Yachts ready for race

DENPASAR, Bali: Twenty four yachts from various countries taking part in the Indonesian sailing race, Arung Samudra 95, recently arrived at the Benoa port.

The race will start from the port on Aug. 7 and finish at Tanjung Priok in Jakarta. The race is being held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Indonesia's independence.

Race committee member Col. I Gde Sugitha said yesterday that 123 boats from 20 countries have confirmed their participation in the race.

Antara reported that most of the 24 yachts anchored in Benoa were participants of the Bali-Darwin Race. More colorful tall ships, including world's tallest Esmeralda from Chili, are expected to arrive at Benoa early in August. Esmeralda is 37 meters tall and 160 meters wide.

Participants from Australia and the Netherlands are expected to arrive within a few days, Sugitha said. (pan)