darwin to indonesia yacht rally

Darwin - Saumlaki Yacht Race &   Rally

Saumlaki beach - tanimbar islands, indonesia.

2023 Darwin to Saumlaki Race Rally starts in...

...and they're off!

Track the race participants in this years Darwin to Saumlaki Race Rally LIVE   by clicking the button below.

About the 2023 darwin to saumlaki race & rally, general information.

The 283 nm Darwin - Saumlaki Yacht Race and Rally, is to be run this year starting at 1000 Hrs on Saturday 24th June and will provide an opportunity to visit the beautiful Tanimbar Islands of Indonesia, located due north of Darwin. The event is restricted to 20 yachts due to the anchorage area available.

Permits and Visas

A permit for each yacht to sail in Indonesian waters must be obtained prior to departure from Darwin. The application is obtainable online at http://vds.beacukai.go.id . This can be a slow process and should be applied for several weeks prior to departure to allow for any possible delays in processing. 

Indonesian Visas can be obtained from the N.T. Indonesian Consulate at 22 Harry Chan Avenue, Darwin, at an estimated cost of $80 each at the time of printing. This can take several weeks to obtain. Note: Visas on Arrival will not be available. 

Arrangements are being made with Border Force for departure clearances from Darwin to be obtainable on Friday the 23rd of June at the Darwin Sailing Club between 0900 and 1200 hours. All crew members for each yacht participating will need to be present as a group and have available current passports with a minimum of 6 months validity remaining on arrival in Indonesia. All boats leaving Australian waters are required to have national registration. (i.e. the vessel needs to be listed on the Australian General Shipping Register or that of another country.) 

Interested? Register your Expression of Interest now by downloading the form!

Quick links.

Here you can find the Race Entry Link, NORs and SIs, along with any amendments:

About Saumlaki

Saumlaki is the largest town and has a population of about 15,000 people located due north of Darwin on the south end of Pulan (Island) Yamdena in a natural harbour. 

The Tanimbar Islands, also called Timur Laut, are a group of about 65 islands in the Maluku Province of Indonesia, including Fordata, Larat, Maru, Molu, Nuswotar, Selaru, Selu, Seira, Wotap, Wuliaru and Yamdena. 

The Islands, have a distinct culture and remain a major centre for the production of traditional crafts like ikat cloth and carved wooden statues in Maluku, and have their own forms of music and dance. Cultural attractions apart, the Tanimbars also have their own distinct fauna, including 8 species of birds endemic to the archipelago, and fine beaches and great areas for snorkelling and diving. Most of the above attractions can be found on the main island of Yamdena. This is the most accessible of the islands and is the focus of most visits. Of the other islands, Larat in the north, with its town of the same name is the most accessible one, and the only one to offer any facilities. The local people are very friendly with children being very inquisitive. The main industries apart from carving and weaving are fishing and farming. In Saumlaki the population is about 95% Christian and 5% Muslim. 

Saumlaki provides for the provisioning of most items with supermarkets, open markets, general stores, and fuel and water facilities available. Fuel will need to be obtained in jerry cans and drinking water is available in 15 litre bottles (bottles are to be returned to the point of supply). While ATM’s and credit card facilities are available it can be difficult to get internet connections at times and it is recommended that Indonesian currency (Rupiah) is obtained prior to leaving Darwin. Emails can be difficult to send and receive.

The Darwin to Saumlaki Race and Rally is supported by the local and regional governments in Indonesia. A tour of some of the key areas will be provided for participants by the Ministry of Tourism. Arrangements have been made to ensure that Quarantine, Customs, and Immigration clearances will be available on arrival to, and departure from, Saumlaki. 

Skippers will need to ensure they have enough chain to anchor in 20m in a mud seabed with generally NE offshore prevailing winds. The anchoring area is adjacent to a roll on roll off wharf and is some distance from the shoreline. Direct access to the shore is not possible during low tides as there is a considerable area of tidal flats to cross that dry out. 

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Yacht Sourcing > Get to Know Sail to Indonesia International Yacht Rally 2023

Get to Know Sail to Indonesia International Yacht Rally 2023

• December 27, 2023

The maritime world eagerly anticipates the annual spectacle of the Wonderful Sail to Indonesia International Yacht Rally 2023. This international event draws participants from around the globe, transforming the seas into a stage for celebrating maritime spirit, adventure, and cultural exchange. This year, the rally promises to be an extraordinary journey, with sailors venturing into the heart of the Indonesian archipelago to explore its diverse islands.

Exploring Indonesia’s Archipelagic Splendor:

The Sail to Indonesia International Yacht Rally is not merely a race; it’s an odyssey into the enchanting beauty of Indonesia’s archipelagic splendor. Boasting over 17,000 islands, Indonesia offers sailors a unique opportunity to uncover hidden coves, vibrant coral reefs, and traditional fishing villages. The rally is designed to showcase the rich cultural tapestry of the nation, blending the thrill of the open seas with the allure of Indonesia’s diverse landscapes.

Cultural Exchange and Hospitality:

A distinctive feature of this rally is the cultural exchange program, fostering connections between sailors and local communities. Against the backdrop of Indonesia’s warm hospitality, participants engage in vibrant interactions, experiencing traditional dances, music, and the culinary delights unique to each island. This cultural immersion adds a layer of camaraderie and friendship, creating lasting memories for both sailors and the Indonesian people.

