22 Yachts Participate in Ambon Race

Ambon (Antara Bali) - A total of 22 yachts have been confirmed to participate in the Darwin-Ambon Yacht Race 2013 (DAYR 2013), official said.

"Up to July 15, 22 yachts with Australian flags have been registered to participate in the race," Ambon tourism office spokesman Pieter Ohman said here on Tuesday.

According to him, the 600 nautical mile race to the capital of the Spice Islands attracts entries from blue water sailors from Australia and the world.

Pieter said the colorful fleet of yachts would start their sailing adventure to Ambon from Darwin foreshore on August 17, 2013, and the first yacht would arrive in Ambon on August 20.

"If nothing intervenes, all the yachts will arrive here on August 22," Pieter said, adding that he had made coordination with related institutions, such as immigration, quarantine house, Maluku tourism office, and Ambon port authority.

He said the 2012 Darwin to Ambon Yacht Race and Rally was a great success with race participants and officials attended  departure celebrations in Darwin and were then warmly welcomed in Ambon with a number of traditional performances. (*/DWA)