Sail Indonesia

The 2004 Darwin to Kupang Yacht Rally

The rally has exceeded everyone's expectations this year including the Indonesian government and politicians involved in the events. With forty three yachts and 120 and a total of crew representing 10 nations, these events have not only became an introduction to Indonesian culture and traditional way of life for the participants but has fostered a wonderful cultural bond between the friendly Indonesian people and all the nations represented.

Yachts began arriving checking into the country on 28 July at the famous and newly renovated Teddy's Bar in downtown Kupang. Teddy hosted the yachties with daily cultural dances, good food and cold beer leading up to the Gala Dinner on 31 July which was presented, by the Governor of Nusa Tenggara Timor and the Indonesian Tourist Office Dinas Parawisata.

A local beer drinking record was broken in an effort to 'spur on the economy' During the five-day visit, the fleet consumed 1226 large bottles of cold Bintang Beer. Sailor men and women at their best. No doubt this visit by the Yacht Rally truly helped the ailing tourist economy in many other areas as well. On a very heart warming note, the fleet collected nearly $1,000 US Dollars to present to the Governor of NTT and was handed over to the Director of the local Orphanage. With all the festivities the yachties still had time to explore West Timor on various private and organized tours. They were pleased to find interesting cultural villages, waterfalls, traditional markets, an annual horse race and other tourist pleasures around the area.

Since this was a yacht "rally" not a race the awards given were designed to bring a smile: First to Arrive on Diesel fuel: Risque Affair from New Zealand and we thought Kiwis could sail. The Real Sailor Award for sailing all but the last kilometer Pisces from America, they also lost an America's Cup or two. The last to arrive Rear Admiral was awarded to Voi Voi from Norway and The Unluckiest Sailor Award for Julia from San Francisco who may still be in Kupang repairing replacing his transmission. Also, an honorable mention for the yacht who suffered the longest port clearance process waiting aboard their yacht for 24 hours without cold beer to Gemini from America.

Then onto the island of Alor. The yachts were invited by Bupati of Alor Bapak IR Ans Takalapeta and the Tourism office to join the Festival Budaya Flobamora II cultural exhibition at the capital of Kalibahi. Thirty three yachts sailed the 133 nautical miles from Kupang to fill the little harbor for 5 days of celebrations that once again exceeded everyone's expectations. The cultural exhibits included representatives from at least 28 islands throughout Nusa Tenggara Timor. The genuine warmth and hospitality from the island government and the people of Alor will not be forgotten.

The rally committee and participants broke all the rules that are imposed by international travel warnings, Keep a low profile, avoid large gatherings of people, Ninety six western people walked through the town and up the hill to a stadium surrounded by at least 5000 Indonesian people for the opening of the exposition. An estimated 1200 Indonesian island people paraded for two hours around the stadium in traditional costume with local music presentations to the joy of the rally people who were seated prominently in the viewing stand with the Indonesian Minister of Cultural and Tourism from Jarkarta, Bapak I Gede Ardika and the wonderful Bupati of Alor who hosted the events. After the official opening, the 96 rally participants joined the Minister and the Bupati at his official residence for a lunch reception. They then walked back to the harbor wharf for another official welcome to the expo. Complete with welcoming by a traditional war canoe sailing through the fleet of anchored yachts.

The harbor venue was surrounded by 43 stalls or booths with displays of traditional Ikat weaving many other local crafts and agricultural presentations. Centered within the booth display area was a great bale barong or traditional grass roof building and stage for daily performances, speeches and music. Presentations were given in thanks to the Bupati and his people by the rally committee and a representative Captain from the yachts. Then once again, a collection was taken up for 'Mama Putiah' (Mrs. White) who is a 70 year old volunteer who directs the orphanage there. She graciously received the gift in tears and invited the yachties to visit the orphanage and the children the next day. Crews from 10 boats enjoyed lunch with the children and presented gifts of clothing and toys. All in all, truly an international exchange of goodwill throughout both the Kupang and Alor events.

With all that goodwill at heart, the yachts left Kupang and Alor around 8 August to cruise slowly through Nusa Tenggara to Flores, Komodo, Rinca to Bali and beyond.

2004 Darwin-Bali Yacht Race

Fourteen yachts raced, cruised and motored to the finish line at Benoa. Light breezes took the wind out of the competition but the Awards Dinner was a fun event with humorous honors going to Aint Misbehavin for the 'real sailor' award who sailed 83% of the course in the dissapointingly light conditions. To Hana the 'Rear Admiral Award' for last to cross the finish line, also known as the Unluckiest Sailor Award with bad fuel problems and to Luna and Caprice were awarded for their efforts to report conditions and positions along the course for the Radio Active Award. All in all, everyone is having a good time enjoying Balinese hospitality as tourists.