Race preparations are finalized for the 2008 Cabarete Classic that will take place 17-20 July at Cabarete Beach in Puerto Plata. Registration is set for Thursday and Friday, on the beach stretch in front of Vela.
The Cabarete Classic is described as the most important windsurf competition in the Dominican Republic, and is one of Cabarete’s largest annual gatherings. The event was first held in 2006 as a means of keeping the spirit of windsurfing alive in the town and reuniting friends from all over the globe to enjoy the winds of Cabarete together. Last year, the event had over 70 racers competing, of which over half came from outside the country. Participating countries included the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, as well as numerous competitors from the United States, Canada, and Europe.
This year, event organizers expect to have double the number of competitors. The event is both a homecoming for friends and past residents of the area, as well as an attractive tourist draw for newcomers to the island.
The Cabarete Classic is four days long, and offers racing categories for competitors of all ages and abilities. Last year’s categories included: Mini-Juniors; Juniors; Slalom and Formula in both Sport and Open classes; Women’s Slalom; a Business Class (for local business owners), and a Freestyle competition. Two new categories will be added to the 2008 program, a Master’s class and an Olympic class.
This year, the event will also incorporate Pablito Guzman’s Watersports Team, sponsored in part by The DREAM Project and Vela Resorts, which is comprised of disadvantaged youth from the local elementary schools. Under the direction of Pablito Guzman, this team was formed in the past year to offer local students the opportunity to build self-confidence and learn a new sport that is an integral part of the local economy. Event organizers are pleased to include these team members in the racing program for 2008.
While the Cabarete Classic is primarily a windsurfing competition, event festivities will not end at sundown – each night, programming will continue with special dinners, concerts, and other gatherings for racers, fans, and their families, as well as members of the press. These events are designed to bring visitors and community members together to enjoy the entertainment and good fun the town has to offer.
See http://www.cabarete-classic.com
Also see the Puerto Plata section of our hotel directory for suggestions on where to stay. http://www.dr1.com/directories/index.shtml#Hotels_Resorts