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)
1 comment:
beautiful Mauritius :)
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