(Photo: New Location for the Ocean Vagabond with Atlas Resort construction in the background.)

Essaouira's New Nautical Center

The construction has begun on the new nautical center which is the culmination of a long project to expand the Essaouira Beach front. The New Nautical Club is being built at the end of the beach in front of the circle on the auto route. It's a very exciting project that should complete by early next year.

There are 4 partners in this project. First you have the The Royal Windsurfing Club that will move from its current location next to the Fanatic Cafe. Then you have the Ocean Vagabond that will also close and move down the beach. This will put all of the rentals and lessons for beach activities in one spot. Some people cry 'Monopoly' but there are still many other private organizations on line that provide the same services.

The other two partners are Royal Air Maroc and Governmental Office in Charge of Youth Services. I'm not sure how RAM fits in, they must be connected to the new Atlas Resort being built across the street and will be wanting their clients to be able to use the facilities. Or maybe even their own beach club? Only time will tell!

The entire project falls under 'The National Initiative for Human Development' and the Governmental Office in Charge of Youth Services must be a subsidiary. They are putting money in to help move the Royal Windsurf School which provides free lessons to Moroccan children from all around Morocco.

It should be an ultra modern facility that will include a Restaurant and Cafe run by the Vagabond and the Royal Nautical Center that will provide rentals and lessons for all water activities.

Hopefully the time they open the Center, the Boardwalk extension will be finished and Essaouira will have a beautiful new promenade that ends at the beach's most popular cafe....

Other News:

Really big 5 meter waves hit Essaouira this past week and it was quite a experience. Me and my girlfriend, Marla, went up on the Ramparts and watched those big 25 foot faces break on the rocks. Then the white water would pound into the wall shaking the entire structure. I don't think I have ever seen it so big. The surfing in the bay near the port was incredible, way overhead and crushing.

Alfa Romeo has rolled into town and is holding similar a similar event to the big G4 Rally that Land Rover held last year. All the activities are being held at the luxury hotel at the Bab Marrakesh.

Weather - A bit windy this week, but excellent weather forecasted for next weekend. Lots of surf for Wind and Kite surfers.

Check the surf in Essaouira:

http://www.windguru.com/int/index.php?sc=26

Check the Weather in Essaouira:

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=essaouira

Next Week:

Current Events:

The Alliance Françoise is hosting the exhibition «Le Maroc à contre-jour» de Jean-Claude Laffitte - Du 3 au 24 février - Vernissage le samedi 3 février à 19h.

For at full schedule of events at the Alliance Françoise, go to their website at:

http://www.ambafrance-ma.org/institut/afm-essaouira/index.cfm?num=948&archives=1&motcle=28

The Alliance Françoise is located on Rue Laalouj not far from Dar Suki.

Upcoming Events

10th Annual Essaouira International Gnaoua Festival 2007 June 19 - 23. For all information go to the offical websight at: http://www.festival-gnaoua.co.ma/

Blog Posted each Monday by Ron Bauer, see you soon!