PARADISE AFFIRMED
After exploring Upi bay, the windsurfers, accompanied by a local chief and Guillaume Kouathe (the owner of Nataiwatch) spent the day on Nokanhui atoll, a sandbank bordered by turquoise water and unquestionably a little piece of paradise.
Sailing in one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, it was a special session for all the riders. To make the feeling last, they windsurfed back to the bay at Kanumera, a magical beach fringed by columnar pine trees, white sand and turquoise water. Upon arrival, they were greeted like VIP’s with a drink prepared by the staff of Nataiwatch. Time to relax and enjoy the sunset at the beach. That evening at dinner, all the staff of Nataiwatch put together a great surprise for Antoine Albeau, wishing him all their congratulations for his 22nd world title with a beautiful cake and fine speech. It visibly moved the champion who was caught off guard by this genuine touch of hospitality and respect for his achievement.
The next day, the last day of the trip, we returned to Upi Bay, this time in the presence of a local chief who came in a dugout canoe. Only the traditional canoes and local tribes are allowed to enter the bay normally and it was with great respect that we became the first windsurfers to be able to navigate the sacred waters of Upi bay. The riders were able to slalom between rocks and canoes, a moment of pure sharing and camaraderie among windsurfers and local seafarers and a perfect high point to end our trip.