Challenges of the High Seas:

Navigating the challenging waters of the Indonesian archipelago poses both a test of sailing skills and a demonstration of participants’ resilience. From calm seas to challenging currents, the rally provides a thrilling adventure for seasoned sailors and those seeking to test their mettle on the open seas. The diverse topography and ever-changing weather patterns make each leg of the journey a dynamic and unforgettable experience.

Environmental Awareness and Conservation:

Amidst the excitement of the race, the Sail to Indonesia International Yacht Rally places a strong emphasis on environmental awareness and conservation. Recognizing Indonesia’s marine ecosystems as among the most biodiverse globally, organizers advocate for sustainable sailing practices to preserve these precious natural resources. Participants are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly measures and actively engage in beach cleanup initiatives throughout their journey.

Cultural Exploration During International Yacht Rally in Kotawaringin Barat:

As part of the rally, participants are welcome to explore the wonders of Kotawaringin Barat in Central Kalimantan. During their visit to Tanjung Puting National Park, the largest habitat of orangutans in the world, around 20 yachts docked at the Tanjung Puting National Park pier in Kumai, Kotawaringin Barat. The local government, through the Department of Tourism, seizes the opportunity to introduce visitors to various tourism destinations, traditional sports, and cultural experiences.

The Sail to Indonesia International Yacht Rally 2023 is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of the indomitable human spirit, the beauty of the seas, and the richness of diverse cultures. This rally, with its focus on cultural exchange, environmental stewardship, and the exploration of Indonesia’s wonders, promises to leave an enduring mark on the global sailing community. As sailors chart their course through this unforgettable adventure, they not only navigate the seas but also weave a tapestry of shared experiences and lasting memories. The rally inspires future generations of seafarers to embark on their own odyssey of discovery and adventure, ensuring that the spirit of maritime exploration continues to thrive.

Interested about this topic? Check out other articles from Yacht Sourcing below:

• The Best Time to Visit Bali for an Unforgettable Experience
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86 yachts depart Darwin for the Sail Indonesia Rally

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Cruising fleet sets sail for Indonesia

The annual Sail Indonesia Rally and sister Darwin Ambon Race are now underway, with fleets battling light winds on the 600nm or so to Indonesia.

Progress reports on the 120 yachts in the Sail Indonesia Rally were unavailable, but positions for the eight yachts in the Darwn Ambon Race are being updated when possible.

As of 0800 hrs today, the yacht 7609 was at 05 54 128 53, Cruise Missile 04 14 128 05, Kishka 05 57 128 41, and Lightfoot 05 49 128 41. Pandora's position at 1600 hrs yesterday was 08 48 129 14. The other yachts had not yet been heard from.

“The fleet are slowly making their way to Ambon with very light wind,” a race official said on the Darwin Ambon website.

“Cruise Missile has smashed their spinnaker pole. However, they have made temporary repairs to enable John Punch and Wayne Huxley to have a competition to see who can get the furthest under spinnaker in an hour. Mai Tai is just behind Cruise Missile and they are both in sight orf Ambon.

 “There is also a dual going on between Lightfoot and Kishka. Kishka is catching Lightfoot on the straight runs. However, they are losing them on the tacks. Interesting to know how the fleet keep themselves amused in light winds!”

Many yachts from both events are expected to do the follow-on Sail Bunaken event.

There was no mention on either website about concerns over safety in Indonesia following the Jakarta bombings, but on the Sail Indonesia website there was a warning about taking precautions to prevent swine-flu spreading.

For more information visit http://www.darwinambonrace.com.au/ and http://www.sailindonesia.net/

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Everything you need to know about sailing rallies and cruising in company

• Helen Fretter
• January 28, 2022

Entries for sailing rallies are booming like never before – we discover the allure of cruising in company. Plus our essential listing of organised rallies to take you anywhere in the world

There is a pent up enthusiasm for experiences right now. After nearly two years of limitations, many of us are hankering for wider horizons, to escape the Zoom meetings, look beyond the box-set, and sense freedom once again. But international travel is still not straightforward: entry regulations and health checks vary frequently, and simply keeping on top of the ever-changing rules is time-consuming and stressful.

So it’s no surprise that organised rallies are seeing a resurgence. Already the default option for many cruising sailors planning to take on a first transocean passage , many rallies are gathering bumper entries for 2022 and beyond after cruisers postponed their 2020/21 plans.

But there are also growing numbers of sailors prompted by the pandemic to make the leap to long-term cruising, and for whom the safety net of an organiser on call, who’ll keep on top of the health protocols and even catch your lines on arrival, was the deciding factor.

Jeremy Wyatt of the World Cruising Club, organisers of the ARC transatlantic rally among other events, is seeing a trend: “We are definitely getting some interest from sailors because of the extra administration that Covid is causing them as a cruiser.

“But I would also say there’s been a definite mindset of people reviewing their lives, looking at what their priorities are and saying ‘No, we need to go and do what we talked about doing’. So in terms of numbers of enquiries and how it’s looking for next year, it’s really gone crazy.”

