Fiji Presidents Cup to be be staged at legendary Muskets Cove Resort

by Rob Mundle on 19 Apr 2001 One of the best known cruising destinations in the entire South Pacific, Musket Cove Resort on Fiji’s palm fringed Malolo Lailai island, will host the President’s Cup regatta from June 5
to 9.

Based on a formula of maximum fun in the tropical sun, the five race series will require competitors to survive the onshore celebrations as much as the keen but casual competition on the
water. The regatta has off-the-beach Hobie Cat racing, a golf tournament and the famous Musket Cove Sports Day included in the program along with numerous beachfront parties.

The international fleet challenging for the President’s Cup will be racing on the wide open yet protected Mamanuca Waters to the east of the island in a region recognised as the
sunniest in the South Pacific.

The regatta is destined to be a huge success as it is being guided by one of the President’s Cup founders, expatriate Australian, Dick Smith, a man hailed as a father of the tourism
industry in Fiji. He is also known for hosting some of the best parties in the South Pacific.

Smith developed exotic Musket Cove Resort with both international tourists and cruising sailors in mind. The appropriately titled $2.50 bar – no drink costs more than $2.50 – is
legendary with sailors and guests alike. To relax at the bar with friends, enjoy the Fijian hospitality and watch the sun set in a blaze of golden-orange over the waters to the west is an
unforgettable experience.

Some very competitive yachts from New Zealand will be contesting the President’s Cup after taking part in a race from Auckland to Fiji. Yachts cruising the Pacific plus local racing
yachts will join them. Dick Smith has arranged for a number of Fijian yachts to be available for charter for the regatta. Some crews from Australia are planning for this to be their way of
joining in the fun. Fiji offers the bonus of a very favourable exchange rate with surrounding countries.

Musket Cove offers almost every facility and service required by cruising and racing yachtsmen. The marina and deepwater anchorages are well protected in all conditions. The airstrip
on the 240-hectare island is less that 10 minutes by regular scheduled flights from Fiji's Nadi International Airport, or 40 minutes on the Malolo Cat from Port Denarau. Temperatures
average 27 degrees Celsius year round. On most days a light cooling southeast breeze makes conditions ideal for sailing.

More information can be obtained from Dick Smith at Musket Cove Yacht Club. Telephone (679) 662 215; Fax (679) 662 633; Email musketcovefiji@is.com.fj Website
www.musketcovefiji.com