Indonesia - Sail Moyo Tambora ceremony on September 9

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is scheduled to attend the 2018 Sail Moyo Tambora ceremony in Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), on Sept. 9.

"Other than the President, diplomats from several countries will also attend the international event to witness the ongoing development across Indonesia, including Sumbawa," Agus Purwoto, secretary for the Office of the Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister, said in the provincial capital Mataram on Tuesday.

Sail Moyo Tambora is expected to help promote Sumbawa’s potential for tourism, as well as serve as a coordination event between ministries and agencies with similar programs.

The event is part of Indonesia's participation in World Sail 2018 in September, during which the archipelago will serve as a cruise destination for yachts.

This year, Rally Sail Indonesia is highlighting the 2018 Sail Moyo Tambora as a national brand, after previously promoting Sail Sabang, Karimata and Bunaken.

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 Agus said the Sail Moyo Tambora brand is an opportunity for NTB to promote its tourist destinations in Sumbawa, as it will host various activities throughout the Sail period.

He added that preparations for the event were solid, including surveys to related ministries and agencies "to ensure the event can be focused in one location and the government can concentrate more on what to highlight.”

The event was first proposed by the NTB administration in 2015.

“It is time for Sumbawa to shine,” said Agus. "The late Princess Diana had vacationed in Moyo Island, as well as legendary singer Mick Jagger. Moyo is well-known in the global community."

Mount Tambora, which erupted in 1815 and triggered climate change in in half of the world, is said to also serve as the icon of Sumbawa.

Several activities have been planned for Sail Moyo Tambora, such as cultural dialogues, the Asia Pacific Geopark Network international seminar and an international paragliding event.

 

Source - TheJakartaPost

Thailand - Bay Regatta returns to Phang Nga Bay

The 21st Bay Regatta will be held from January 31 to February 4, 2018 in and around the waters of beautiful Phang Nga Bay

The Bay Regatta is often referred to as ‘Asia’s fun regatta’, attracting both serious racing yachts and casual cruisers out to enjoy the picturesque maritime scenery. The hallmark of this popular sailing event is its fun-filled and welcoming atmosphere. 

The 21^st Bay Regatta features four days of sailing, from January 31 to February 4, with the start and finish in Phuket and the route making its way across the three provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi. Over 40 sailing yachts and some 250 competitors are set to take part.

This regatta offers a different sailing experience to the famous Phuket King’s Cup Regatta that takes place in December, as the race fleet spends each evening in a new anchorage and parties are held at nearby resorts. 

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 The competition starts on January 31 with registration and the regatta’s opening party at Chandara Resort & Spa overlooking Ao Po on Phuket’s northeast coast. The first day of racing will see the fleet head north from Ao Po Beach Bay to the top of Phang Nga Bay, with day two then travelling past the islands of Ko Pak Bia and east to Krabi. Day three’s racing is around Ko Dam before concluding at Ao Nang Beach, with a party that evening at the luxury resort The Shell Sea Krabi. Day four sees an early start from Ao Nang Beach for a final race around the islands, to be followed by the regatta’s closing party at Kan Eang II restaurant on Ao Chalong Beach complete with buffet dinner, live music and presentation of prizes.  

 The 21^st Bay Regatta fleet features six classes of yacht – ‘Racing’ including a number of new entries this year; ‘Bareboat Charter’; two ‘Cruising’ divisions; and ‘Multihull’ racing and cruising divisions in which current King’s Cup Regatta champions Henry Kaye’s Thor and John Newnham’s Twin Sharks will renew their battle from 2017.

Source - TheNation