Brisbane-Gizo Yacht Rally 2007

Created by val. Last modified on 2007-02-04 14:41:23
Topic: Rallies
Countries: Australia, Solomon Islands

This year’s Brisbane-Gizo yacht rally is planning to depart in late April/early May. The organizers are planning a similar event to the very successful 2006 cruise with a stopover planned at Frederick’s reef to break the 1200 mile trip across the coral sea and allow the participants to regroup.

Once again there is a warm welcome planned in Gizo, the centre for cruising in the Western Solomon Islands, where arrival is planned to coincide with the start of the local Vaka Tepe (Festival of the Sea). This is a traditional celebration of Solomon Culture, last year this included fishing competitions, dugout canoe races and traditional dance and costume competitions. The young at heart were treated to the best Solomons live bands keeping happy crowds of tourists and locals hopping well into the night.

Cruise participants will be welcome guests throughout the Vaka Tepe event, which is planned to start with a sail-past of the cruise yachts escorted by a fleet of Tomoko, Solomon Island’s traditional war canoes. This was certainly the highlight for most of last year’s sailors.

Gizo Yacht Club are hosting the event and will be providing pre-departure information and briefings, expedited customs/immigration clearance, plenty of entertainment on arrival and advice on everything from cooking local vegetables to where to get your gearbox fixed. And of course GYC will advise on where to go and what to see. Check out GYC on www.gizoyachtclub.com.sb email gyc@solomon.com.sb for details.

Cruising in the Western Solomons is great, with many very sheltered anchorages and some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Pacific. Not only are the reefs spectacular, but there are wrecked ships and aircraft from World War II in good condition and shallow water. This is a fun event for yachties of all experience and a great opportunity to make your first ocean crossing to a place you might otherwise not go to, in the company of others, with someone looking out for you and smoothing your arrival in Solomon Islands.

GYC Jan 2007.

WorldFish Centre, Nusa Tupe Solomon Islands Ph +677 60022