Med Max Occitanie-Saïdia: a new sailing race links France to Morocco

Until October 7, 2024, the Oriental region is hosting the first edition of the “Med Max Occitanie-Saïdia Resorts” sailing race, a unique event that connects the Occitan coasts of France to the shores of Saïdia, to the north. east of Morocco.

This intercontinental competition brings together 25 sailboats from all over the world, sailing across the Mediterranean for a multi-day nautical adventure. The participants, divided into two categories (Class40 and Ocean Fifty), travel a route passing through Corsica, Stromboli, Sardinia and the Balearic Islands before arriving at the port of Saïdia Resorts.

The departure was given on September 29 from the port of Camargue, one of the largest marinas in Europe. The arrival of the sailboats is planned in Saïdia from Friday October 4, transforming the weekend into a true maritime celebration. To mark the event, a dedicated village is set up at the seaside resort of Saïdia, offering a festive program from October 3 to 7 with folklore activities, open-air concerts and craft exhibition stands. The village also hosts conferences on maritime and environmental themes, attracting both sailing enthusiasts and the general public.

The “Med Max Occitanie-Saïdia Resorts” race is not limited to sporting competition. It carries a message of cooperation and tolerance between Morocco and France, symbolizing a maritime bridge between the two shores of the Mediterranean. This event is the result of collaboration between the regions of Oriental and Occitanie, promoting economic, tourist and cultural exchanges. The race is part of a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between the two regions, following a bilateral meeting held on September 27, 2024.

The inauguration of this first edition positions the Oriental region as a new destination of choice for international nautical competitions. The event hopes to attract new visitors, promote local tourism and provide a showcase for the cultural richness of the region through a series of activities aimed at all audiences.