The 2013 Fremantle to Bali Race & Rally got underway on Saturday May 4th, watched by thousands of people lining the North Mole and beaches from Leighton to Cottesloe in Perth, Western Australia. Fremantle Sailing Club organisers were delighted with the spectator fleet surrounding the start of the “Wonderful Indonesia Fremantle to Bali Race & Rally”. The replica of the Duyfken yacht provided an impressive spectacle to the event.
Many craft of all shapes and sizes turned out to watch the race and rally fleets get under way in perfect autumn weather with light winds.
A pre-race parade of sail was held in Fremantles inner harbour, which offered spectators on the shore a close up of the 33 yachts heading for Bali.
During a farewell ceremony held at the Fremantle Sailing Club, the Western Australian Governor, Hon. Malcolm McCusker presented a Letter of Friendship to be delivered to the Indonesian people by participating Indonesian yachtsman Rob Rambini before joining the Consul General Republic of Indonesia, Perth, E.D. Syarief Syamsuri and other officials and dignitaries to inspect the boats and farewell the skippers and crews.
The progress of the yachts can be watched via the website and the Yellow Brick tracking system which enables families, friends, boating enthusiasts and media to follow the fleet throughout the event. First sailed in 1981, the 2013 event has now grown to become one of Australia’s most enticing and alluring blue water races, offering exciting sailing to the participants.
Many of the yachts sailing to Bali in the event will remain in Indonesia after the race for the Beyond Bali cruising component, which provides an opportunity for sailors to embark on great adventures in Indonesian waters where there are more than 17,500 islands to explore.
