Ambon, Maluku, Aug 8 (Antara) - As many as 22 yachts will participate in the Darwin-Ambon Yacht Race (DAYR) 2016 that will start from Darwin Harbor, Australia, on August 13.
The number of yatchs could increase later, or even come down, Henry Sopacua, the Ambon tourism office head, said here on Monday.
The yachts are scheduled to arrive in Ambon on August 15, he added.
The race had been scheduled to take place in late August, but seeing that it could be windy in late August, it was moved ahead to mid-August.
In 2012, there were only nine participants. The 600-mile downwind race had attracted just six yachts in 1976, its inaugural year. For months afterwards, conversation among returning sailors was dominated by stories of "champagne sailing," overwhelming hospitality, lovely friendly people, the scenic beauty, the cultural diversity, and the food - making the race and rally an annual event not to be missed.
In 1998, the race and rally were participated in by 100 yachts. Unfortunately, when it reached its glory in 1999 with up to 140 yachts from different countries intending to join the race, the event had to be canceled due to sectarian conflicts hitting Maluku at the time.
The event could not be held for the next eight years. In 2007, the race was revived after peace returned to Maluku, also known as the Spice Islands.
