Ambon to welcome int'l sail race participants from Darwin

Antara , Ambon | Mon, 07/28/2008 7:57 PM | National

Ambon will welcome all the participants of an international sailing race that started in Darwin, Australia, on July 26, says a local tourism official.

The sailboats will be greeted with traditional art performances at the finish line in the waters off Amahusu village, Nusaniwe district, Monday night or early Tuesday morning, said Maluku Tourism Office head, Ape Watratan.

"Coordination has been made by the Ambon Tourism Office and the local committee for the event. The first boat arriving in Ambon will be presented with garlands by officials from the two parties. The garlanding will be followed by traditional dance performances," he said.

Sixteen sailboats are participating in the international event which has been held regularly since 1976. The names of the foreign participating boats are Balladier, Cloudy Bay, Cruise Missile, Diva, Enigma, Helsal II, Hepzibah, Jasmin, Kishka, Lothlorien,Malaika, Marrawudi, Marjani, Sea Fox II, Serenity 2 and Warna Carina.

In 1999, the race was suspended for security reasons as a communal conflict was then raging in Maluku. In 2007, the race was held again with only six boats participating.

"The participation of the 16 foreign boats in this year's race indicates that foreign countries' confidence in Maluku's security conditions and stability has returned. Many foreign tourists will
come to Maluku in the days ahead.

"The race will surely have a strategic impact on Maluku's tourism industry and other sectors," he said.

Ape said he was optimistic the race participants would gain favorable impressions of Maluku as the local committee had prepared the holding of many activities to entertain them such as the operation of decorated pedicabs, the organization of tug-of-war and beach volleyball competitions.

The arrival of the racers itself is also expected to attract many domestic and foreign tourists.

The race started on the deck of the HMAS Bathurst at Australia's Anchorage naval base in Larrakeyah, Darwin. (**)