Supporters

Whilst friends and loved ones will be using muscle power to row across the Indian Ocean, we rely on our professional service with a friendly smile to ease your arrivals and make your stay as memorable and as comfortable as can be. We are easily satisfied with the very best!

We are in partnership with Naiade Resorts for the Indian Ocean Rowing Race accommodation. Naiade are one of the finest hotel chains on the island. Their two hotels Le Merville Beach (3 star) and Legends (5 star) are the featured hotels. Both hotels are situated in the North of the island 5 and 15 minutes respectively from Grand Bay, the lively tourist hot-spot as well as the finish line for the rowing event, where one can find shopping, restaurants and night life.

From the moment you arrive in Mauritius to the time that you leave, we will be at your call should you need any assistance or would like to see the island through our many excursions on offer. Catamarans, quad biking, deep sea fishing, private cruises, dolphin watching, shopping, visiting of coffee, tea, vanilla plantations, abseiling, sightseeing, golfing, trekking or just simply lazing on the beach and soaking up the sun, we have it all to offer you!

For more information on the two featured hotels "Merville Beach" and "Legends" please visit www.naiade.com. To make an online booking enquiry via the Connections online booking enquiry form please visit www.connections.mu/booknow.php

Situated on the heart of the Batavia Coast, Geraldton offers a near-perfect lifestyle year-round. Offering a temperate climate, range of entertainment, shopping, fishing and some world-accredited sporting facilities, Geraldton is the regional city of the Mid West Region of Western Australia.

Geraldton is the hub of the hinterland activity. As a port city it is the centre of the fishing, manufacturing, construction, agriculture and tourism industries of the Mid West Region. Geraldton is renowned world-wide for the quality rock lobster fishing off our coast and is often referred to as the world leader in this area, a result of the pristine waters along the Batavia Coast.

Well known as the "Sun City", Geraldton is also a sought after destination for chasers of the wind. Windsurfers are attracted throughout the year to the perfect conditions for their water sport and the national competitions that are held here annually. The magnificent beaches and sunny weather plays haven to a multitude of water activities or just enjoyed for a leisurely sun-bake or stroll.

The City of Geraldton-Greenough have taken the lead role in organizing the provision of local support for the start of the Indian Ocean Rowing Race 2009 for which Woodvale Challenge are greatly appreciative for their support and assistance.

Founded in 1941 the Grand Baie Yacht Club is located in the most beautiful bay of the north part of the island of Mauritius. It has an old tradition of welcoming foreign yachtsmen and will make no exception for Ocean Rowers.

The Grand Baie Yacht Club is the race finish destination and a more idyllic location and convivial host would be hard to find. Temporary membership has been arranged for competitors and supporters alike to make full use of the Clubs stress-free ambience.

Mactra Marine Equipment specialise in watermakers for blue-water sailors and ocean rowers and are the UK exclusive dealer in Schenker Watermakers and official distributor for Katadyn watermakers.

Jim and Ann MacDonald are experienced ocean sailors and realise how important equipment specification is in conjunction with reliable supplier support to those crossing oceans. As well as offering watermaker familiarisation courses for rowers, Mactra Marine also provides watermaker advice and help to ocean rowers via email and satellite telephone. 

Testimonials from Ocean Rowers:

“For our crossing of the Atlantic in the Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race 2007 we were very fortunate to link up with Mactra Marine Equipment who provided us with a Schenker Smart 30 watermaker and a Katadyn PUR35 handpump watermaker. Before embarking on our journey we had 2 highly informative workshops with Jim at Mactra, who took us through the functionality of the watermakers and explained how we could fix most of the problems we could conceivably encounter while at sea. Thankfully we never needed to use the Katadyn as the Schenker worked throughout the journey. At one point on the crossing we suffered a loss of pressure, but after 5 minutes on the phone to Jim we purged the offending valve and were back in action. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Schenker Smart 30 but in particular the service provided by Jim and his team at Mactra.” - Niall McCann, Boat No. 7, Atlantic Rowing Race 2007.

“Jim MacDonald is a rock star - and so was my water maker! No joke you are a legend and you helped me achieve a seven year goal. Thanks Jim” - Paul Attala (Solo Rower), Boat No.2, Atlantic Rowing Race 2007.

The Mauritius Yachting Association (MYA) aspires to promote the sport of sailing across all disciplines, regardless of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. An ISAF Member National Authority, the MYA working in partnership with the Government of Mauritius seek to improve the safety and enjoyment of all those taking to the water.

The MYA have been the fundamental force behind making it possible for the Indian Ocean Rowing Race to finish in Grand Baie and their help and support is greatly appreciated.

South Sea Logistics was established to provide a range of logistical services, utilising specialised work boats and remote operated vehicles (ROV). The organisation is led by three experienced and qualified mariners who are passionate about consistently delivering reliable, safe and quality logistical services.  With practical know how, the right equipment, and an experienced and passionate team with the upmost attention to health, safety and the environment, South Sea Logistics are well positioned to deliver on your needs 24/7.