Louisiades Yacht Rally

Fifth Rally for 2012!

Given the significant community contribution the Rally has made over four years the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority has again offered to support the Louisiades Yacht Rally. Peter Vincent, CEO of the Authority said that the Rally is a unique way of showcasing the islands and the visiting yachts have a significant benefit to the remote community.

Rally organiser, Guy Chester said the initial four 2008-2011 Rallies have seen many yachts have a great time in these islands and for many it was their first introduction to international cruising and a bluewater passage.  For the last four years the locals have given their fantastic welcome, from John and Mackenzies families who host our arrival at Panasia, to the Panapompom community who organise the most spectacular Sailau (traditional sailing canoe) Regatta.

Lynette Parascos and her team at Misima put on the a fun 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 year olds the joy of a good laugh.

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. For 2011, 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!

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 enjoy the amazing islands and their inhabitants.