Fremantle to Bali Yacht Race Connects the People of Indonesia and Australia

The Visit Indonesia Fremantle to Bali yacht race finishing this weekend at Benoa Harbour, Bali, highlights the important role of sport in connecting the people of Australia and Indonesia.

The yacht race has returned after a 14-year break. And this year’s event marks the 30^th anniversary since the inaugural event in 1981, demonstrating the long standing links between the west coast of Australia and Indonesia’s eastern provinces.

“Seeing the return of the Visit Indonesia Freemantle to Bali yacht race is a very exciting development, and I commend the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and Tourism for supporting the event”, said Greg Moriarty, Australian Ambassador to Indonesia.

“As neighbours and friends, Indonesia and Australia cooperate closely on a wide range of issues. This cooperation often involves very serious international affairs and we sometimes have to choose our language carefully.

“But in the sporting field, we are lucky to share what is probably a universal language. Sport has a unique ability to break through language and culture barriers. That’s why we see it as an excellent way to build bridges and develop stronger people-to-people links with our Indonesian neighbours,” said Moriarty.

In the lead up to this year’s Visit Indonesia Fremantle to Bali yacht race, the Western Australian Government awarded former Indonesian national team sailor and television news presenter from Surabaya, Dyan Puspito Rini, a scholarship to travel to Perth to take part in an intensive training session at the International Sailing Federation’s Emerging Nations Programme.

In turn, around 150 sailors made their way to Bali with another 100-plus people travelling to Bali to meet the yachts on arrival, stimulating tourism and memorable personal experiences for all the people involved.

The event includes a “Rally fleet”, which will sail in a non-competitive ‘cruising in company’ format, making one or two stops on the Western Australian coastline before the open ocean crossing to Indonesian waters. Many yachts will stay on to cruise around the Indonesian archipelago after the awards presentation in at the Sanur Beach Hotel on May 10.

To launch the event in Perth in mid-April, the Fremantle Sailing Club invited the public to send off the crews and enjoy the Meet Indonesia Bazaar, which comprised Balinese-themed family entertainment and music and delicious Balinese cuisine.

Media Enquiries:
Ray Marcelo, Counsellor (Public Affairs) tel. (021) 2550 5290 mob. 0811 187 3175