Louisiades Rally - it's on again!

6:01 AM Sat 16 Jan 2010 GMT

'Louisiades Rally 2009' .

Following the grand success of the Louisiades Rally from Australia to the Louisiades in both 2008 and 2009, and with the strong community welcome from the people of the Louisiades and their desire for the yachts to visit again, the Rally will be held again in September 2010.

The Louisiades Archipelago is 100 nautical miles east of 'mainland' Papua New Guinea, 520 nautical miles north-east of Cairns. They are truly paradise found, 100 beautiful islands with a friendly people living a very simple life who welcome cruising yachts. The Louisiades comprise sand cays, lagoon reefs, limestone outcrops (up lifted coral reefs) and continental islands with many safe anchorages. With abundant coral reefs there is snorkelling, diving and fishing galore.

The local people are exceptionally welcoming to yachts and will paddle out to welcome yachts and, of course, trade.

The Rally is a cruise in company across the Coral Sea and then four weeks throughout the spectacular Louisiades, with a mix of events and time for independent exploration of the islands and their friendly communities.

Rally organiser, Guy Chester said the 2009 and 2008 Rallies have seen many yachts have amazing experiences in these islands, which are so remote and unspoiled yet with all the charm of other South Pacific Islands.

Louisiades Rally 2009 - fun and communication - .. . Click Here to view large photo

In 2008 and 2009, for some of the yachts it was their first introduction to international cruising and a bluewater passage, and their participation in a rally added greatly to their confidence and enjoyment.

The locals gave their fantastic welcome, from John and Mackenzies families who hosted the arrival at Panasia, to the Panapompom community who organised the most spectacular Sailau (traditional sailing canoe) Regatta.

Keith Parascos and his team at Misima put on the most amazing weekend 'Showcase Misima' supported by the local member of Parliament, Gordon Wesley. The hospital visit gave an insight to the community's hardships and playing soccer against ten years olds the joy of a good laugh.

Louisiades Rally 2009 - the locals are natural and welcoming - .. . Click Here to view large photo

Organiser of the Louisiades Rally Guy Chester - .. .

The weather held with only a few brisk days and occasional rain, moderate winds and sunny skies were common. Whilst the fleet all gathered for each of the Rally events, between times the yachts spread out to nearby islands, formed friendships, traded, fished, swam, visited schools, helped sick kids and enjoyed the amazing islands and their inhabitants.

Feedback from Rally participants was always very positive, in the words of the crew from Tribal: 'Its been a life changing experience.'

For 2010, events include sailing canoe racing, feasts, sing sings, skull cave visit, traditional dancing, handicraft workshop, village visits, a remote river trip, Misima cultural festival, village school and hospital visits a sports day and even a Party!

This must truly be one of the last great experiences that can be enjoyed by cruising sailors, and almost no-one else. The islands sport no airport, and the only communication in by privately arranged vessel.

Until Kevin Dunn, a cruising sailor who had visited the islands some years before, renovated a motor launch and transported it there as a hospital launch, there was little way for sick islanders to be quickly transported to the only hospital there.

For more information contact guychester@ecosustainability.com or call +617 40558132

by Sail-World Cruising