The city of Diégo Suarez will be in effervescence on October 4 and 5 on the occasion of Milay Contest, a major nautical competition, organized by the Malagasy sail federation at Redna beach. This event, which promises to make an impression, will bring together for the first time a regatta of traditional dhows and a kitesurfing, in a clever mixture of cultural heritage and modern dynamism.
Supported by seven ministries and sponsored by the Malagasy operator Yas Madagascar, Milay Contest aims to become an unmissable event for tourism and sport in Madagascar. Milay Contest is distinguished by its alliance between tradition and modernity. On the one hand, about 24 dhows, these traditional Malagasy boats with Arabic inspiration, will compete on a 33 km marine course in the majestic Bay of Diégo Suarez. Each butt, carried by a crew of four sailors, will contribute for a price of 10 million ariary awarded to the winner. On the other hand, between 30 and 40 Malagasy kitesurfers will start on a 17 km route, with a 2.5 million ariary award for the first. “” This is the first time that we have organized a real regatta with judges, buoys and such a ambitious course “Explains Geoffrey Gaspard, secretary general of the Malagasy sailing federation. “” The sail is part of our inheritance. The first Malagasy arrived on the island by sea, sailing. With this event, we want to enhance this heritage while highlighting the modernity of kitesurfing and the tourist potential of Diégo Suarez ».
An event with multiple dimensions
Beyond the competition, Milay Contest wants to be a meaningful event. “” It’s not just a race, it’s a celebration of youth, culture and the environment. This event aligns with our values: audacity, passion and commitment to sustainable development », Underlines Eli, representative of Yas Madagascar, official sponsor. The event revolves around three major components including competition with a professional regatta and strict rules, far from the festive image often associated with northern Madagascar. “” It’s not a festival, it’s a competition », Insists Geoffrey Gaspard. A beach clean-up will be organized in partnership with the Regional Environment Directorate (DRED) to raise awareness of the preservation of Diego bay. In echo in pink October, screening actions for female cancers will be carried out with the Akbarary Foundation, targeting the women of sailors and the inhabitants of Redena and Diégo Suarez. “” This is a first in the region for this type of initiative “, Specifies the organizer.
To guarantee the safety of participants, the Antsiranana naval base (Bana) and other partners will watch over sea competitions, a first for a nautical event of this magnitude in Madagascar.
Power of Samson
The Voile article – Milay Contest: 10 million ariary rewards for the winners appeared first at noon Madagasikara.