Cabarete Classic Windsurfing event, July 2008
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take place from July 17 to July 20, 2008, and is expected to be bigger
and more exciting than ever. The Cabarete Classic is the most
important windsurf event 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. For more information about the event, please check out the
official event website at www.cabarete-classic.com.