The
BIMP-EAGA
Yacht Rally
is
a series of passages, venues, anchorages, events, islands, shore
excursions and local regattas linking the four countries of
BIMP-EAGA - Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
The rally is
planned to begin in northern Sulawesi, and progress to Sabah
(Malaysia), Palawan (Philippines), and down the west coast
of Borneo to finish in Brunei.
Apart from the
great sailing, anchorages, beaches and spectacular scenery,
the rally will introduce
participating crews to the diversity of culture, wildlife,
habitats and national characteristics of this sub-region.
The rally combines the established resources, experience and
operations of
IntrepidTours, INTREPIDYACHTING
and BRUNEIBAYRADIO
to create the concept,
develop the route, provide shore excursions and integrate
the rally's operation.
A variety of local
activities and visits will be co-ordinated with the rally schedule so
participants can experience the contrasts of this
unique sub-region. This journey of discovery and adventure
will give crews an insight into the people, the lifestyles,
the history and the environment that makes this such a
culturally rich and eco diverse area.
This rally will cross
the Wallace Line - the transition between species common to
Australia and those common to Asia - which was suggested by
Alfred Russell Wallace based upon his 19th Century
explorations in the area. This is a region known for
environmental diversity.
It is expected that some
aspects of the route, venues visited and local attractions
will vary each year to integrate special
celebrations and local events.
The inaugural event is
scheduled to begin late August 2009, following the
Sail Bunaken
event in Manado (Sulawesi). It is expected to finish in
Brunei about mid October.
Timing of the BIMP-EAGA Yacht Rally is designed to integrate
with:
1.Favourable sailing conditions and wind
directions.
Pre-dominantly SE winds will push intending participant
yachts from Northern Australia through the Arafura, Banda
and Molukka seas to reach Manado. Winds varying from
SE to NE are expected for the passages along northern
Sulawesi and across to Sabah. As yachts progress further
west across the Sulu Sea towards Palawan the SW Monsoon of
the South China Sea is expected to exert it's influence. The
last part of the journey, island and coastal hopping south
along the west coast of Borneo to Brunei, will be against
the SW Monsoon (usually 12 to 15 kts as an afternoon sea
breeze) as it weakens towards the end of it's season.
2. Links with
existing events.
The
Darwin to Ambon Yacht Race,
with it's post-race accompanied cruise through the Spice
Islands to Manado, and the
Eastern Passage of Sail Indonesia
both provide organised events and sailing in company to
reach northern Sulawesi; Manado. In 2009, both events are
expected to schedule their arrival in Manado in time for
Sail Bunaken.
Options when the BIMP-EAGA Yacht Rally ends:
1. For yachts
heading to Singapore/Thailand.
The transition from SW Monsoon to NE Monsoon (actually NW
along the west coast of Borneo), usually occurs in late
November or early December. This fresher - 15 to 20
kts in the afternoon sea breeze - NW to NE wind will make
for a quick passage south.
2. For yachts
planning to cruise the southern Philippines. The next SW Monsoon
season - the dry season - cruising season begins in March.
Many crews fly back to Australia, Europe and North America
for the end of year holiday and family reunion period. NW
Borneo provides a number of options for haul-out and boat
maintenance - plus marinas, moorings or anchorages
- where yachts can be left.
Notes:
1.
The NE/NW Monsoon is also referred to as the wet season;
characterised by evening storms and overnight rain, with
mostly clear days, but less visibility for diving and
water-sports because of the increased muddy runoff from
rivers. This is the right time for exciting white
water rafting!
2. The SW Monsoon season
is also referred to as as the dry season, with fewer
overnight storms and rain. Sea water visibility improves
substantially so it's generally the preferred season for
sailing, diving, snorkelling and fishing.
3. The SW Monsoon
cruising season in the Philippines is also the Tropical
Storm season. A number of Tropical Storms can be expected to
start in the NW Pacific, west of Guam each season. Some of
these can track west to cross the Philippines, or run
parallel with the eastern coastlines of the Philippines.
While a considerable part of the southern Philippines
cruising area is south of 10d N - the theoretical southerly
limit of Tropical Storm activity - there will still be
significant wind changes in these areas if a TC crosses the
Philippines. North of 10d N - in the popular cruising areas
around Mindoro, Panay and Negros - it's possible to have a
TC tracking through these areas. Cruisers need to keep a
close watch on potential TCs and act accordingly. As can be
expected with so many islands, the Philippines has
established many facilities to shelter boats during TCs.
Please return here to
get further details
as the rally schedule develops.
If you would like to add
your contact details to our database to be updated with
details, please click on the For inquiries ....
link below.