Wyatt has noticed that an increasing proportion of enquiries come from the younger families. “The 40-something families are the ones deciding, ‘Let’s go and do it. Why are we sitting in the rat race?’”

With up to four or five years from first enquiry to first rally entry for many ARC crews, Wyatt is expecting participation numbers to stay high for years to come.

Allie Smith, head of group events at Oyster Yachts and organiser of the Oyster World Rally , has noticed similar: “We’ve got experienced owners that are on maybe their third or fourth Oyster that have taken the plunge. And we’ve got people that wanted to seize the day, and just said: ‘This is what I want to do. I’m going to buy an Oyster – whether new or brokerage – to just do it.’

“The vast majority of [owners] now confirmed as taking part are the type that will think, ‘Right, we’re just going to go for it.’ We know things may not be as we would like them to be in certain places. We have to do a bit of compromising, but they’re all quite gung-ho that they’re going, which is fantastic.”

The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers is among the world’s most popular sailing rally events. Photo: James Mitchell

Where it all began

A rally can be anything from a loose group of friends who choose to sail in approximately the same direction at the same time, to a commercially run, strictly organised series of stopovers with a full maintenance, service and social programme, and range from free to join, to tens of thousands of pounds.

Over the past decade several small rallies have been absorbed by the larger, more professionally-run events, while others in less popular seas have been cancelled. However, social media now enables sailors to connect, share information, and liaise to cruise in company in a more informal set up.

Jimmy Cornell is widely regarded as having created the first organised cruising rally when he formed the World Cruising Club to run the inaugural Atlantic Rally for Cruisers in 1986. “The ARC was certainly the first properly organised transocean sailing event,” Cornell explains.

Enduring concept

“I happened to be in Las Palmas on Gran Canaria in November 1985 and a group of French cruising boats had been brought together by a Frenchman, Guy Plantier, for an Atlantic crossing named Le Transat des Alisées. People arrived when they felt like it, and it all looked like the proverbial attempt at herding cats.

But I could see the potential of organising a proper sailing event with its own structure, rules and regulations, and an absolute stress on safety. That format was applied the following year, when 209 boats took the start of the first ARC,” Cornell recalls.

Yachts preparing for the start of the ARC. Photo: James Mitchell

“Before the start all boats had been inspected for their seaworthiness and all essential safety equipment was checked. That structure, which I’d laid down in those early days, has been followed to this very day in the ARC, and has been adopted by countless other rallies.

“I spoke to Dick Johnson [Yachting World editor of the time]. He embraced the idea wholeheartedly and the ARC has been closely associated with the magazine ever since.

“I am convinced that the rally concept will continue to attract participants for the same reasons, especially the safety aspect in today’s uncertain world, as it is even more important to be part of an event where the organisers are in a position to liaise with the hosting authorities.”

Full circle sailing rallies

Grand large yachting world odyssey.

Start: Cherbourg and La Grande-Motte, France; Seville, Spain; Key West, USA.

Route: This three-year epic has two routes, including one through the Panama Canal , an option of going around Cape Horn , and several start options from France and Key West from autumn 2021-January 2022. The two routes, one along the tropical tradewind route, and one around Patagonia, will come together in Tahiti.

About: Created to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the globe by Ferdinand Magellan and Juan Sebastian Elcano, it was originally only open to Grand Large Yachting models but later opened to a limited number of other yachts. The first edition has 32 participants, the second is planned to start in 2025.

Cost: c.€40,000

Info: gly-world-odyssey.com

Oyster World Rally

Start: Antigua, January 2022.

Route: Headed west through the Panama Canal, across the Pacific, past Vanuatu and north Australia, Cape Town, up the coast of Brazil and back to Antigua: a 27,000-mile circumnavigation.

About: Fully booked for 2022. The fleet is made up of a wide range of Oyster models, ranging from 56ft-70ft plus. Registration for 2024/25 is now open, with a waiting list already filling up. Prestart seminars and training included, while Oyster service team will assist with repairs, sourcing parts etc at stopover ports.

Cost: From £40,000-£70,000 according to length of boat.

Info: oysteryachts.com

Start: Saint Lucia and Australia, 2023.

Route: A 26,000-mile tradewind circumnavigation, which starts from St Lucia, through the Panama Canal and across the Pacific to Australia. Crews can opt to end their voyage, or rejoin after some time out, in Australia. The return leg from Australia visits Cocos Keeling, Mauritius, Reunion, South Africa, Namibia, St Helena, then on to Salvador, Brazil. It finishes with a cruise of the Windward Isles to return to St Lucia.

About: The World Cruising Club has postponed the scheduled 2022 World ARC, with the next start not before January 2023. “Responsible sailors would rightly be hesitant to leave port with an extended unfavourable forecast, and as it stands there is no clear path on exactly how the borders will be opened to whom, under what conditions and over what time frame,” the organisers explained.

Cost: £21,000 per 45ft yacht, £2,500 per adult.

Info: worldcruising.com/world_arc

Rallies offer youngsters on family boats a chance to befriend other cruising kids at stopovers – here before the GLY World Odyssey. Photo: Grand Large Yachting

Transatlantic sailing rallies

Start: Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, November.

Route: Canaries to St Lucia.

