Russian sailors on regatta adventure in Seychelles waters |30 April 2013

The sailors are mostly former students of the AMC Yacht Training Centre in Moscow whose chief executive Vladimir Vatrunim has described Seychelles as “a very good destination”.

“This is our first sailing adventure in Seychelles. Despite the rain, Seychelles is much warmer than the cold Mediterranean and even Russia where it is unusually cold,” said Mr Vatrunim, who is on his second visit to Seychelles.

The sailors on 14 boats chartered from Dream Yacht Charter and Marine Cat Sey started their adventure on Sunday following the official opening ceremony on Saturday night at the La Plaine St André restaurant and bar.

Trois Frères distillery marketing manager Christian Moulinié was present to welcome the guests and gave out presents to skippers of the 14 boats.
Mr Moulinié thanked the Russian sailors for choosing Takamaka Bay as partner in this sailing regatta.

“As small as we are, we try our best to help in whatever way we can and I wish you all an amazing discovery of Seychelles,” said Mr Moulinié.
The closing ceremony will take place at the same venue and the event is partly sponsored by the Takamaka Bay.

The sailors will sail between Mahé, Praslin, La Digue and the other surrounding small islands for five days. They are expected to organise a beach party at the Bonbon Plume restaurant on Praslin today.

Mr Vatrunim said he hopes to bring another group of sailors to Seychelles next year, adding that many sailors have already extended their stay here.