More than 1000 people gathered in the marquee tent in Essaouira, Morocco recenty to ring out the 29th Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles in style. A total of 165 teams participated in the 29th edition of this one-of-a-kind adventure. It is the world’s first international off-road Rally race for women only.
Participants of the 2019 rally included actress Kiera Chaplin (@kierachaplin), who came in 11th place of some 126 entrants in her 4×4/Truck category with her partner singer, Sophie Tapie (@sophietapie).
Chaplin is the granddaughter of filmmaker Charlie Chaplin and the great-granddaughter of the author Eugene O’Neill.
Since 1990, it has been bringing together women between the ages of 18 and 71, from more than 30 different countries, who embark on an adventure of a lifetime from the French city of Nice and onward to the start of the Rallye in the Moroccan desert.
The gala was attended by the Gazelles’ loved ones in addition to all the event’s partners, who had made the trip to Essaouira specially for this event. The festivities took place in a large marquee tent decorated in Moroccan style. “It’s grandiose, magical!” said Nathalie of Team 105 (Nathalie Rossini-Racaud / Nathalie Levert – Umanove).
Dominique Serra (serra.dominique.7), head of the operating agency Maïenga opened the ceremony. The evening’s surprises included a phone call from Christine Lagarde (@Lagarde), Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “I am full of admiration and respect for everything you have accomplished” she declared, live from New York.
For a full list of all participants and rankings: http://live2019.rallyeaichadesgazelles.com/en/rankings/