New Rally in the Indian Ocean - Fremantle in Western Australia to Bali

by Yachting WA on 24 Nov 2010 The official launch of the Visit Indonesia Fremantle to Bali 2011 event hosted by Fremantle Sailing Club marked not only the start of a new era of 'big boat' ocean racing in Western Australia, but also heralds the beginning of a new Cruising Rally from Fremantle in Western Australia to Bali in Indonesia, and an opportunity for long range cruising boats to join a rare rally in the Indian Ocean..

Fremantle Sailing Club’s Vice Commodore Kaye Riseley announced Visit Indonesia as the major sponsor, through a five-event partnership with the Indonesian Government’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, starting in 2011.

The Visit Indonesia Fremantle to Bali 2011 comprises an ocean rally commencing 23 April 2011, an official yacht race from 26 April, and the two day Visit Indonesia Festival after the yachts arrive in Bali.

The rally boats, who will cover 1440 nautical miles, are anticipated to take between 14 and 18 days to reach Bali, with the final presentation to take place on 10th May. Depending in the weather, the racing fleet is expected to start crossing the finishing line at Royal Bali Yacht Club from 29 April 2011.

The rally is open to single-hulled boats nine metres in length and over, or multi-hulls 10.5 metres and over, and the minimum crew number is four. The entry fee is $500, which includes 10 days berthing at the Fremantle Sailing Club and many other benefits.

Representing the Indonesian Government , Consul General of the WA Consulate of the republic of Indonesia Syarief Syamsuri expressed their enthusiasm and support for the event.

'We believe the event will assist in promoting positive relationships between Australia and Indonesia through sporting links, and also through an event that truly symbolises a connection between our two nations,' he said.

2011 marks the 30th anniversary of the first Fremantle-Bali Race. The event has not been held since 1997 and the Fremantle Sailing Club looks forward to bringing highly competitive international ‘big boat’ racing back to Perth.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettit said the event would be a great boost for the local economy.

'The Fremantle to Bali event represents great opportunity for Fremantle businesses and residents. We look forward to welcoming competitors and showing them the delights of our great port city’' said Mayor Pettit.

For more information about all aspects of the event, please go to the www.fsc.com.au!Fremantle_Sailing_Club_website, or with specific questions, email bali2011@fsc.com.au