Sail Indonesia

Most of my life I have lived near the sea whenever I haven't been on the road and sailing in boats or just paddling around in a dinghy always gives me pleasure. But nothing would be as great as being on the open sea in a yacht.

When I read about the latest sea adventure it stirred the salt in my veins so to speak!. Some 100 sailboats from 15 countries participating in "Sail Indonesia" are leaving from Darwin in Australia for Indonesian waters on Saturday.

Sail Indonesia as the biggest maritime event in Asia in 2006 and part of international sailing rally involves 100 sailboats from Australia, the United States, Britain, France, New Zealand, Norway, Hong Kong, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Vanuatu and several other countries.

Departing from Darwin port on Saturday the sailboats will be leaving for Kupang, Alor, Lembata Riung, Makassar, Bali, Karimun Jawa and Kumai, and then leave Indonesian waters through Batam island for Singapore and Langkawi in Malaysia.

However, no Indonesian sailboat is taking part in the rally but there is a sailboat using an Indonesian name "Merpati Putih" but this vessel belongs to a foreigner.

Governors and heads of local administrations in the destinations of the rally in Indonesia will welcome the participants of this year's Sail Indonesia.

Sail Indonesia which has become part of the international sailing rally in the third week of July each year, will have a positive impact on Indonesia,s programs to develop the tourism sector, introduce the potentials of its tourist industry, disseminate information about Indonesia's coastal communities and popularize marine sports.

While receiving Sail Indonesia participants the governors and district heads in Indonesia can introduce investment opportunities and the tourist industry in their respective regions.

The Indonesian government has given a three month opportunity to the participants of the sailing rally to observe the uniqueness and beauty of Indonesian waters and their islands.