Indonesia is known as the sleeping giant of international yacht cruising with thousands of tropical islands offering a unique biodiversity and many of the world’s top diving spots,
it is important that the country embraces its true potential and launch an aggressive campaign to better promote its strengths and maybe sooner than later put aside some of its policies, such as a hefty customs bond for cruising yachts for example.
With Sail Bunaken, Indonesia is sending a very strong signal, that it is willing to put its best foot forward and welcome boaters of all kinds for what will be one of the greatest boating events ever in the region. Superyachts and superyacht owners are particularly welcomed to join the cruising fleet.
Jointly organized by the Ministry of Marine and Fishery Affairs, Provincial Administration of North Sulawesi, Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Navy Force of Indonesia, and supported by the Directorate General of Immigration as well as other government institutions, Sail Bunaken 2009 looks set to be the largest integrated international marine event of the year.
Held over a 9-day period from 12 – 20 August 2009, an array of activities will take place at the beautiful city of Bitung and Manado in North Sulawesi, Indonesia; known for its marine paradise in the Bunaken Sea. One of the top marine tourist destinations in Indonesia, it is also the only “marine life laboratory”, hosting a treasure chest of rare species of fish.
You can look forward not only to an Indonesian Fleet Review and Yacht Rally, but also game fising, diving competitions, jetski trans equator touring and an international seafood festival among many other interesting line-ups! Truly, an exhibition of this magnitude offers many strategic business opportunities and is not to be missed!
Extreme measures will be taken to guarantee full success: -
1) During the event, an escort will be provided by the Indonesian Navy.
2) The 5% customs bond on boat value for foreign vessels is waived for all yachts officially registered at the event. A personal guarantee is given by the organizer himself, Dr Aji Sularso.
3) The indonesian sailing permit is automatically extended to 6 months for all foreign vessels officially registered to the event.
4) Only one form will be sufficient at the port of entry (unlike the multiple forms requested wherever a yacht goes).
5) Refuelling can be arranged at Pinton (one month prior notice required). If necessary and based on demand, a Pertamina refueling tanker could also be arranged.
6) 2 months visas for crew and passengers will automatically be renewed for up to 6 months with presentation of official event participation documents.
Indeed, SSA believes this is a not to be missed event! Superyacht owners and even charterers can look forward sailing through Singapore to prepare for the events and make their way back for the Singapore F1 GP.
The Singapore Superyacht marinas offer up to 29 super and mega yacht berths and are the ideal locations to refresh after a few days at sea!
SSA is the official partner from Singapore for this exciting marine event. You can register for Sail Bunaken 2009 through their website at www.sailbunaken2009.com.
