Gear failure and tactical gambles decide thrilling opener at The Seychelles Challenge
by Leonie Mollentze 21 Jul 19:57 BST
21 July 2025
The Seychelles Challenge day 1 © The Seychelles Challenge
The inaugural Seychelles Challenge exploded into action on Monday with a dramatic opening leg that saw a heartbreaking gear failure decide the lead in the final moments of the race.
A boisterous south-southeasterly wind, averaging 15-23kts with powerful gusts hitting 25kts, provided a spectacular and challenging arena for the fleet's 27nautical mile crossing from Mahé to Praslin.
Initially, it appeared to be a masterclass from skipper Gilbert Victor and Team Tourism Seychelles. They shot off the line, demonstrating superb heavy-air speed to build a commanding lead. However, disaster struck at the most critical moment. As they prepared to jibe for the finish line off Praslin, a catastrophic main halyard failure brought their charge to an abrupt halt.
Seizing the opportunity with flawless execution was Tony Norris at the helm of team Knot Fast Just Furious. Having sailed a relentless race in pursuit, Norris and his crew were perfectly positioned to capitalize on the misfortune of the leaders, surging past to claim a dramatic and hard-fought victory on Leg 1.
Meanwhile, a fascinating tactical battle for third place unfolded further back. While much of the fleet held tight to the rhumb line, Justin Clohessy, skipper of Bikinis and Bowlines, made a bold tactical gamble. Clohessy steered a more easterly course, a move that paid handsome dividends by providing his team with a superior wind angle for the final approach to the northern tip of Praslin, securing them a well-earned spot on the podium.
The fleet completed the challenging crossing in impressive times, ranging from three to three-and-a-half hours, setting a high-octane tone for the rest of the Challenge. With the competition already proving to be a fierce test of skill, strategy, and equipment, the stage is set for another thrilling day of racing tomorrow.
Current standings after Leg 1: Mahé - Pralin
Multihull
| Position | Boat Name | Team Name | Skipper |
|---|
| 1 | Adeda | Knot Fast Just Furious | Tony Norris |
| 2 | Anna Isabella | Tourism Seychelles | Gilbert Victor |
| 3 | Infiniti 88 | Bikinis and Bowlines | Justin Clohessy |
| 4 | Serenata | Team Mischief | Hylton Hale |
| 5 | Axis 111 | #wheresal | Belind Dickson |
| 6 | Amalur | Motor and Sail Investment | Rob Sharp |
Monohull
| Position | Boat Name | Team Name | Skipper |
|---|
| 1 | Maracudja | Ocean Sailing Academy | Robbie Dove |
Olympian, junior sailors kick off The Seychelles Challenge with thrilling preview races
While Challenge participants set sail today (Monday, 21 July), the week-long event got off to a thrilling start on Sunday with the ABSA Youth Challenge and the Fareast 28R Seychelles Challenge setting the scene as preview races.
The Seychelles' most decorated sportsman, Olympian Allen Julie, joined the Fareast 28R Seychelles Challenge aboard The Love Boat in a two-part regatta on Sunday morning.
Helmed by Pat Lablache and including Seychellois sailing stalwart Bernard Pool, as well as Martin Hall and Brian Toussaint, The Love Boat was crowned the top points scorer on its opening day. The Fareast28R Seychelles Challengers will join the rest of the race fleet for the ABSA Mamelles Challenge - the 6th leg of the Seychelles Challenge.
ABSA Youth Challenge Results: Overall (Class ILCA 4)
1. Joshua Allcorn
2. Luca Marzocchi
3. Ella Constance
4. Lyandro Larue
5. Elisha Moustache
6. Michael Constance
7. Keryl Gerry
ABSA Youth Challenge Results: Girls (Class ILCA 4)
1. Ella Constance
2. Elisha Moustache
3. Keryl Gerry
Fareast 28R Seychelles Challenge Results:
1. The Love Boat
2. Anunnaki
3. Forever Young
4. Sophia