29 Sep 2008: Breaking news: French paddlers take the first six places in the Soualiga Challenge, the first of two Caribbean races. 

Benoit Leroux at the 2008 French Championships

The party's on!

"The race is over and THE PARTY is on at Boo Boo Jam in Orient Bay," wrote Mary Knaggs. " At least that is where many of the paddlers are (the French Team, the Guadeloupians, the paddler from the Caymans, the Puerto Ricans and several local paddlers!"

Challenging Conditions

At this time of year, the prevailing winds blow from the SE making the St. Bartolemy to St. Martin route a cracking downwind...  On Saturday night however, the wind swung to the north and the paddlers were met with a 25km grind into the wind.

Soualiga Route

The French paddlers made the most of the conditions however, and Benoit Leroux (who almost gave Oscar Chalupsky something to think about at the French Championships a month ago!) won comfortable in 1:57:00, also winning the Fenn hotspot.

Stephane Roudault came second, over seven minutes behind, in 2:04:35.  Third was Jean Rillard.

The first non French paddler was Derrick Bezuidenhout in seventh position and the first St. Maarten paddlers were Stuart Knaggs and Michael Bacon on a Mark 2.

"There were 4 female paddlers, but we finished way down the pack," said Mary. The first paddler was a lady new to surfski, Abi Allder in 3:33:25

"Lots of fun was had by all after the tough paddle, thanks to our sponsors Philipsburg Pharmacy, Captain Oliver's, Nestle Supligen and others!"

Results

More reports and photos coming soon...

Captain Olivers

ICIFC

Downwind2Dubai!

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