All set for sailing race

DENPASAR, Bali: Governor Ida Bagus Oka greeted the arrivals of participants of two international sailing races at the main Benoa port terminal on Saturday.

Dozens of tall ships and yachts have arrived to take part in the races, which begin today.

One tall ship stood out among the dozens that have docked at Benoa -- the Buque Escuela Esmeralda from Chile, which is said to be the world's second largest. Governor Oka went on board the Buque Escuela Esmeralda during the welcoming ceremony.

Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Tanto Kuswanto will give the official send-off today. The boats will sail to Jakarta and should arrive on time for the celebration of Indonesia's 50th Independence Anniversary on Aug. 17.

The two races, and a warship parade in Jakarta, are part of the Arung Samudra '95 event organized to mark the golden anniversary. (emb)