deterioration of the settlement, the Dutch abandoned the island some decades later. France, which already controlled the neighboring Île Bourbon (now Réunion) seized Mauritius in 1715 and later renamed it Île de France (Isle of France). Under French rule, the island developed a prosperous economy based on sugar production. In the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) the British set out to gain control of the island. Despite winning the Battle of Grand Port, Napoleon's only naval victory over the British, the French surrendered to a British invasion at Cap Malheureux three months later.

They formally surrendered on 3 December 1810, on terms allowing settlers to keep their land and property and to use the French language and law of France in criminal and civil matters. Under British rule, the island's name reverted to the original Mauritius. (from laregatta.com)

Mauritius Honeymoon Vacations

Mauritius has a lot on offer for honeymooners

When it comes to choosing a destination for honeymoon, things can get a bit blurry. Actually, there are lots of places in this world that offer some distinctive things. However, different people like different things because of which you will be getting so many suggestions to plan your honeymoon vacations.

To solve this problem, you must try to visit a place where you may become able to spend some quality time with your spouse. Also, to make things better, you must try to visit a place where there may be number of beaches as beaches can really make you feel comfortable. Mauritius is one such place where you will find everything that a honeymooner can aspire for. There are beaches, sands, beautiful combination of natural beauty and infrastructure. Surely, it is one of the best options to spend your honeymoon holidays.

Something about Mauritius

Mauritius is a small island on Indian Ocean. It is in the east of Madagascar.
There are 9 districts and 3 dependencies along with some amazing cities. All of the cities of Mauritius offer great opportunities to spend an exceptional time. Tropical sand beaches of Mauritius can really make you forget rest of the world and there will no one with you except your spouse. This is the only thing that entice honeymooner to come and express their love to one another. It’s just perfect for holiday makers.

Beaches of Mauritius

Mauritius is the place where you will find a diverse culture. The amalgamation of different cultures has made it even attractive for tourist. You will also find it attractive event if you are traveling as honeymooners. However, if you will be traveling as honeymooners, you will surely be interested in other types of things. Beaches will surely give you immense pleasure. Sea-life along with tropical environment is the specialty of Mauritius. Here, you will find a lot of
opportunities to spend time with your spouse at some of the most romantic places close to coniferous trees and waterfalls. However, beaches will always be the center of attractions in Mauritius. Although, there are quite a few beaches in Mauritius, but, you must not miss a chance to visit Grand Baie. It is the most popular beach which will give the environment to enjoy with your soulmate.

There is no doubt in the fact that you will find some of the most amazing attractions and romantic places to make merry with your partner. However, it is imperative to mention that Mauritius is one of the most densely populated places in this world. So, you will have to keep this factor in mind before planning your honeymoon vacations. It means that you will not be alone there and it can be a good thing for some people. You can always interact with other honeymooners as it is also one of the top honeymoon destinations. So, try to make a decision after considering everything as you surely don’t want to spoil your honeymoon by going to some useless place, do you? Try Mauritius, it will not disappoint you to any extent.

The Other Side Of Mauritius

Mauritius is known as the perfect holiday destination for relaxing on a sun lounger and sipping cocktails. The island’s white sands and turquoise sea makes it the ultimate paradise in which to put your feet up and get pampered. If relaxing on a beach all day sounds a little too dull for your liking then Mauritius has a lot more to offer than just a great suntan.

The small island is situated just east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean and is steeped in history and culture. Discovered by Portuguese sailors in 1507, Mauritius is a great place for historians and inquisitive visitors alike. To find out more about Mauritius’s early history you can a visit to the Naval and Historical museum in Mahebourg. This museum is dedicated to the famous battle of the English and French who fought on the Indian Ocean for ownership over the island in 1810. The island’s other early inhabitant, the dodo, is also represented on the island. The famous bird is present on the national coat of arms and there are reminders of the funny birds to be found all over the island, from their presence on stamps to wood carvings found in the local markets.

If you’re looking to learn about the traditional side of Mauritius then there are an abundance of sites to discover. You can take an organised tea route excursion, which includes a trip through a Mauritian tea plantation, where you can witness how the tea is harvested and processed. The tradition of tea making is kept alive at the local museum where you can learn all about the process of making the perfect cup of tea, you can also treat yourself to a tasting session the
Bois Cheri chalet nearby.

If you want to truly experience the culture of Mauritius then a trip to one of the local markets is a must. The island has an array of bazaars offering everything from local crafts to exotic fruits and vegetables. The most popular market with tourists can be found at Port Louis but to experience the real Mauritius stray a little further from the beaten track where some of the more traditional markets can be found. Haggling is common practice here and sellers will not expect you to accept their first offer so, if you have the gift of the gab, you can pick up some fantastic local goods at a great price. The markets are also a perfect place to find an authentic Mauritius meal and can be a great alternative to the pricey hotel restaurants.

Mauritius holidays have a lot more to offer guests than just pampering and relaxation. The small island is pack full of historical and cultural treats to greet visitors so, no matter your interests there are plenty of opportunities to experience the other side of Mauritius.

The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.