Guests and rally enthusiasts helped kick off The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc with an NYC bash. The rally is set for March 2018!
The world’s largest female-only automobile rally is set to take place next March, only about one hundred days away! The competition is always fierce and enthusiastic despite the grueling circumstances: 9 days in the Moroccan bush, a number of checkpoints and obstacles. The obstacles aren’t necessarily a tight corner or a fast time: this rally is unique for its no speed and no GPS rules- only old-school navigation. It’s a return to the essence of adventure and thrill. The event’s founder, Dominique Serra, says she wanted to create something unique for women. “People see cars and they think of speed, but we wanted to put in place the constraints that demand strategy and reflection and navigation off-road,” she says. Back in 1990, the rally involved only nine cars. Today, the event is a comprehensive lineup: 158 teams on everything from 4 × 4s, Quads, trucks, crossovers and motorbikes.
The chief task for drivers in the rally is not top speed, but achieving the shortest distance between the two points. It’s in line with The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc’s philosophy of gentle ecological engagement and respect for the host country, Morocco. Free to choose their own route, Gazelles face a challenge every day: to study the map and the day’s geographical coordinates, analyze the risks and difficulties of the terrain and choose the shortest path.
Approximately 320 women will enjoy the race this year, with over 20,000 people joining for the opening ceremony in Nice, France. On average, 17 different countries will participate.
In the event you’re interested, be sure to explore the The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc website and see the options. Teams can be as few as two participants. Don’t have a partner yet? Check out the TOI + MOI = Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles Facebook group and find other interested potential teammates.
The event in NYC is designed to bring exposure to the rally, which is huge in Europe and Morocco, but has a fledgling interest stateside. The event is set to begin on 17 March 2018!
