'Dewa Ruci' wins President Cup

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Navy's sailboat Dewa Ruci was declared the overall winner of the Arung Samudera 1995 tall ship sailing race yesterday, although it was not the first to reach Jakarta in the 480-mile regatta across the Java Sea.

With the decision, Dewa Ruci will receive the President Cup and the $2,000 first prize.

The decision followed a recommendation from John Hamilton, a jury member from the Sail Training Association, that took into account the handicaps of the top finishers, Antara reported.

BE Esmeralda, the Chilean Navy's training ship, was declared first runner-up and the Akagore of Japan came in third, receiving $1,500 and $1,000 respectively.

The decision was announced yesterday by the chief executive of the organizing committee, Vice Admiral F.X. Murdjijo at the Marine Village in the Tanjung Priok harbor complex.

The first finisher, Maruta Jaya, did not qualify for the top prizes but was awarded the Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Cup as a consolation and a $2,000 prize for being the fastest ship in the race.

Various prizes from the ministers of foreign affairs, defense and security and the secretary of state were awarded to the participants.

In addition, BE Esmeralda was declared the Most Favorite Vessel, Dewa Ruci "The Friendship Vessel", Leewin of Australia as the "The Cooperative Vessel" and Iskra of Poland "The most spirited vessel".

The tall ship race of 22 ships was held to mark Indonesia's 50th independence anniversary. There was also a yacht race, from Benoa in Bali to Jakarta, involving 119 vessels. (emb)