In Mad Max, it’s a journey through the desert; but this race seafaring race takes you all the way across the Mediterranean to a charming Moroccan city.
Saïdia – On September 25, the inaugural “Med Max Occitanie” sailing race kicked off, connecting the charming Port-Camargue in France with the stunning Saïdia Marina in Morocco.
This past Saturday, at the Radisson Blu in Saïdia, participants expressed their excitement and gratitude during a lively press conference.
With Kito de Pavant, the visionary behind the race, leading the event, the atmosphere was electric.
At the press conference, attendees included Jalil Bernis, Managing Director of the Société de Développement de Saïdia, Omar Alaoui, Director of the Saïdia marina, and Fabien Huet, Director of the Sète marina.
Kito de Pavant and Christophe Carniel, along with the skippers, shared their race highlights in an interview with Morocco World News (MWN).
Patrice Canayer, representing the President of the Occitanie Region, commented on the significance of this event, which connects two nations, and expressed gratitude to the Oriental Region for their warm welcome, hinting at more editions to come.
Med Max Occitanie: what’s it all about?
Seventeen Class40 teams (12.19-meter monohulls) and ten Ocean Fifty teams (15.24-meter multihulls) set sail together, each following their own distinct route.
Nearly 30 crews, including an all-female team, raced between the French and Moroccan coasts, with a winner in each category.
The Class40 boats covered approximately 1,000 nautical miles, while the faster Ocean Fifty multihulls took on nearly 1,500 miles, including a thrilling leg around the island of Stromboli.
Everyone is wondering – who’s the New Captain Jack Sparrow of Saidia?
Ocean Fifty: Primonial claims victory
On Thursday, October 3, after four exhilarating days of racing and navigating through drifting sprays between Port-Camargue and Saïdia, Primonial, led by Sébastien Rogues and Jean-Baptiste Gellée, clinched the Ocean Fifty title at the MED MAX Occitanie – Saïdia Resorts.
In a race filled with scenic views, strategic moves, and daring gambles, Primonial edged out her closest rival, Koesio, skippered by Erwan Le Roux and Pablo Santurde del Arco, who crossed into the Moroccan coastline just 1 hour, 23 minutes, and 8 seconds later.
Class40: Achille Nebout and Gildas Mahé take the win
On Thursday, Achille Nebout and Gildas Mahé (Amarris) sailed into victory at the MED MAX I Saïdia Resorts, crossing the finish line at sunrise.
After 4 days, 19 hours, and 22 minutes of racing, the duo from Montpellier and Brest proudly claimed the podium in this inaugural edition of the Class40 category.
The race village of the MED MAX Occitanie-Saïdia Resorts, set up in the heart of Saïdia Resorts marina near the main basin, has been buzzing with non-stop entertainment since Thursday.
Visitors have enjoyed exploring Moroccan crafts, partner stands, folkloric shows, concerts, a restaurant area, and a giant screen to watch the action.
On Friday, the traditional boat race Saïdia Rame took center stage, featuring old Moroccan fishing boats, counterparts to the Catalan vessels seen at the Port-Camargue village. Brave rowers put on an exciting display, maneuvering through the harbor and around the racing boats.