About: The original transatlantic rally, run by the World Cruising Club. Justly renowned for its thorough safety checks, pre-start briefings and seminars, and detailed organisation, the ARC is now in its 36th year. Thousands of sailors have begun their bluewater cruising adventure after being guided through the process by the WCC’s famous yellow shirted staff. The ARC includes a racing division with logged engine hours and a handicap applied, while the bulk of the fleet cruise across the Atlantic at leisure.

Cost: £1,500 per 45ft yacht, £150 per adult.

Info: worldcruising.com/arc

Route: Canaries to Grenada, via the Cape Verdes.

About: Originally launched in response to the ever growing popularity of the ARC, this more southerly route with an additional stopover attracts many family crews, setting off a week before the ARC. New for this year is a finish in Grenada, placing crews within easy reach of one of the world’s best cruising grounds around the Grenadines. More than 70 boats set off this year.

Cost: £1,800 per 45ft yacht, £225 per adult.

Info: worldcruising.com/arc_plus

Rallye des Iles du Soleil

Route: La Palma, Canaries to Cape Verde, finishing in Marie-Galante, Guadaloupe.

About: A French-run transatlantic rally open to boats over 10m LOA with a minimum of two crew.

Info: en.rallye-ilesdusoleil.com

Catamarans are increasingly popular for ARC participants. Photo: James Mitchell

ARC January

Start: Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, January.

Route: To Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia.

About: New for 2022 is a January option to cross the Atlantic, intended to give crews more flexibility around Christmas/New Year, as well as to pick up on the more stable tradewinds later in the winter.

Cost: £1,400 per 45ft yacht, £150 per adult.

Info: worldcruising.com/arc_january/event.aspx

Viking Explorers Rally

Start: Gran Canaria, January 2022.

Route: Canaries to Grenada with an option to stop in Cape Verdes.

About: This rally is limited to 25 boats to create a smaller, more intimate fleet, which means participants can expect to get to know their fellow sailors well. Vaccinations are required.

Cost: €55 per metre.

Info: vikingexplorersrally.com

Start: BVI or Chesapeake, May 2022.

Route: Eastbound from the BVIs or Chesapeake Bay, USA, to Bermuda, then to Azores, finishing in Lagos, Portugal.

About: The WCC’s eastbound Atlantic crossing with teams at every stop to help you plan, repair or socialise. A great way to return home or start a European adventure, with the reassurance of weather briefings and radio safety nets along this often challenging west-to-east route.

Cost: £1,000 per 45ft yacht, £425 per adult.

Info: worldcruising.com/arc_europe

The crew of Strummer celebrate their crossing with the Viking Explorers Rally. Photo:

Sailing rallies in the Americas

Brally amazon.

Start: Amazon Delta, October.

Route: Around the Amazon Delta and then up the Amazon River itself.

About: Runs over 20 days covering 500 miles into the Amazon River. Starts at Marajó Island, the largest marine river island in the world, at the mouth of the Amazon and navigates river channels upriver to tropical Alter do Chão. First run in 2021 but more are planned.

Cost: $2,500, discounts for early sign up

Info: brallyamazon.com/en-us/

Start: Newport, Rhode Island, October.

Route: USA to Caribbean.

About: The NARC Rally began in 2000 as an informal group of skippers delivering Swan yachts from Newport, Rhode Island, to French St Maarten in the Caribbean before developing into an organised rally. For 2021 it has reverted to a looser format, with boats invited to join the fleet sailing to St Maarten via a planned stop in Bemuda, but organisers have made it clear they are not responsible if countries close due to Covid restrictions.

Cost: Free to join, but a $100 fee per person for socials.

Info: sailopo.com

Cruising in company up the Amazon River with the Brally Amazon.

Panama Posse

Start: California, USA, November.

Route: Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Jamaica, Roatan Bay of Islands, Rio Dulce, Belize, Yucatan peninsula, Cuba and Key West.

About: The Panama Posse claims to be the biggest rally in the world, with 300 boats expected for the sixth edition. It has no set schedule or route, boats join from many different locations and it runs both east-west and west-east. The fleet usually grows as it travels down the west coast from California but most join from Mexico before heading through the Panama Canal. Entry includes a Panama Canal agent. Time frame is determined by the start and finish of the hurricane season. Boats range in size from 30-footers upwards, with the average age of a participants 45-65 and plenty of families taking part.

Participants choose their own route, stopping in discounted marinas or verified anchorages, liaising via chat groups and radio nets. There is a strong emphasis on exploration and the environment. Organisers do not insist on vaccination for participants but strongly encourage it. Many locations on the route have mandatory vaccination policies or are high risk for Covid.

Cost: $200.

Info: panamaposse.com

Salty Dawg Caribbean Rally

Start: Hampton, Virginia USA, November.

Route: Chesapeake to Antigua, or the Abacos in the Bahamas.

About: Claims to be the largest rally leaving the US East Coast each autumn. Caters to a slightly older crowd but with plenty of families also taking part.

Cost: $300.

Info: saltydawgsailing.org/caribbean-rally

The Baja Ha-Ha

Start: San Diego, November.

Route: San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, California.

