Race crew wanted, bring your own beanbag and fishing lines !!

by Rob Kothe on 31 Mar 2001 Race crew wanted, bring your own beanbag and fishing lines !!

Crew wanted for Sail the Solomons 2001

The 5th race from Brisbane, Australia to Gizo in the Western Solomon Islands starts on June 2nd 2001.

This classic running and reaching race, 1178 miles, up into the warm Coral Sea takes between 5 and 8 days. It's a bit different to Australia's other long races, about as opposite to the Sydney Hobart as a race can get.

It is easy to tell by the recommended gear lists ' Crew need to bring their own bean bags, fishing gear, books, T shirts, shorts and suntan lotion. Thermals and sea boots can be safely left behind'

The Sailing instructions provide another clue…there is a prize for the heaviest fish caught during the race.

It's a pretty relaxing race, the racing division sails all the way, but the cruising division can declare their motoring hours if breezes lighten to make sure they arrive in Gizo in time for the post race celebrations.

Gizo, the major regional centre in the Western Solomons, was a major Japanese base during the Coral Sea Battle. Relics form the Coral Sea battles are everywhere. Right outside the air-conditioned, waterfront Gizo Explorer Hotel, where the race fleet docks, one end of the mooring line is tied to the submerged wing tip of a Mitsubishi Bomber.

Australian, US and European visitors have discovered that the Western Solomons provide idyllic cruising conditions. Excellent visibility, lots of coral and lots of fish means great diving, snorkelling and fishing.

For the friendly people of the Western Solomons, the finish of the Brisbane to Gizo race marks the start of Vaka Tepe week (which approximately means Sail-Week). This has become an important Regional event, with canoes coming to the Gizo from many outlying islands.

Gizo school has a holiday for the Race Prize Giving Day. There is a sail past of the fleet, with school children aboard. The rule of thumb is a child per foot of boat length, so the sailing vessels move gently around the Harbour carrying hundreds of excited school children.

Many of the competing boats, spend some time cruising around the 992 islands that make up this Island group before sailing north toward Papua New Guinea or back to Australia.

Sailors, from anywhere in the world, interested in crewing either for the race or the return voyage will find very detailed material on this race at the official race website www.sail-world.com.

If a crew position is sought, then download the crew experience form and fax
the completed form to Race Organiser Dayle Smith on +61 7 3236 1669