Press release 2020

MASTER OF THE OCEAN PROMOTES THE NORTH COAST AS A CAPITAL OF EXTREME WATER SPORTS

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic - February 13, 2020

The expected dates of the most elite water sports event in the hemisphere, Master of the Ocean, were announced by the organizers during a press cocktail in the city of Santo Domingo. The busy launch was held in the vibrant atmosphere of Mamey Gallery Cafe in the Colonial Zone. An extreme competition, unique in its kind, which includes the disciplines of surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and Stand Up Paddle (SUP) on waves, will be held again from February 23 to 28 in Cabarete, province of Puerto Plata. It will fill the unique Encuentro Beach with adrenaline; the beach is internationally recognized for its ideal conditions for the practice of these sports. In its 16th edition the event has the support of the Ministries of Tourism and the Environment

LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL WATERMEN AND WATERWOMEN

WILL BATTLE FOR THE PRECIOUS AWARD

The Master of the Ocean is unique for bringing together Dominican and International competitors of the highest caliber in this tropical sports training ground which is Cabarete. While being fiercely competitive, the contest will unite 40 athletes in a spirit of camaraderie while thousands of visitors gather on the beaches to celebrate Carnival and Independence Day. The conditions of the North Coast are perfect for practicing water sports

Vice Minister of Sports and celebrated open water swimmer Marcos Díaz said that Cabarete is a unique community in the region where conditions are impressive for the practice of water sports. Master of the Ocean is the event that brings together four disciplines on the same stage in one location; Encuentro Beach,Cabarete, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Encuentro Beach has

spectacular conditions for even athletes around the world coming to this place who are attracted by the ideal conditions of wind, temperature, swell, and quality of people. Deputy Minister Diaz won the Master of the Ocean title in surfing in 2004.

CABARETE: A TRIBUTE TO ORGANIC TOURISM

In 2020 the Master of the Ocean will highlight the natural beauty of Cabarete and the North Coast; a perfect destination for organic tourism. This concept emphasizes the unspoiled nature of the region, and the event promotes not only the impressive talent of locak riders, but also the spirit of adventure, cultural richness, Caribbean flavors, and an authentic beach culture.

The region's hotel offering is being transformed as three captivating new projects will arrive soon with the Marriott International Group. The Luxury Collection, W Hotels and the prestigious Ritz- Carlton Reserve will not only create more than 2,000 jobs with an investment of more than 350 million but this new offering is based on the exuberant natural beauty of the North Coast joining the effort to establish Puerto Plata as one of the more attractive natural areas.

Viva Wyndham Tangerine will host international athletes and press during the event. Viva has proven to be a quintessential hotel with an active lifestyle offering for those who seek to practice tennis, beach volleyball, windsurfing, snorkeling, and diving, while at the same time relaxing in front of the idyllic beach or in a pleasant spa. Viva enjoys the privilege of being the only all-inclusive hotel in the area. In addition, it has the advantage of being only 3 minutes from the center of Cabarete, 20 minutes from Gregorio Luperón International Airport, and just under 2 minutes from Cibao International Airport.

Another hotel that is strategically located near the center of Cabarete is the exquisite and modern Millennium Resort and Spa, a favorite among kitesurfers. Millennium Resort offers condos with resort amenities in an exclusive and luxurious environment for every vacationer. The Millennium offers a comfortable experience and the views of Cabarete Bay are even more spectacular.

Ultravioleta Boutique Residences brings world-class services with exclusive apartments in great style. Located in the middle of Cabarete Beach, Ultravioleta Boutique Residences has a private beach with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. It is recognized for its impeccable amenities and exceptional service.

For a truly organic experience, Natura Cabana is just 5 minutes from Cabarete's action and offers an ecological backwater with yoga classes, spa and bungalows in a completely natural environment. Perfect for weddings, Natura Cabana is a pristine hideaway facing the sea with eclectic architecture designed to promote relaxation and tranquility. Nature is the essence of the Natura concept, resulting in a true green paradise.

THE ACTION

The Master of the Ocean was launched in 2003 by German waterman Marcus Bohm, as the Ironman of water sports. The race proposes up to 16 Overall athletes (each expert in all four disciplines), and eight teams of 4 athletes each (each athlete specializes in one of the four sports). The overall winner will win the crown of Master of the Ocean.

The holder of the Master of the Ocean title for four consecutive years and world champion Zane Schweitzer of Hawaii is eagerly awaited, while Chris Buenger, a.k.a. Christopher del Mar, is a complete rider from Sylt, the northernmost part of Germany. Brian Talma, a.k.a. Action Man, from Barbados is one of the most awaited athletes promoting his Beach World Culture Tour; a beach and sports celebration with music and art. Talma promotes organic tourism on his Caribbean Island.

The Dominicans don't fall behind with their Creole power. Veteran Luciano Gonzalez seeks to break the tie with Schweitzer, while being part of the Dominican Team alongside Sammy Perez Hults, who brings his Olympic know-how from Hawaii. Sammy has trained hard hoping to raise his level to reach the Olympics. Luciano González is also a founder of the Ocean Academy, a non- profit organization, that seeks to empower young people from Cabarete through surfing.

Women Maarja Kivistik (Estonia) and Carolina Gutierrez Guzmán (Dominican Republic) will conjure up their Amazon power over the waves, while, for the first time, the Mariposa Foundation DR will bring its own team of young female athletes, including Nina Corniel, from the mighty dynasty of local kitesurfing champions.

A WORKSHOP AT THE MASTER

Taking advantage of the presence of these ocean gladiators, the Master of the Ocean joins Happy Dolphins, a project whose mission is to inspire children and young people on the North Coast to improve their lives across the ocean with their lifeguard training program for a surf camp and swimming coaching.

February 23rd will be dedicated to young athletes in the area, with a festive program of music and workshops in the four disciplines of surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and SUP by the champions plus a foil display.

The five days will bring a celebration of water sports with daytime competitions at Encuentro Beach and vibrant Cabarete style entertainment in various locations.

Sponsors are also Dakine, Ojo/Lax , Europcar, Encargo Paq, El Magnifico Hotel, Kite Beach Inn and Corona and Surfasana.