Don’t miss out on the ultimate sailing adventure – The Seychelles Challenge. From 20 – 27 July 2025 sailors from across the globe will experience the breathtaking beauty of Seychelles in a one-of-a-kind flotilla sailing event.
What’s The Seychelles Challenge all about?
More than just a race, the Seychelles Challenge is a celebration of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Sailors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the warmth and hospitality of the Seychellois people, savour exquisite Creole cuisine, and discover the diverse marine life that makes Seychelles a true sailor’s paradise.
A thrilling 7-day, 6-night sailing adventure, island hopping in the stunning Seychelles islands
Whether you’re a seasoned racer or have an appetite for fun, the Seychelles Challenge welcomes all sailing enthusiasts. Choose between the comfort of a chartered catamaran through Sunsail or the thrill of sailing your own yacht or charter a spectator yacht and support your crew —either way, this event guarantees an experience like no other.
Participants will navigate the waters of the Indian Ocean, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and dramatic granite peaks. Added to the natural beauty, Seychelles boasts ideal sailing conditions, with gentle trade winds averaging 10-15 knots (18-28 km/h), predictable currents, and sheltered anchorages—making it the perfect location for both experienced sailors and those new to the sport.
It is also one of the most affordable sailing destinations from a travel and charter perspective, comparing favourably against the likes of Greece and Croatia.
Organiser and co-founder Hylton Hale says the event is unlike anything currently on the sailing calendar, “The Indian Ocean, especially the Seychelles and surrounding islands, lack any international regattas when compared to the Caribbean. We are hoping to start a trend where the weekend racing sailor and eventually the full professional teams, venture into new territories such as the Seychelles. We believe that The Seychelles Challenge will provide something that is fresh for sailors and yacht owners who have traditionally sailed their summer in the Med and moved their yachts to the Caribbean during their European winter, the Seychelles is a Hurricane or Cyclone free zone and has a first world marina.”
A vision for growth and sustainability
Organisor and co-founder Bruce Parker-Forsyth, CEO of Worldsport, highlights the significance of this event: “The Seychelles Challenge will showcase Seychelles as a largely unexplored sailing destination of incredible beauty and rich sea life, but also as a country with a successful ocean sustainability programme. These are both passions of mine, after 30 years of organizing sailing events in Abu Dhabi and South Africa, including the Volvo Ocean Race, TP52 Series, and the Cape to Rio Race.”
Bernadette Willemin, Director General for Marketing for Tourism Seychelles, adds, “The Seychelles Challenge is a remarkable opportunity to showcase our islands as a premier destination for sailing and cruising. This event highlights a unique facet of Seychelles – the chance to experience our archipelago by sea, navigating through some of the world’s most breathtaking waters.
Seychelles stands apart as a sailing paradise, where vibrant coral reefs, dramatic granite formations, and secluded beaches create an unparalleled maritime adventure. By spotlighting this niche, we are not only celebrating our natural beauty but also inspiring travelers to explore our islands from a perspective that truly captures their magic.
Through this initiative, we aim to elevate Seychelles’ visibility while emphasizing our commitment to sustainability, the preservation of nature, and the celebration of our rich cultural heritage. Together, we foster global awareness and inspire responsible tourism.”
Why not stay after the regatta and enjoy what the Seychelles has to offer? Creole Travel Services are the team on the ground and will help you make the most of your time in the Seychelles.
A sailor’s paradise
Situated just northeast of Madagascar, Seychelles consists of an archipelago of 115 islands, home to a population of approximately 98,000 citizens. The three main inhabited islands—Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue—boast stunning landscapes, white sandy beaches, and a rich marine ecosystem.
Seychelles is deeply committed to eco-friendly tourism. The government has launched multiple initiatives to preserve the islands’ pristine beauty and marine biodiversity. A landmark “debt-for-nature” swap in 2015 saw $22 million of the country’s national debt written off in exchange for creating 13 new marine protected areas. Seychelles is also home to the Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sanctuary for the largest green turtle population in the Western Indian Ocean.
The Seychelles Challenge is dedicated to supporting these conservation efforts, ensuring that this paradise remains unspoiled for generations to come.
A flotilla sailing event like no other
Unlike typical regattas based at a single marina, the Seychelles Challenge takes participants to a different island each day, presenting fresh challenges and new experiences.
Every evening, participants will gather for a fun prize-giving ceremony, celebrating daily achievements and sharing stories of adventure. The event culminates with a Grand Closing Ceremony and final prize-giving at the Eden Bleu Hotel on Saturday, 26 July 2025.
The Seychelles Challenge 2025 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete, explore, and celebrate in one of the most breathtaking destinations on earth. Join the adventure of a lifetime! Embrace the challenge, discover paradise, and create memories that will last forever.
Register today at The Seychelles Challenge to secure your spot in this extraordinary event.
