Numbers are down, but Sail Indonesia still looking good

Numbers will be down, but it’s still all systems go for this year’s Sail Indonesia Rally, which is scheduled to kick off from Darwin on July 23.

Spokesperson David Woodhouse said expressions of interest were down at this stage – 200 as opposed to 270 – and he blamed this on the GFC hitting two years ago, with less cruisers embarking on world circumnavigations and the full flow-on effect of that only now being felt.

However, everything else was shaping up well and he still expected a big fleet to set sail.

“For 2011 there are two destinations and routes available for you across Indonesia,” he said.

“As past years the first entry port for 2011 is Kiang located at 10° 09 and 123° 34, 420 miles WNW from Darwin and from there you will be able to follow the traditional Western Passage route. The second entry port will be at Saumlaki at 07° 54’ and 131° 22 ’ 270 miles north from Darwin."

Woodhouse was confident rally yachts would not experience any custom bond hassles in Kupang due to the rally's excellent contacts.

"We even had dinner with the president of Indonesia last year!" he said. 

The entry fee is $500 a boat and entries close next month.

For more information or to find out about crew-wanted visit: www.sailindonesia.net

- Caroline Strainig