Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Les Saintes...
Like the Tour de France, the Tour de Guadeloupe de Voile Traditionnelle, or TGVT for those who are close to it, travels through the Guadeloupe archipelago on a different route every year. If he doesn't go to Marie-Galante this year, he will scour a good part of the archipelago, between Petit Canal and Saint-François. To follow the cycling metaphor, there are short stages for sprinters, with coastal routes such as between Le Gosier and Pointe-à-Pitre and "mountain" stages, for strong riders, such as the rally between Les Saintes and Le Gosier, without forgetting the canal des Saintes, which when windy is the local Tourmalet.
Large audience and guaranteed atmosphere
The fervour on site is real and would be the envy of many boaters in the city. There are many spectators on the beaches and the supporters of each crew follow their boats. On arrival, ti-punch and party are guaranteed.
15 years of existence
The TGVT is the premier event of the traditional sailing season and celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2016. It is an essential element in the conservation of canoes or St. Louis, these boats, formerly dedicated to fishing and transport, now equipped with a huge mainsail, propelling them at high speed.
29 canoes and a guest
Launched with 7 canoes in 2002, the TGVT fleet will include 29 boats this year. Invitations had been sent out outside the archipelago. If this year only St-Bathélémy is present, the promotion of this atypical boat will certainly encourage new vocations. In this spirit, the Guadeloupe Traditional Sailing Committee will present a tourist offer at the next Nautic de Paris.
A show not to be missed
For the Guadeloupeans and the lucky ones, on holiday on the spot, attending an arrival is a spectacle not to be missed.