About: A 750-mile rally down the western coast of California with stops, delivering yachts to the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. The Ha-Ha was cancelled last year but it’s back for its 27th running in 2021 (organisers say over 10,000 sailors have cruised with the Ha-Ha over the years). Crews are a mixed age range, with a family vibe and many retirees.

Cost: $495 per boat.

Info: baja-haha.com

Preparing provisions for an Atlantic crossing. Photo: James Mitchell

ARC Caribbean 1500

Start: Chesapeake Bay, November.

Route: Chesapeake to Tortola, BVIs.

About: North America’s longest running sailing rally. The rally is open to yachts 35ft upwards, and is designed to offer a safe passage from the US east coast to the Caribbean between late summer hurricane season and before early winter gales begin. Plenty of ARC weather forecasting support.

Cost: $800 plus crew fee of $125 per person.

Info: worldcruising.com/Carib1500

Salty Dawg East Coast Rally

Start: US Virgin Islands, May.

Route: Virginia, USA.

About: Official destination is Hampton, Virginia, but boats sail directly to various ports on the US east coast and Canada. Usually attracts 25-35 boats. Similar focus on fun and friends as with other Salty Dawg rallies.

Info: saltydawgsailing.org/east-coast-rally

Salty Dwg Delmarva Rally

Start: Hampton, Virginia, June.

Route: Counter-clockwise around the DelMarVa Peninsula (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia).

About: A good starting point for cruisers keen to experience overnight sailing without being far from shore, this covers some 450 miles with shoreside support.

Info: saltydawgsailing.org/delmarva-rally

Salty Dawg Bermuda Rally

Start: Chesapeake, June.

Route: Virginia, USA to Bermuda.

About: Pre-rally preparations, seminars, and socials events normally take four days to complete before the fleet heads offshore into the Atlantic, for the 650-mile passage to St George’s, Bermuda.

Cost: TBC for 2022.

Info: saltydawgsailing.org/bermuda-rally

Today’s rallies pride themselves on being true sailing communities

Salty Dawg Downeast Rally

Start: Chesapeake, July.

Route: Chesapeake to Newport to Maine.

About: Another Salty Dawg rally aimed at building experience on longer passages. Timed to avoid the worst of Maine fog.

Cost: $150.

Info: saltydawgsailing.org/downeast-rally

Salty Dawg Maritime Rally

Start: Maine and Massachusetts, July.

Route: Maine or Massachusetts to Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island.

About: Cancelled for 2021, next event should take place in 2022 if travel restrictions allow. Offers incredible scenery and the chance to sail on Bras d’Or Lake. Some skippers sail on to Newfoundland.

Cost: $125.

Info: saltydawgsailing.org/maritime-rally

Start: Puget Sound, August 2022.

Route: Seattle to San Diego.

About: A small fleet rally, which ties in nicely with the Baja Ha-Ha on the west coast of the States. Organisers describe it as ‘a sail down the world’s longest lee shore’, with seminars and online resources offered.

Cost: $695.

Info: cohohoho.com

Vancouver Rally

Start: Vancouver, September 2022. Route: A week-long cruise around the Gulf Islands, Vancouver, Canada.

About: Jointly run by the Royal Vancouver YC and British Royal Thames YC, this explores a beautiful area of wildlife and almost untouched landscapes.

Cost: Free to RTYC members.

Info: royalthames.com/Sailing/Cruising-Events/Vancouver_Rally

Beyond the Barrier Rally at Flinders Reef, Queensland in Australia

Tropics & Asia rallies

Savaadheeththa dhathuru maldives yacht rally.

Start: Haa Alif Atoll, February 2022.

Route: Around the Maldives, ending at Baa Atoll.

About: A new 20-day cruise of the Maldives, exploring 15 different islands. The rally looks to highlight the Maldives’ history and its well preserved natural habitats.

Cost: $1,000-$1,500.

Info: maldivesyachtrally.com

Sail Malaysia Passage to the East Yacht Rally

Start: Langkawi, Malaysia, March 2022.

Route: Around Malaysia, with stops in Indonesia and Bruni. Ends in Tawau.

About: Until recently much of south-east Asia has been closed to travel but the team at Sail Malaysia are confident this year’s rally will go ahead. The route coincides with several local festivals.

Cost: £350.

Info: sailmalaysia.life

Setouchi International Yacht rally

Start: Setouchi, Japan, May 2022.

Route: Around the Seto inland sea.

About: Created by two Japanese sailors who’d enjoyed rallying abroad and hope to bring the concept back home. This small rally (around 10 yachts) has been cancelled for two years but offers sailors an opportunity to experience guided tours and traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.

Cost: £130 per boat and £230 per person.

Info: cruisingjapan.org/wp1

Safety gear checks before a rally start. Photo: James Mitchell

Sail 2 Indonesia Yacht Rally

Start: Australia/New Zealand, date TBC.

About: This annual event takes yachts from Australia and New Zealand to Indonesia, but was paused due to the pandemic. The next edition has no firm start date, but organisers are accepting expressions of interest and hope to have more news in early 2022.

Info: sail2indonesia.com

Pacific sailing rallies

Van diemen’s  land circumnavigation cruise.

Start: Hobart, Australia, February 2022.

Route: Around Tasmania.

