|
THE INAUGURAL ANDAMAN SEA RALLY A ROARING SUCCESS10:3:03 As the Asian yachting calendar begins to get more and more congested, a fresh, new event has appeared. The Inaugural Andaman Sea Rally was held between 7th and 26th Feb 2003. Billed as a Rally and not a Regatta, it was open to both sail and power.
On Sunday 9th Feb, the fleet of six left on their passage to Port Blair. No jostling for positions on the start line, more of a gentlemanly approach as all sailed out of Kata Bay. Strong winds and glorious weather heralded the start of event. With no strict racing rules, boats entered Port Blair 2 -3 days later to a warm welcome by the Andaman Island authorities. Check-in and immigration were swiftly completed. Once all had arrived, the welcome party commenced - tea and biscuits were served and the prize giving took place. Stormvogel had the honour of taking first place in Cruising A class (sail boats) on the first stage of the inaugural event, with Nina taking first in Cruising B the power boat class.
The time between races saw boats exploring different islands and soaking in the relaxed easy-going atmosphere. Regulars who had been before went in search of their favourite spots. Snorkelling and diving are superb around the islands and the elephant show proved somewhat popular. Coming down to the beach, the elephants regularly take a bath in the sea. And according to Ermanno Traverso, owner of Stormvogel, the view of the pachyderms from underwater is surreal. This time, however, it eluded all. Maybe next year? After the fun, back to the more serious stuff.., the Rally. Racing around the Islands was stage 2, and this time Mustang Sally took first place with Stormvogel second and El Samali third. As time came for the final leg - the race back to Phuket the fleet had dwindled. Some planned to see more of the Islands and others were heading on elsewhere. In true Rally fashion, all stages were optional. After being stuck in Port at the Andaman's for most of the time, with gearbox problems, Star Gazer made it onto the podium for the final race, taking second, behind El Samali. First in Cruising B was Nina, again.A final closing party at Kata Beach Resort, and the inaugural Kata Group Andaman Sea Rally was over, and judged a success. Talks of swimming elephants, spectacular snorkelling, broken gearboxes and unchartered islands were floating around as all who entered vowed to return for the 2004 event. Organiser Gareth Twist, founder of Yacht Solutions, hinted that many boats have shown interest already in the 2004 event with the fleet maybe reaching 20+. A provisional start date has been set for the 2004 even, 12th Jan 2004.For pictures and details of the next event visit www.andamansearally.com, or email Gareth Twist, gareth@andamansearally.com The Andaman Sea Rally is organised by Yacht Solutions, www.yachtsolutions.net. For any media enquiries, email media@yachtsolutions.net Series Results Cruising A (Sail Boats)
Cruising B (Power Boats)
Sponsors: Return to AsianYachting
Homepage |
A
race from Phuket, Thailand to Port Blair, Andaman Islands India was the
opening stage. An informal send off party hosted by Kata Group at their
signature property, Kata Beach Resort on Kata Beach, set the mood for
what was to follow.
A
few days were set aside for exploring the Islands. An old British Colony,
evidence of its past is all around colonial-style buildings, old churches
& A group of 572 islands (including the Nicobar group) 420 nm from Phuket,
the Andaman Islands have previously been a difficult place to get to,
and also to get permission to enter. Today things are much simpler as
was seen by the collection of sailing boats in the main harbour at Port
Blair.