RI sailors join Hawaii sailing race

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's training ship the KRI Arung Samudera is the only participant from Asia taking part in the Hawaii- Fukuoka sailing race.

Navy spokesman Col. Mualimin Santoso, said Sunday the KRI Arung Samudera is currently sailing around the world. The Hawaii- Fukuoka race route forms part of the ship's journey, which started from Hawaii.

"The weather in the Pacific Ocean area is very rough and the ship must struggle throughout the way. Because of the poor weather, the sail was torn and had to be changed. Our sailors managed to change the sail," Mualimin told Antara.

The KRI Arung Samudera began its voyage around the world in April 1996 and has taken part in the 30-day Hawaii-Fukuoka race since Feb. 9 this year.

"Our ship had to compete with foreign ships from Germany, England, Australia, Hungary and Italy. The around-the-world trip ends this May," Mualimin said.

The ship, which has made stops in 15 countries and 27 harbor cities, will return to Indonesia following its world trip. (lnt)