Tourism Seychelles officially kicked off the Seychelles Challenge, an innovative seven-day, six-night flotilla sailing event, running from 20–26 July 2025. Organised in partnership with WorldSport, the Seychelles Sailing Association, Creole Travel Services, Sunsail and The Moorings, Seychelles Coast Guard and other regional stakeholders, this inaugural event offers a unique blend of leisure, competition, and immersive island culture, reinforcing Seychelles’ reputation as a premier experiential tourism destination
Participants have embarked on an unforgettable journey through the iconic Inner Islands, including Mahé, Praslin, La Digue and other surrounding islands. The event’s flotilla-style structure encourages relaxed exploration, camaraderie, and friendly competition through day-races between anchorages, followed by evening prize-givings and cultural programmes.
This year’s edition features seven yachts. Sailors have the flexibility to participate with their own yachts or charter through Sunsail and The Moorings, with options for bareboat or skippered entries, as well as spectator flotilla access.
The Challenge officially launched on Sunday, 20th July with two key events—the first leg of the Far East 28 race and the Absa Youth Challenge. The latter featured a dedicated opening Youth Regatta that shone a spotlight on promising Seychellois talent and brought renewed focus to sailing as a sport, inspiring young sailors to dream of competing on the international stage. Absa, the official banking partner of the Seychelles Challenge 2025, is also the proud sponsor of both the Youth Regatta and one of the senior race legs.
That same evening, a vibrant opening event at Cap Lazare, hosted by Creole Travel Services, offered guests an immersive experience of Seychellois hospitality set against the backdrop of the natural reserve. The occasion featured a curated mix of local and international cuisine, live entertainment, and a relaxed island ambience, offering an early taste of what the Challenge stands for.
“We are delighted to support an initiative that aligns closely with our destination vision,” said Bernadette Willemin, Director General for Destination Marketing at Tourism Seychelles. “The Seychelles Challenge enriches our nautical portfolio—and does so sustainably—by merging adventure with authenticity and showcasing the natural rhythms of our islands.”
She also noted that the event presents a valuable opportunity to boost Seychelles' visibility as a leading destination for experiential and sports tourism, helping the country tap into new and growing travel markets.
Tourism Seychelles has committed to a five-year partnership to support the Challenge, viewing it as a means to expand the country’s tourism portfolio. “This initiative underscores our strategic ambition to diversify our tourism offering and promote Seychelles as more than a leisure destination,” Mrs Willemin added.
Reflecting on why Seychelles makes the ideal location for the event, Mr Hilton Hale, co-founder of the Seychelles Challenge, explained, “We see Seychelles as a natural starting point. You need reliable wind, good weather, and a sense of adventure. Seychelles offers all three.”
As the event prepares to set sail from Mahé Island, it brings with it the promise of community involvement, regional collaboration, and a new frontier in Seychelles’ active tourism landscape.
