News & Events

Pacific O'pen Cup November 08

The inaugural Pacific O'pen Cup was held on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th November 2008. Run by the South Province sailing school and Diabolo Funboard, the event took place under ideal conditions with winds ranging from 10 to 15 knots, and brought together 25 enthusiastic young sailors from all over New Caledonia and Wallis ready to have fun.

Saturday: Slaloms, long distance

Saturday was more casual since the rules were relaxed a bit for that day's competition. The first three races followed a "W" course focusing on fast reaching and with a beach launch worthy of the famous 24 Heures du Mans race!

Sunday: Free Style

The most awaited-for event was held on the Sunday morning: each sailor had three minutes to execute original figures. The kids had lots of fun with this freestyle expression session and all mingled together: participants had travelled from Wallis, half a dozen sailors from North Province and also the local youngsters from South Province who had over a year's experience on the O'pen Bic. This all made for a great social gathering of different cultures and ethnic groups sharing their experiences together: the competition met the expectations of both the competitors and the instructors.

Wallis extends an invitation to the racers

Following the success of this event, the team from Wallis invited all participants to come back in 2009 to participate in a tour of Wallis with a series of races in some of the most beautiful lagoons in the world and accommodation in holiday cottages. This invitation was accepted by the organisers of New Caledonia subject to finalising the details. We certainly look forward to this event which should be a great experience for all!

Many thanks go to the organizers, South Province Sailing School and Diabolo Funboard for organizing such a successful event.

The O'pen BIC... for ENERGIZED sailing!!