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2017 Spice Islands Darwin Ambon Yacht Race

The 2017 Spice Islands Darwin Ambon Yacht Race is done and dusted for another year. The race took off from Darwin on 5th August with a fleet of 18 yachts across 3 divisions and over 100 sailors heading north to Ambon, Indonesia.

As usual the start was plagued by light winds. The spectator boat was full with 160 people in addition to those on the shore and a Navy Patrol Boat that all turned out to see the race off from Stokes Hill Wharf. As the battle began yachts crisscrossed through the harbour for many hours. The light winds continued into the night making for a tough night (and following day) at Cape Fourcroy for most with the breeze finally filling in north of the Tiwi Islands.

The IRC Racing Division had 5 yachts that had all travelled north from Fremantle after competing in Freo-Bali & Darwin-Dili in the weeks and months prior. Walk on the Wildside & Endorfin were neck and neck straight off the start line. Regular Sue Sea also competed with a mixed crew that included 2 locals from Ambon who are now sold on the sport of sailing! Racing was tight most of the way with the bigger boats making their way West. Walk on the Wildside eventually finished with line honours and a hero’s welcome including fireworks & dragon boats complete with drumming and music. Whilst Endorfin took out 1st place on corrected time in their first race.

Cruising Multihull also had 5 yachts competing, most of whom were new to the event this year with an interesting mix. They all had a hard time on the first few days with very little breeze heading to windward. Only 2 yachts managed to sail the whole way. Vitamin B took out both line honours & corrected time. Special mention must got to Prime Mover that hosted 2 local Ambon sailors on the voyage, one of whom was attempting a Guinness World Record of reading 1000 poems in 6 languages along the way! There was also local yacht Psuedorca sailed by a group of marine scientists heading north to study the prolific marine wildlife that can be found amongst the Indonesian Archipelago.

Cruising Monohull with the largest fleet of 8 yachts and possibly the closest racing across all divisions… Mango Madness & Wallop battled it out from the start line. After crossing the line within 5 minutes of each other in 2016 they were both prepared for an epic race with a few other contenders such as the visiting Isuelta from Townsville and Colie the Hanse 575 that just trucked in a breeze. After 3 days of not losing sight of each other Wallop suffered a wrap around the forestay and had to pull into Damar for a few hours to send someone up the rig and sort it out. Once fixed they continued racing to Ambon and still managed a tidy 3rd place! Without Wallop to contend with Mango Madness was on a roll and managed to take out both line honours and corrected time.

At the other end of the fleet there were two Mottle 33 (Our Philosophy & Pandora) both hosting a local Ambon sailor each and having their own battle. Eventually the lack of breeze got the better of them and they decided to motor to Ambon so as not to miss the party finally arriving on Friday.

All yachts were greeted with fireworks at the finish line and a welcoming party of locals on the Jetty as they came ashore complete with food, drinks and a taste of the local wine “Sopi”. Once in Ambon as usual the locals really laid it on and the hospitality was overwhelming. There were games with the locals with great crowds turning out to watch Australia VS Indonesia (unfortunately we lost them all!). The famed Dragon Boat Race had mixed crews from each country and they had us paddle almost to town so that as many people as possible could watch (a long way for some unfit and weary sailors).

On Friday some sailors travelled across the island with the Ambon Sailing Community to visit Laha Village, where they went to local schools, chief hut and had lunch with the King and many locals. It was an amazing experience and great to see where the donations collected would be delivered and how they can help.

The Ambon City Government hosted a Welcome Ceremony & Presentation that were both very grand. On Saturday night as we returned to Amahusu after presentation we were met by a mass crowd that had gathered for the rock concert on the beach. This was hosted by the Seni Beta Foundation and really was amazing with music continuing into the wee hours on Sunday.

As the many crews departed Ambon via planes the skippers and remaining crew took locals motor sailing around Ambon Harbour. Possibly the most popular activity of the week. Now as most of us return to work they have begun the amazing sail home via many of the beautiful islands that Indonesia and the Maluku has to offer. I you haven’t done this race yet you had better put it on your list. The local hospitality is unrivalled, racing is close and the Archipelago is some of the best cruising in the world. A race not to be missed.

The Spice Islands Darwin Ambon Yacht Race is hosted by Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Club and is sponsored by the Northern Territory Government & Ambon City Government. The race has been running since 1976 and over the years many sailors have built strong relationships with the locals which is what makes this event so great.

