Brisbane - Gizo Cruise in Company To Take Place In May 2006

Created by doina. Last modified on 2006-02-09 17:30:24
Contributors:
Topic: Rallies
Countries: Australia, Solomon Islands

Thirteen boats have now registered for the Brisbane - Gizo Cruise in Company which will leave Brisbane Australia in May 2006. The event is organised by the Gizo Yacht Club. The Yacht Club was established in 1996, initially to coordinate the annual Brisbane-Gizo Yacht race, which were held successfully in 1997 and 1998. During the ethnic tensions in Solomon Islands, the club subsided but was re-activated in September 2005, with its main goal to host the Brisbane-Gizo “Cruise in Company”.

Friday February 17th marks the official opening of Gizo Yacht Club facilities at PT-109 Bar & Restaurant. Members and guests will be treated to a Barbeque to commission our club house which will include the unveiling of signage, raising of the GYC Burgees and commissioning of our VHF Radio service.

The new event is not a race, but a chance for yachts to travel together, in an informal way, to what is undoubtedly one of the finest cruising areas in the Western Pacific. Yachts make their own preparations for departure from Australia but will aim to leave Brisbane on or about the 6th of May. Two stops have been arranged, allowing the fleet to re-gather first at Frederick Reef and then at Mellish Reef, after which the boats will carry on to Gizo, aiming to arrive on May 15th.

The arrival of yachts in Gizo is timed to coincide with the start of The Festival of the Sea / Vaka Tepe (see VakaTepe), a week long cultural event which this year should culminate in the impressive sight of up to 12 Tomoko war canoes (dating back to the head-hunting days) racing on Gizo Harbour. After the week long events following their arrival in Gizo, yachts are expected to scatter in groups around the famous cruising spots of the Solomon Islands before making their ways home to Australia or moving on.

The entry fee for the cruise is AUS$200 per vessel and includes: Immigration and Customs clearance package; Associate club membership for the current year; Invitations to the skippers night official welcoming function and to the club barbecue; 24 hour security / tender service while in Gizo from May 15 to 20th, 2006 as well as many discounts, prizes, tours etc

Entry forms and further information can be found at the website http://www.gizoyachtclub.com.sb