About: Organised by the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania this is a challenging 800-mile cruise around the island. Gaining in popularity, and with the Antipodes beginning to open up after lockdown, this could be a sell-out event. Fleet is limited to just 45 yachts (minimum 9m LOA). Run every two years.

Cost: AUS$575.

Info: ryct.org.au/vdl-c-cruise-2022

OZ to NZ Rally

Start: Queensland, Australia, February 2022.

Route: Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour to Opua, New Zealand.

About: A new rally for 2022 planned by Down Under Rallies in conjunction with Island Cruising New Zealand. The 1,200-mile leg may stop over at Lord Howe Island, subject to weather. Subject to travel restrictions, or as organisers put it, plans are ‘written in the sand at low tide’. Other events scheduled for 2022 include Go East, from Queensland to New Caledonia; New Caledonia to Vanuatu; the return from Fiji/Vanuatu back to New Caledonia; a new Mystery Island Rally, and the Go West rally, from the south west Pacific to Bundaberg, Australia.

Cost: From AUS$595.

Info: downunderrally.com

Pacific Puddle Jump

Start: US west coast, March 2022.

Route: Various start points, across the Pacific to French Polynesia.

About: Despite French Polynesia still being closed to travel the Pacific Puddle Jump has received special dispensation to hold its informal rally again for 2022, having run for 25-plus years previously. Puddle Jump crews set sail independently, sharing information on weather routing and island destinations via radio nets and online. Yachts arrive in French Polynesia from April to June, meeting in the islands.

Cost: $75 to join.

Info: pacificpuddlejump.com

Beyond the Barrier Rally

Start: Queensland, Australia, June 2022.

Route: A voyage beyond the Barrier Reef into the Coral Sea Marine Park.

About: Created during lockdown to give Australian yacht owners an offshore cruising adventure during Covid, with 36 yachts exploring reefs, islets and cays of the Coral Sea Marine Park. Anchorages are 200-400 miles offshore and the fleet is at sea for 18-21 days.

Cost: AUD$2,480.

South Island Rally

Start: North Island, New Zealand, December 2022

Route: A cruise between New Zealand’s North and South islands, returning in March.

About: Island Cruising New Zealand has six rallies planned for 2022, in the hope that border restrictions will be relaxed sufficiently to allow a Pacific circuit. Besides the South Island rally and Oz to NZ (see left), there are also plans to run rallies to New Caledonia, Fiji and French Polynesia. The circuit finishes with a Pacific to New Zealand rally in October, with international cruisers welcome to sail the return leg to New Zealand (entry restrictions permitting).

Cost: NZL$60o (South Island Rally).

Info: islandcruising.nz

Swedish islands Hallberg-Rassy Rally

Sailing rallies in Europe

Hallberg-rassy rally.

Start: Ellös, Sweden, June 2022.

Route: A loop around Swedish islands.

About: Starts and finishes at Hallberg-Rassy HQ, and usually attracts around 40 boats from 24ft upwards. A short weekend rally that is a fun starting point for people new to cruising in company. The rally has no time keeper but every boat taking part wins a prize, for categories such as friendliest crew to oldest boat.

Cost: £65 per boat and £60 per person.

Info: hallberg-rassy.com/news/rally-2022

ARC Portugal

Start: Plymouth, UK, June 2022.

Route: Crossing the Bay of Biscay from Plymouth to Bayona, then sailing the coast of Portugal to Marina de Lagos.

About: A 550-mile Biscay crossing followed by three weeks of day/overnight cruising in company, with onshore excursions and socials.

Cost: £850 per 45ft yacht, £525 per adult.

Info: worldcruising.com/arc_portugal

Start: Rostock, Germany, July 2022.

Route: Includes Gotland, Tallinn, St Petersburg, Helsinki, Mariehamn and the Swedish archipelago.

About: A six-week, 1,800-mile cruise around Europe’s historic eastern seas and cities. Some overnight sailing and challenging navigation to be expected, fleet numbers are kept small.

Cost: £1,980 per 45ft yacht, £975 per adult.

Info: worldcruising.com/arc_baltic

First run in 1964, the Aegean Rally is for both leisure cruisers and those wishing to race. Photo: HORC/Nikos Alevromytis

Aegean Rally

Start: Piraeus (Athens), July 2022.

Route: To be confirmed.

About: The longest running rally in our guide, first run in 1964. The Aegean Rally route varies each year but takes in many of the most beautiful cruising waters in the Aegean and allows you to see some of the lesser known areas of Greece. Typical route is 350-500 miles long, and there’s a racing option.

Cost: Joining fee €60.

Info: aegeanrally.gr

Dodecanese Rally

Start: Kos, Greece, September 2022.

Route: From Kos, around the Dodecanese Islands.

About: A two-week rally exploring Leros, Patmos, Symi, and many of the area’s lesser known anchorages and ports, with an optional crossing to Turkey. One- and two-week itineraries.

