Martinique is ready to welcome you

The arrival of the Panerai Transat Classique 2015 in Fort-de-France is going to be friendly, fun and unforgettable thanks to the enthusiastic support of Martinique Tourist Board. In a word, it's going to be fantastic!

Imagine the scene back in Europe where Winter's chilly breath will be spreading ice and snow upon the land. Beautiful but... brrr! But that icy scenario won't be for you. You won't be needing that heavy coat, woolly scarf or ridiculous bobble hat. Instead, you'll be enjoying the gentle heat and thinking about your next relaxing swim in the warm sea or lazing on the sandy beach, a refreshing drink in hand. And, with your rum punch and a slice of lime, you'll be savouring this perfect moment and looking back fondly on the extraordinary experience of crossing the Atlantic on a classic yacht... Such magical, timeless moments will belong to all the competitors in the Panerai Transat Classique 2015 when they arrive in Fort-de-France, capital of Martinique.

That the Panerai Transat Classique makes Martinique its destination is an obvious choice. At the heart of the West Indies, between Dominica and St Lucia, the island is proud of its history and in recent years has been actively promoting its maritime past. A prestigious classic yacht race suits perfectly the spirit of this remarkable destination. Supported by Martinique Tourist Board, the partnership with the Panerai Transat Classique has triggered an incredible reaction on the island, a marvellous combination of goodwill and enthusiasm. Everybody is looking forward to seeing the fleet of classic yachts glide into Fort-de-France Bay. Situated in the centre of town, the race village will give the people of Martinique the opportunity to admire these wonderful sailboats whose like is rarely seen in the Caribbean.

And to win the hearts and minds of the locals, numerous events have been scheduled. Not only will children from the island's schools be given the opportunity to discover the boats at first hand—and it's a wonderful moment for the crews too—the rest of the population will be getting the chance to see the classics from the golden age of sail take part in a fabulous parade on Sunday 25 January. Including the yoles rondes, Martinique's traditional fishing boats, the parade will be a remarkable expression of the inseverable link between islanders and sailors. And links will be forged on the preceding day too when the Panerai crews will be given a taste of sailing on a yole ronde. These traditional sailing vessels are today exclusively used for racing and, with their powerful mainsails of up to forty square metres, the show can be spectacular as their ten-man crews try to keep them on an even keel. At the end of the day the sailors taking part in the Panerai Transat Classique will be able to appreciate how hard it is to handle these local "speed machines". Thrills galore!

After the long ocean crossing, working day and night to get the best out of their classic thoroughbreds, assessing their options and, it has to be said, enjoying the wonderful downwind sailing in the trades, the crews of the Panerai Transat Classique 2015 will discover in Martinique a warm and friendly welcome. The islanders enjoy meeting new faces and understand what it means to have crossed the Atlantic under sail. Without doubt, for all involved this is the beginning of an incredible adventure.

It's true, the average temperature on the island of Martinique is indeed 27 degreesC! Hot days are often tempered by the trade winds, which die out in the evening. Conditions are perfect for some sight-seeing around the island. You'll discover the wild shoreline of the west side of the island, the charming villages such as Sainte-Anne, and some fabulous beaches such as Mitan cove. Admire the astonishing landscape of the Savane des Pétrifications in the south and, in the north, the volcanic mount Pelée which is 1,397 metres high.

www.paneraitransatclassique.com