A gala in the colours of the sea

Marvels of the sea or of the desert?

From the desert to the ocean, the 330 Gazelles traded in their pink Rallye vests for their best evening finery. After spending 15 days deep in the Moroccan desert, the Gazelles enjoyed a prestigious gala evening in an immense white marquee tent across from the ramparts of Essaouira. In a fitting tribute to the former Mogador, the theme of this year’s gala was “Marine Marvels”!

Dominique Serra and the Governor of Essaouira opened the gala, inviting the 1,200 guests to stand and drink a toast with a glass of Tsarine champagne. The décor featured an aquarium, seashells, a sailboat and even a mermaid. Jazmin Grimaldi, daughter of Prince Albert II of Monaco and a Gazelle of Team 504 (Kiera CHAPLIN / Jazmin GRIMALDI - Saint Honoré) in e-Gazelle Class, took the stage to perform an original song after the start of the meal. Further entertainment during the meal was provided by belly dancers, sailors and acrobats. The winners of each category were then invited to the stage to receive gifts from event partners Aïcha, Saint Honoré and Afriquia.

The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc is much more than a navigation competition; it is also an event with strong values, such as solidarity and sharing. Cœur de Gazelles non-profit organization was created out of those values 17 years ago. Lively applause and a standing ovation were given to Marina Vrillacq, the association’s president, Frédéric Valat, manager of the medical caravan, and all the volunteers and partners. “We were able to perform 8,400 medical acts thanks to our volunteers and the partners who support us and understand our needs. I wish to thank them, because without them, we could do nothing. The strength of Cœur de Gazelle is in its patient follow-up. My thoughts go out to each of them.” Her speech was interrupted by tears, and Frédéric Valat took over: “Thanks to the 140 teams of Gazelles who stopped to visit us in the villages where we were set up. You are our best representatives. You are the ones who promote Cœur de Gazelles.”

The evening ended with music as dinner gave way to the dance floor.

See you next year for the 29th edition!