Fremantle To Bali International Yacht Race officially launched

by Yachting WA on 23 Nov 2010 The official launch of the Visit Indonesia Fremantle to Bali 2011 event hosted by Fremantle Sailing Club marked the start of a new era of 'big boat' ocean racing in Western Australia.

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.

'After months of planning, Fremantle Sailing Club is thrilled to be officially announcing the return of international ocean racing to Western Australia – after a gap of 14 years.'

'In partnership with the Indonesian Government’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism we look forward to the Race becoming the premier offshore sailing event on the Western Australian sailing calendar and possibly even being known as the Sydney to Hobart of the West'.

'At 1440 nautical miles, the event is more than two-and-a-half times the distance of the Sydney to Hobart, so it will be a real challenge for competitors,' Vice Commodore Riseley said.

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 are pleased to be participating with the Fremantle Yacht Club for the Fremantle to Bali 2011 Race and look forward to the opportunity of promoting our beautiful country to sailing enthusiasts and welcoming competitors to Bali.

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.

Event Patron and Australian yachting legend Rolly Tasker competed in the first Fremantle to Bali race in 1981 and still holds the record time of six days, 15 hours and 39 minutes in his yacht Siska.

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

'The Fremantle to Bali race 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.

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 boats arrive.

Depending in the weather, the first of the racing fleet is expected to start crossing the finishing line at Royal Bali Yacht Club from 29 April 2011. The presentation night, however, will not be held until the 10th May, to allow all the boats, both racing and rally boats, to arrive.

Event Information is available from http://www.fsc.com.au

www.wa.yachting.org.au