Already established as an annual event, taking place over the weekend of the 17th and 18th July. The
Dash provides an innovative and exciting opportunity to race to Tarfaya, Western Sahara by crossing the
ocean from the Canary Islands in a safe and fun way with like-minded people. The race is open to yachts,
motorboats, windsurfers, kitesurfers, and multihull boats. The Dash successfully combines racers with
cruisers, old with young, and aims to help bridge the gap between Saharan and Canarian cultures. Along
the way the Dash provides entertainment, a truly memorable experience and the opportunity to make a
difference to your own and the lives of other's.
Last year's inaugural event saw a limited number of privileged sailors and crew make the trip and no-one
was left untouched by their experience. Due to popular demand this year's event has been opened up to a
much wider fleet and to spectators but places are limited and available on a first come first served basis
only. All participants are expected to make a donation directly to L'Adaph charity of either clothing, a
wheelchair/ crutches, or money through bidding in one of the Dash charity auctions. L'Adaph is an established
charity based in the Sahara who helps disabled children and adults.
The crossing is approximately 72 nautical miles. It is estimated that the different types of craft
(Windsurfers, Trimaran, Catamarans, Motor Cruisers and Kitesurfers etc). Yachts will travel at a minimum of
7 to a maximum of 25 knots. At an average of 20 knots the crossing should take 3 1/2 hours and at 7 knots
around 10 hours. The presence of experienced sailors is another incentive for those with less offshore
experience to participate. Arrival times in Tarfaya will start from lunchtime and go through to early evening.
A wide range programme of entertainment takes place both before the start and after the finish. The event
enjoys the full support of the Moroccan Tourist Board and all authorities.
The Dash finishes in Tarfaya a village 100km north of Laayoune (the closest main town and where the airport is situated).
Tarfaya, is a typical Saharan village whose inhabitants are amongst the friendliest people in the world, and all
participants will be welcomed in true Saharan style. There will be Saharan tents set up for an evening of local
food and entertainment for all competitors, guests, organizers, and authorities from the Canaries and Morocco.
Everybody will overnight in tents or their yachts / motor cruisers in Tarfaya before departing the following day.
EVENT PROFILE
- Sanctioning: The Dash is organised jointly by Youths United and Destination Marketing International
and is actively supported by the Central Government of Morocco, the Ministry of Tourism in Morocco and the Authorities
of Laayoune and the Western Sahara and has full backing for all activities from all authorities in Morocco.
- Media: Last year's event was broadcast on Eurosport to over 120 countries and received many pages
of press coverage. This year is set to receive even greater coverage. Various media will be able to follow
the race from the main support craft. A fast craft will also be available for those wishing to be ahead of
the race. Youths United official media partner is Destination Marketing International (DMI) currently works
with ministries of tourism in over 10 countries and with over 5 professional sports associations. DMI also
produces TV programming for Ch4, ITV, Ch5, Eurosport, and 100's of broadcasters worldwide.
- Official Charity: ADAPH are a recognised Moroccan based charity helping disabled adults and children in the Sahara.
- Dates: 17th - 18th July. A one day race (2 day event) leaving Lanzarote early on Saturday morning and start
arriving at Tarfaya, Sahara between mid to late afternoon of the same day. Participants, media and spectators will stay
overnight in Tarfaya and return to Lanzarote the next day.
- Conditions of Entry: See separate Conditions of Entry.
- Categories/ Racing groups: Windsurfers, Kitesurfers, Monohulls, Catamarans, Trimarans, Motorboats, Yachts and Inflatable Ribs.
- Spectators: Will be able to follow and join in the race on support craft.
- Race Structure: Every participant will have a portable VHF radio and GPS system. Apart from the Trimaran, contestants
will be teamed with a partner using the same type of craft for the endurance part of the crossing. For this first section the
participants will sail with their partners. The pre-planned route will be followed via the GPS system. Participants will
remain in their pairs to the pre-determined point where the tower in the ocean, Del Mar is visible off the coast of Sahara.
The "Dash" to the Sahara begins at this point and it is only then that the contestants can race alone with the Tower marking the finish.
- Sponsorship: Confirmed sponsor's so far include Club La Santa, Waiwurrie clothing, Freedom4sale.com. See Sponsor
Information for further opportunities.
- Safety and Security: We have agreed to follow all guidelines and regulations as issued by the Harbour Masters of Laayoune
(Morocco) and the Mayor ( the Wilaya of Laayoune, Bou and Dour ). We are using support craft with VHF radio and hand held GPS.
All participants are highly experienced professional sailors who will provide both portable VHF radios and GPS systems.
Participants are teamed with a partner for the longest section of the crossing and each individual will be followed by
a support boat - (Rib).
OUTLINE EVEN ITINERARY (subject to change):
Friday 16.07.04
20.00 Pre race party - departure of slower vessels and kayak.
Saturday 17.07.04
07.00 All participants, YU team, support crew and support craft to be assembled at designated venue.
All support craft and crew required to go through checks and safety controls as requested by the
Harbour Master in Arrecife.
07.15 Participants to meet at designated venue for briefing on weather conditions, route planning and safety.
07.45 Continental breakfast for all participants, media, crew and team.
08.15 Brief press conference for invited media (location t.b.c.).
08.30 All spectators to assemble on quay beside main support craft ready to board.
09.00 THE DASH STARTS.
20.00 Fiesta - for everyone at the main beach site in Tarfaya, including the Trophy presentations and a
speech of thanks to the Authorities and our Sponsors. This will be followed by traditional Saharan food
and tea ceremony, with local entertainment and Camels! Overnight accommodation in Saharan tents is available
also yachts, motor cruisers or private tents that can provide personal accommodation are welcome.
Sunday 18.07.04
On the morning of departure we hope to offer short sea tours on the inflatable
ribs to the dignitaries and people of Tarfaya to thank them for their openness to
our project and their hospitality.
08.30 Traditional breakfast on the beach in Tarfaya.
09.00 Load all equipment onto the main support craft and undergo required safety checks and controls.
12.00 Departure of small craft .
13.00 Departure of main craft .
Arrival back in Lanzarote late afternoon / early evening.
Already established as an annual event, taking place over the weekend of the 17th and 18th July. The
Dash provides an innovative and exciting opportunity to race to Tarfaya, Western Sahara by crossing the
ocean from the Canary Islands in a safe and fun way with like-minded people. The race is open to yachts,
motorboats, windsurfers, kitesurfers, and multihull boats. The Dash successfully combines racers with
cruisers, old with young, and aims to help bridge the gap between Saharan and Canarian cultures. Along
the way the Dash provides entertainment, a truly memorable experience and the opportunity to make a
difference to your own and the lives of other's.
with ministries of tourism in over 10 countries and with over 5 professional sports associations. DMI also
produces TV programming for Ch4, ITV, Ch5, Eurosport, and 100's of broadcasters worldwide.