The inaugural Seychelles Challenge, taking place from 20 – 27 July, invites sailors from across the globe to experience the breathtaking beauty of Seychelles in a one-of-a-kind flotilla sailing event.
Participants will navigate the waters of the Indian Ocean, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and dramatic granite peaks. Over seven days, sailors will explore pristine beaches, and lush tropical landscapes, while competing in an exhilarating yet accessible sailing challenge. With the warm trade winds filling their sails, competitors will chart a course through one of the planet’s most stunning archipelagos.
To make the challenge more accessible, holiday yacht charter company Sunsail is to offer an exclusive holiday package for the Seychelles Challenge, giving participants the chance to experience the event in ultimate comfort. Packages will cater for both those looking for a relaxed sailing experience or those wanting to take part in the competition, with a choice of fully skippered charters or the option to sail independently. Participants can also enjoy curated excursions to explore the beauty and culture of Seychelles, including private tours, gourmet Creole dining, and opportunities to unwind on the island’s pristine beaches.
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.
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 Sunsail catamaran, or charter a spectator yacht and support your crew —either way, this event guarantees an experience like no other.
A Vision for Growth and Sustainability
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 program. 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.”
He adds, “With co-founders of The Seychelles Challenge, Hylton and Ingrid Hale, along with Host Partner Tourism Seychelles, and Creole Travel Services we have taken a long-term vision to grow this regatta into a bucket list experience.”
Christine Vel, Marketing Manager for Tourism Seychelles, states, “Through this collaboration, we aim to elevate Seychelles’ visibility in non-European markets, highlighting 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.”
Nicci Welgemoed, Business Development Manager for Sunsail, adds, “We’re thrilled to offer this incredible package for sailing enthusiasts who want to be part of the action or simply soak up the atmosphere while enjoying the social side of such a prestigious event. The Seychelles Challenge is an amazing opportunity for our customers to experience world-class sailing in one of the most beautiful locations on the planet. Sunsail’s award-winning catamarans provide the perfect platform to enjoy the event in comfort and style. Even at events like this, our dedicated support team is never more than four hours away, and packages can also include a skipper, making the experience accessible to sailors of all confidence levels—from novices and newly qualified RYA Day Skippers to seasoned mariners, we have a something for everyone.”
A Paradise for Sailors
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.
Event Highlights
- A 7-day, 6-night sailing adventure from 20 – 27 July 2025, set amidst the stunning Seychelles islands.
- 115 islands to explore, offering countless secluded coves, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs.
- 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.
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. Whether refining sailing skills or simply unwinding amid spectacular landscapes, this event offers an extraordinary experience. 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.
Every evening, participants will gather for a 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.
Register today at www.seychelleschallenge.com to secure your spot!
