Jean-Claude FARLA, the old sea dog

A lifelong athlete, Jean-Claude likes to go where the wind takes him, enjoying his two favorite disciplines or sailing aboard his pirogue. Since his retirement, he takes tourists on exclusive sea adventures betweenPointe d'Esny and l’île aux Cerfs.

Committed to the protection of the lagoon and its fauna, Jean-Claude wishes to sensitize tourists and proudly represent the colors and beauty of Mauritius. Foreigners have come to know him through word of mouth as well as Jean-Claude’s great reputation in “his” lagoon and the publicity generated by famous tourist guides like Routard, Lonely Planet or Petit Futé.

It is in Pointe d'Esny, the village where he grew up, that Jean-Claude and his pirogue are stationed.

“The southern coast, its lagoon, its beaches, its “living together” and its tranquility, perfectly reflect the gentle, typically Mauritian lifestyle that I like to advocate,” Jean-Claude shares.

This old sea dog is extremely proud of his old boat, which he bought in1998. It is a pirogue that is no longer built nowadays and of which he takes great care to keep it intact. Every year, he likes to make his own 11-meter nylon sail, hanging it on a bamboo mast.

Jean-Claude shares his passion for sailing with his son, Jean-Eric, who also offers sea excursions on his own boat. His biggest regret is not being 20 years old today, to take advantage of the brand-new sports facilities that exist and see how far he could have gone in the two disciplines that shaped this true sea legend.

Photo credit: Fred Cusin