Santo Domingo came alive with a new promise. The Embassy of Germany in the Dominican Republic presented the 21st edition of Master of the Ocean. The international water sports event will take place from September 16 to 20, 2026, in Cabarete. That wind-swept beach on the North Coast will serve as the setting.
The launch brought together public- and private-sector representatives at the German Residence. Athletes, sponsors, partners and friends of the event also attended. Details of the new edition were presented there. For more than two decades, Master of the Ocean has been part of Cabarete’s identity. It represents a history of cooperation and friendship between Germany and the Dominican Republic.
The Ambassador highlights Cabarete’s value
German Ambassador Maike Friedrichsen spoke warmly during her welcome. She highlighted Cabarete’s special significance for her and emphasized the role Master of the Ocean has played for more than 20 years. The event is a platform that brings together sport, sustainability, cultural exchange and community development.
The Ambassador specifically recognized the work of Marcus Böhm, the German founder of the event and a member of the Cabarete community for many years. Thanks to his vision and commitment, the project evolved from a sports competition into an initiative with international impact. Through sport and a love of the sea, it connects people, cultures and generations.
Over the years, the Embassy of Germany has supported this initiative. It not only promotes water sports and sustainable tourism, but also creates opportunities for cultural exchange between the two countries. The friendship is longstanding and the cooperation ongoing. Master of the Ocean is a symbol of that relationship.
Water safety at the center
The Ambassador highlighted the social impact Happy Dolphins DR has generated in coastal communities. Under the leadership of its founder and president, Patricia Hiraldo, the organization has worked for more than a decade to strengthen water safety in the country.
Through its four fundamental pillars—lifeguard certification, swimming instruction, water sports training and education on ocean care—Happy Dolphins develops programs that create safer destinations. They also generate employment opportunities for young Dominicans and promote a more responsible relationship with the sea.
The founder speaks from the heart of Cabarete
Marcus Böhm thanked the Embassy of Germany and Ambassador Friedrichsen for their continued support of the event over so many years. “Master of the Ocean was born in Cabarete, but it has always had a broader vision,” he said. That vision is to position the North Coast and the Dominican Republic as a whole as one of the world’s top destinations for water sports.
“It is not only about our waves, our winds or our tropical surroundings. It is the people, the human warmth and Dominican hospitality that make the experience of visiting our country truly special,” Böhm said.
Marcus Böhm has a broad vision. He wants to position the North Coast and the Dominican Republic as a global destination. The people, human warmth and Dominican hospitality make the difference. The experience of visiting the country is special.
First-rate partners
The 2026 edition has prestigious national and international partners, including Edelweiss Air, Copa Airlines, Millennium Resort & Spa, Viva Resorts by Wyndham, Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel & Spa, Hotel Kaoba, Fixo Cargo and Banco Lafise. Public and private institutions committed to the sustainable development of tourism and water sports are also involved.
Safe Coasts Dominican Republic 2026: a concrete plan
During the launch, the Safe Coasts Dominican Republic 2026 program was presented. The initiative will certify 60 lifeguards at different destinations across the country. The first training session will include members of the Tourist Police (POLITUR) and the Viva Miches team. This marks the beginning of an effort to strengthen water safety at strategic tourist destinations.
The initiative is being developed together with the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR), the Central Directorate of POLITUR, Viva Resorts by Wyndham and the National Center for the Promotion and Development of Nonprofit Associations (CASFL). Patricia Hiraldo stated firmly: “We are working to forge a new culture of lifeguarding in the Dominican Republic.”
Bringing music and the sea together
The 2026 edition brings music and the sea together. German DJ Luka Pawelski will be part of the event lineup. Electronic music serves as a bridge. Contemporary culture creates a connection. The combination is vibrant. The event is festive. Participants enjoy it. Spectators are thrilled. The celebration takes place on the sea.
Employment, education and community safety
Master of the Ocean creates jobs. Young Dominicans receive opportunities. Water sports training is part of the program. Education focused on ocean care is key. A safe destination benefits the community. The impact is positive.
Master of the Ocean is a platform. It brings together sport, sustainability, cultural exchange and community development. The Embassy provides support. The friendship is longstanding. The cooperation is ongoing.
An emblematic event with more than 20 years of history
With more than 20 years of history, Master of the Ocean has established itself as one of the Dominican Republic’s most emblematic events. It is an example of how sport, culture, sustainability and social commitment can generate a positive and lasting impact in communities.
Cabarete is its birthplace. The wind is constant. The waves are perfect. Visitors arrive from around the world. The atmosphere is festive. The music is electronic. The sea is vast. Safety is a priority. Trained lifeguards protect people. The community supports the event. The event is sustainable.