Info: royalthames.com/Sailing/Cruising-Events/Dodecanese_Rally

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Sail Indonesia Annual Rally off to a good start

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Sail Indonesia and Sail2Indonesia Yacht Rallies make the Indonesian Seas their Playground

For 3 whole months, from the end of July to the end of October 2016, over 150 yachts from Australia are expected to be ready to sail the Indonesian seas from Darwin and Cairns visiting islands from Indonesia’s farthest eastern islands in the Moluccas all the way across to Sumatra in the west, calling at Wakatobi, Timor,   Flores , Lombok , Bali, Java and on to Borneo  (Kalimantan) to join the Sail Karimata Rally , where together they will all sail on to Bangka-Belitung to  reach Bintan and Batam in the Riau Islands before final departure to Singapore and Malaysia on the last day of October.  On all islands at each port of call, local communities are already prepared to prepare all yachters with their warm hospitality, music and cultural performances, and shown the beauty of the countryside, up looming mountains to dives into the wonders of the deep ocean.

At time of publishing this news, near to 100 yachts have already registered for either rally. The one-hulled Sail Indonesia Yacht Rally will start from Darwin on 23 July 2016 , then enter Indonesia at Kupang on the island of Timor for clearance, to sail westwards towards Labuan Bajo, on Flores to get up close to the Komodo dragons . The journey then continues on to north Lombok, north Bali – Semarang in Central Java to admire the mighty Borobudur temple - then cross over to Borneo to meet the Orangutans  at Tanjung Puting National Park where yachts rendez-vous with other yachts participating in the Sail Karimata Rally.

Meanwhile, the multihull Sail2Indonesia Rally, is scheduled to leave Cairns in Queensland, arriving at entry point Tual in the Moluccas . Here they will be joined by yachts from Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea . The Rally will then head to Banda Neira – the original Spice Islands – then there will be visits to the legendary Wakatobi islands in Sulawesi to admire the amazing underwater gardens here, and head south to Lembata , to watch the heart-stopping traditional whale hunting, where they are expected to be between 12-15 August.

Here the group joins the Sail Indonesia Rally who have earlier sailed in from Darwin and travelled west having visited Adonara, Maumere, Riung, then together they sail on to Labuan Bajo in the western part of Flores. After the visit to the Komodo islands, yachts will sail on to Lombok, Bali and Semarang city on Java to then cross the Java Sea up north to Borneo to meet up and participate in the Sail Karimata Yacht Rally.

From here they will all sail on to the islands of Bangka-Belitung, and Lingga, Batam and Bintan in the Riau islands. Here all participants will be given a great sendoff party, a great farewell to finally leave Indonesian waters.

For more details and Registration, please log on to : www.sailindonesia.net , and www.sail2indonesia.com .

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Sail 2 Indonesia Rally

Wonderful sail 2 indonesia rally – ocean sailing yacht rally from the queensland coast to indonesia, cruise to the spice islands in company, rally rules.

All participants in the Sail 2 Indonesia event must conform to these Terms and Conditions

Safety Notes are a guide and by accepting the terms and conditions on any entry or Expression of interest form the skipper of the vessel is declaring that his vessel meets the requirements and the he, his crew and the vessel are fit for purpose.

No inspections will be carried out unless the organisers feel a vessel has failed in the this regards.

The definition of “Rally” for the purpose of this form. A place where participating yachts will Rally or Muster for the purpose of planned events. The organisers facilitate events at the planned rally points in QLD Australia and at Darwin. The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism puts in place, manages and co-ordinates all festival events in Indonesia. The MoT plan these festivals as shore events, the suitability of the anchorage is entirely up to the skipper of the vessel. How a skipper chooses to proceed from a rally point to another rally point or festival event is entirely his/her responsibility. For those cruising on their own timetable the same applies, the skipper at all times is the one responsible for the boat and crew.

Weather Routing-  It is the sole responsibility of the skipper whether to depart or continue with an ocean passage.

It is the yacht owner’s responsibility to ensure that the skipper and crew have the level of experience and competency necessary to ensure at all times the safety of the vessel and the people onboard. The responsibility for any damage that might occur to persons and property, both on shore and at sea, as a consequence of participating in any way in this event is that of the skipper/owner and/or the person concerned onboard the vessel.

The decision to start or continue to participate in this, or any 3Sixty Marine Ltd. event, shall be the sole responsibility of the skipper/owner concerned. As Skipper I hereby state that I have read the aforementioned and accordingly accept total responsibility for the safety of my vessel and crew and for all matters concerning my vessel and crew at sea.

I, the skipper/owner, agree to be bound by the safety regulations, entry conditions and to indemnify Sail 2 Indonesia, its organizers, its sponsors and all associated organizations and yacht clubs from any responsibility in regard to myself, my crew and vessel during the course of any event. I declare that to the best of my knowledge the information given on this entry form is correct, my vessel is well found and both vessel, skipper and crew are up to the task.

Unless a participant in any rally or event specifically declines in writing, prior to the event. He or she hereby consents to grant the organisers full use of any images, blogs, testimonials, articles etc. both during the event and in the future.

No participant or crew of any participating vessel shall bring Sail 2 Indonesia, it’s sponsors or associated Yacht Clubs into disrepute by any action, comment, blog, article, image or posting in any way, shape or form either during or after any event or rally.

