The International Canoe Federation has announced an exciting four-event Ocean Racing World Cup calendar for 2017, that will see the sport taken all around the world to some of the most picturesque venues on offer.

Starting in Mauritius in July, the program will then move to Portugal, Tahiti, and Brest in France, before finishing with the World Championships in Hong Kong in November.

Announcing the program, the Chairman of Ocean Racing, Mario Santos, said 2017 was set to be a big year for the sport.

“To be able to take Canoe Ocean Racing to locations like Mauritius and Tahiti underlines the popularity of our sport,” he said.

“Results at each Ocean Racing World Cup event will count towards final qualification for this year’s World Championships, guaranteeing the best possible racing on every occasion.

“Every year we are seeing the flags of more and more countries represented at our events, and I am confident this year will see that number grow even further.”

Mauritius will open the season on July 1, followed by Portugal one week later. On September 1 the World Cup circuit will move to Tahiti, the host of the 2015 World Championships, before returning to Europe for the final World Cup in Brest, starting October 28.

The World Championships begin in Hong Kong on November 18. The Masters World Championships will be held at the same time.