Tahiti prepares to welcome top Ocean Racing athletes

Tahiti to host second Ocean Racing World Championships

The world's top Ocean Racing athletes converge on Tahiti this October for the discipline's second World Championships. Following its 2013 debut, Tahiti, with its rich paddlesports heritage, promises an exceptional competition amidst stunning natural beauty.

Competitors will tackle a challenging 30-kilometer downwind course, vying for titles in Junior, U23, Masters, Men's and Women's SS1, and the highly competitive Open divisions.

Key Contenders

South Africa's Sean Rice, the inaugural champion, aims to defend his title. Other male contenders include Australia's Sam Norton, Barry Lewin (RSA), and French paddlers Yannick Laousse and Benoit Le Roux.

In the women's race, New Zealand's Teneale Hatton, a multiple World Champion across Canoe Sprint, Marathon, and Ocean Racing, is a strong favorite. She competes against 2013 World Champion Michelle Eray (RSA), among other elite athletes.

Race Details and Coverage

The event begins with a spectacular mass start from the Marina of Hitia, as all athletes simultaneously enter the ocean. Finish lines for individual classes will be on the beach within the same marina area.

Beyond world titles, the top seven overall paddlers in the Open classes will share a substantial 15,000 euro prize fund.

The race will feature extensive global streaming and TV coverage, including drone aerial footage. A GPS tracking system will be in place for all boats.

Further Information

Registrations remain open. For more details, visit the official event website:

• Official website: http://www.tahitinui2015-icfoceanracing.pf/ (new website incoming)
• Download the Information Bulletin: Click here

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