Please select your home edition
Edition
Switch One Design

Bali attracts early interest

by Bernie Kaaks on 29 Jul 2016
Walk on the Wildside - 2017 Bali adventure Bernie Kaaks
Interest in the 2017 Bali adventure, even at this early stage, is encouraging. At first, the 2017 race and rally retains its traditional route to Benoa but from there it offers greater attractions than ever with the inclusion of an extension to the Javanese port of Banyuwangi and an organised “Spice Islands Rally”, a one-week circumnavigation of the island of Bali.

Rolly Tasker’s inaugural race record stood for around 30 years, but once Alan Brierty’s Limit eclipsed that mark, it suddenly appeared more achievable. The late Tony Mitchell’s chartered maxi Supersled lowered the mark to just under six days, but in fairly benign weather, so today’s top offshore racers are well aware that they have the boats to lower the record providing the weather plays its part.

Exotic Rally Beckons

After customs clearance in Benoa the Java Sunrise Rally is a fun sail from Benoa to a brand new marina facility at Banyuwangi, a one day voyage over a distance of approximately sixty miles.

A busy four-day festival program awaits visitors to Banyuwangi. On shore will be a range of Indonesian entertainment, foods and exotic local products to tempt visitors and meanwhile on the water, high powered inflatable boat races, kite board racing and some competitive sailing are just some of the events to get the adrenaline pumping.

Much of the attraction of the event however, lies in the rally. Non racing yachts have proven to be the backbone of previous Bali events and are expected to outnumber their racing cousins again in 2017. Rules are less onerous and when the wind dies out, rally yachts can use their engines for propulsion. It has become a perfect long distance sailing experience for hundreds of sailors since the inaugural event in 1981.

The attraction of such a voyage in company with others and with professional safety procedures in place is hard to resist when so many yacht owners in Perth and Australia have yachts that are easily capable of going to sea, but are reluctant to take that step alone.

With the inclusion of the new leg to Java’s Sunrise Coast at Banyuwangi and the opportunity to spend time away from the Bali tourism hot spots, there are more reasons than ever for yacht owners to head north next winter and given the level of interest within the yachting community already, a strong fleet is assured.
Boat Books Australia FOOTERZhik 2024 DecemberSwitch One Design

Related Articles

Zhik Nordic Youth Sailing Championship preview
This year's regatta will be the largest of its kind ever hosted in Tallinn Tallinna Yacht Club brings one of the biggest sports events of the summer to Haven Kakumäe - 300 young sailors expected at the Zhik Nordic Youth Sailing Championship, plus just as many supporters on shore!
Posted today at 3:00 pm
18th Puig Vela Clàssica Barcelona day 1
Opening victories and nautical splendor This week, Barcelona once again takes center stage in the world of classic sailing as the 18th edition of the Puig Vela Clàssica gets under way. The opening day delivered ideal conditions for a spectacular display on the water.
Posted today at 12:28 pm
Rolex Fastnet Race: IRC Two Preview
With 73 entries in IRC Two, the Rolex Fastnet Race is set to deliver a striking display. Could two new JPK 1050s upset the apple cart in IRC Two? Jean-Pierre Kelbert has a habit of breaking the mould in IRC racing, and his new 34-footer may well be a game changer in this competitive division with 73 entries.
Posted today at 10:36 am
The Long Laser Lunch – a reunion to remember
Sailors from every state reunited over lunch like it was just another regatta weekend. Last month 93 Laser sailors from across the country gathered at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club for what became a truly unforgettable reunion.
Posted today at 10:19 am
Offshore at 16
Will Farnell, the ORCV's Youth Sailor of the Year 2025 The ORCV is proud to announce Will Farnell as the recipient of the 2025 Youth Sailor of the Year award—a young sailor whose love for the sea runs generations deep and whose commitment to the sport has already made waves far beyond his years.
Posted today at 8:52 am
Seldén Rodkicker 50 - manual rigid vang
Specifically sized for yachts between 50 and 55 feet A Rodkicker rigid vang is designed to enhance sail handling during reefing and allows for greater sail trim control.
Posted today at 8:00 am
WASZP Games 2025: Talent & fun descend on Weymouth
Poised to be the largest and most competitive in the class's history The 2025 International WASZP Games, set to take place from July 19–25 at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, are poised to be the largest and most competitive in the class's history.
Posted today at 7:23 am
Queensland Yachting Survey 2025 Feedback
The results are in, gathering valuable insights directly from the sailing community Following this year's Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, a group of passionate and experienced individuals from the sailing community gathered to discuss the current state of yachting in Queensland.
Posted today at 5:18 am
Transpac 2025 Update: Moon River Tonight!
The magic of offshore racing in the 2025 Transpac A vast ocean separates Los Angeles, California, from Honolulu, Hawaii, but the boats racing in this year's Transpac have now crossed the halfway mark. Race leaders are in the tradewinds and making their approach to the Aloha State.
Posted today at 12:26 am
All smiles among first finishers of the AEGEAN 600
The fastest teams crossed the finish line today at Cape Sounion As the fastest teams crossed the finish line today at Cape Sounion and made their way to the harbour at Olympic Marine, there were exhausted smiles all around.
Posted on 10 Jul