Antara News, Wednesday, July 28, 2010 12:24 WIB
Ambon, Maluku (ANTARA News) - Some 16 yachts of the 49 participants of the international trip of Sail Banda have arrived at Banda Naira, Central Maluku regency, after the flag off from Cullen Bay pier in Darwin, North Australia, on July 24, 2010.
Race officer of Sail Banda Iwan Ngantung said in Ambon Tuesday 16 yachts had arrived in Banda which had become the icon of the international sailing tour.
"Eight of the 16 yachts which had arrived in Banda were the participants competing for the total prize of 5,000 US dollars. Eleven yachts are participating in Sail Banda, and the rest are taking part in a rally," he said.
Convergence, the yacht from the United States captained by Willye, was the only yacht which had arrived in Banda on Monday (July 26) at 4.45 pm.
The 16 yachts which arrived on Tuesday were Toccata I from France captained by Jean Jaques arrived at 8 am, followed by Intiag of Switzerland captained by Rossat Jean Francois, Orono I (Australia) with skipper Peter Vibral, Esprit (UK) skipper Charles E. Mc. Williams, Pegasus (Australia) with skipper Jason Charles Lawrence, Miranda (Australia) skipper Georfrey Phillip Rawlins Birch, and Anui (US) skipper Scoot Kevin Amstrong.
The others are Harmonie (US) captain Donald W. Nyers, Prissilia (Australia) skipper Thomas Foley, Red Boomer (Australia) skipper William Thomas Mc.Neil, Story Teller (Australia) skipper John David Gilder, Camille (UK) skipper Peter Boardman, Citting Edge (Australia) with captain Peter Brandon, Island Time (Australia) skipper Matthew Brain Paulin, and Firts Light III (Australia) skipper Bernard Mc Goldrick.
Ngantung estimated that all the yachts which will be arriving in Banda on Wednesday to take part in the welcome on the Portuguese old fort Belgica in the presence of Minister of Marine and Fishery Affairs Fadel Muhammad and Maluku Governor Albert Ralahalu.
He also disclosed that the wind blowing from the southeast in Banda Sea with waves reaching three meters high, helped the participants reach the finish of the first stage in Banda Island.
"Right now the waves are not too high compared to two weeks ago and the wind is rather friendly, helping the participants reach the first point of call in Banda," he added.
He also said that the 11 participants are leaving Banda earlier for Ambon on July 29, and may have arrived in 24 hours at Ambon city as the second point of call of Sail Banda 2010.
In the meantime the participants taking part in the yacht rally will be leaving Banda for Ambon on July 30.