Where a deposit is taken for any event it may be refunded in part or in full, at the organizers discretion, up to one month prior to the event at which stage all remaining monies become due and no refunds will be considered. Where additional costs are borne by participant, for example cost for transport etc for officials for out of port clearances, visas, agents fees, etc. the participant is liable for these costs unless the organizers are notified of cancellation more than one month prior to the commencement of the rally.

These conditions of entry may be superseded at any time by additional requirements stipulated by the Marine Transport Act. and/or the NZ Maritime Safety Authority.

The Sail 2 Indonesia Rally is open to sailing monohulled and multihulled vessels motor launches mono and multi hulled with a minimum LOA of 30 ft (9 m). The maximum LOA of multihulls is 60 ft (18.29 m) and 80 ft (25.0m) for mono hulled yachts and launches. All measurements are based on the length on deck and do not include bowsprits, pulpits, self-steering gears or externally hung rudders.

At the discretion of the organisers, vessels that do not fit the above description may join the rally if it is considered that their participation would contribute to the objectives of the event or that it would be beneficial for practical considerations.

The entries must be well-found cruising boats fitted with permanent accommodation, navigation station, galley and toilet facilities. They must carry all necessary navigational equipment for offshore sailing as well as the safety equipment stipulated in the safety regulations. No Safety Inspections are carried out by the rally organizers, the safety of the vessel, skipper and crew is the sole responsibility of the Skipper. By submitting the entry form the skipper is declaring his boat, himself and his crew meet the requirement herein.

All vessels must carry a minimum of Third Party ($10Million AUD) insurance cover if departing from an Australian Port.

Safety Notes-

Safety Equipment – By agreeing to the terms and conditions on the rally entry, skippers certify they have read and understand these safety requirements and declare their vessels  comply. The rally organizer reserves the right to inspect any vessels and cancel the participants rally entry  if the vessel is deemed to be unsuitable. No refund of rally fees will be refunded in this instance.

Each vessel should be equipped with the following equipment:

•  A purpose made liferaft or liferafts of sufficient places to accommodate all members of the crew. The liferaft or liferafts must be to SOLAS standard  and have an automatically inflating canopy. In an emergency, the stowage of the raft(s) must allow it (them) to be launched within 2 minutes. The raft(s) must have  a valid certificate for the duration of the rally.

•  Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. A floating SOLAS approved satellite EPIRB transmitting on 406MHz, registered with the national maritime authority of the vessel.

•  AIS receiver. A Class B transponder is now mandatory for any Vessel sailing in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.

•  Hand-held VHF radio transceiver with waterproof cover.

•  Radar reflector displayed in a position at least 5 m (15 ft) above deck level throughout the rally.

•  All  equipment should:-  Function properly-  Be easily accessible-  Be of a type, size and capacity suitable and adequate for the intended use and size of the vessel.

•  It is the responsibility of each captain to ensure after the start of the rally the regular servicing of safety equipment which requires such service.

Each captain must ensure that all necessary safety precautions are taken in respect of his or her vessel and crew.

•  All heavy items, such as batteries, gas containers, tool boxes and cookers must be firmly secured against possible knockdown or capsize.

•  The companionway washboards shall be capable of being secured in position, both from outside and inside.

•  Vessels are expected to carry at least the following safety and emergency equipment:

–  Securely fitted lifelines –  Securely fitted jackstays –  Buckets (at least four) of stout construction and fitted with lanyards; capacity to be at least 2 gallons (9 litres)

–  Hacksaw and spare blades, bolt croppers or suitable method for cutting away the rigging in an emergency

–  Fire extinguishers (at least four)

–  Fire blanket secured near the galley

–  Manual bilge pump that can be operated from the cockpit

–  Navigation lights that comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea. Two independent sets of navigation lights are required, both a set of bow and stern lights, and masthead tricolour navigation lights. Spare bulbs for all lights

–  Emergency tiller capable of being fitted and secured to the rudderstock, or an alternative steering arrangement

–  Harnesses and life jackets for each crew member

–  Set of in date flares, as stipulated by SOLAS, stowed in a watertight container, with a minimum of: 6 red parachute flares – 4 red hand flares – 4 white hand flares – 2 orange smoke signals

– One lifebuoy, or man overboard device, equipped with a whistle, drogue, a self igniting light and a pole and flag

– At least one lifebuoy with the vessel’s name on it and fitted with marine grade reflective material

–  Tender with oars or paddles

–  Either a functioning SSB or Sat Phone plus 1 x hand held VHF radio

– Set of emergency wooden plugs to enable the closing of any through hull fittings

–  A suitably equipped emergency container if the vessel is abandoned. This must be a waterproof container capable of floating when full and be stowed near the companionway. It is recommended that on passage, the passports of the crew and ship’s papers are stowed in this container-  First aid kit and manual-  Foghorn-  The name of the vessel must appear on the liferaft, lifebuoys, emergency container and all lifejackets.

•  Water supply. A minimum amount of drinking water shall be carried on each vessel. The owners of boats equipped with water makers should ensure that they carry an adequate reserve of water at all times.

•  These safety requirements do not override or exclude any specific safety requirement stipulated by the authorities of the vessel’s country of registry.

 I declare that to the best of my knowledge the information given on the entry form is correct, my vessel is well found and both vessel, skipper and crew are up to the task.

For the purposes of litigation the statutory authority is New Zealand.