For more information contact [email protected] or go to www.darwinambonrace.com.au to submit an Expression of Interest for 2018 and be added to our mailing list. Next year’s race will start on 4th August 2018.

RESULTS IRC Racing Line Honours Walk on the Wildside Garth Curren 1st Place Endorfin Michael Giles 2nd Place Walk on the Wildside Garth Curren 3rd Place Sue Sea Brian Todd / Igor Mironenko

Cruising Multihull Line Honours Vitamin B Steve Winspear 1st Place Vitamin B Steve Winspear 2nd Place Blue Frog Bruce Cartwright

Cruising Monohull Line Honours Mango Madness Bo Wharton 1st Place Mango Madness Bo Wharton 2nd Place Isuelta Tristram Denyer 3rd Place Wallop Marcus Ilton

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Spice Islands Darwin Ambon Yacht Race

All types of sailors and sailing boats are welcome. The south-east trade winds dominate the weather and can provide wonderful reaching conditions through the tropical waters. The fastest yachts take just over two days whilst the more relaxed sailors can take up to six days to get to the race finish at the small village of Amahusu. 

Known as the ‘City of Music’ Ambon boasts a truly joyous vibe, and you’ll find music features strongly as you explore the island. The people of Ambon provide a warm welcome to everyone involved in the race and make sure to turn on the hospitality during the race week. The locals in Amahusu will be on hand to help out with information and introductions whenever you need anything, the warmth and friendliness of the people adds so much to what already is a fantastic race. And there’s plenty of opportunities to share time together.  Whether it be through the visit to a local school, the games organised between the locals and the crews, or the injection of money into the local economy, you leave Ambon feeling like your presence there and the race itself makes a real difference to people’s lives.

The race starts in Darwin on Saturday August 5 and the week before brings plenty of opportunity to experience some of the delights of this vibrant capital city.  With loads of facilities available for yachties, be sure to factor in some time to enjoy the sights. Darwin Harbour is more than three times the size of Sydney Harbour and the spectacular dry season weather and sunsets are the perfect backdrop to your anchorage or marina berth as you prepare for the race. 

The race organiser, Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Association (DBCYA), is situated on the east side of the peninsular and offers a range of DIY facilities including careening poles and hard stand. It’s also a great social hub with licenced bar, food and free live entertainment three nights per week.  It’s a great place to catch up with fellow sailors and share some stories, tips and tricks over a cold drink or two. 

To find out more about the race and the club head to www.dbcya.com.au or email [email protected]  

All types of sailors and sailing boats are welcome. The south-east trade winds dominate the weather and can provide wonderful reaching conditions through the tropical waters. The fastest yachts take just over two days whilst the more relaxed sailors can take up to six days. The race is supported by the Northern Territory Government, City of Darwin, and Ambon City Government fostering international relationships and cultural exchange.

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• DIV 1 – IRC Racing
• DIV 2 – PHS Monohull
• DIV 3 – PHS Multihull

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Strengthening International Ties through Sport: Spice Islands Darwin Ambon Yacht Race 2023

City of Darwin proudly reaffirmed its commitment as a principal sponsor of the 2023 Spice Islands Darwin Ambon Yacht Race. Kicking off the race on 5 August 2023 was City of Darwin Lord Mayor, marking the commencement of a voyage that symbolises the relationships between our cities.

Despite challenging conditions, participants weathered high winds, arriving safely at Amahusu in Ambon on 12 August 2023. Dominating the Cruising Monohull Division, Endorfin carved through the waves with a total time of 70 hours and 22 minutes. Additionally, Django sailed to victory in the Cruising Multihull Division.

Mr. Bodewin M. Wattimena, Acting Mayor of the Municipality of Ambon presented the awards, emphasising the significance of these connections.

This race extends far beyond this challenge; it embodies the spirit of collaboration, friendship, and shared ambitions. The bonds formed through events like the Spice Islands Darwin Ambon Yacht Race contribute to our sister city program, enriching the cultural ties of our communities.

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Darwin Ambon Yacht Race another success

The 2019 Spice Islands Darwin Ambon Yacht Race began in champagne conditions on the morning of Saturday August 3rd. An enthusiastic crowd gathered on the wharf and a group of supporters enjoyed a sponsored chartered to watch the start and bid the 70 participants fair winds and safe passage.

At 634 nm, the race is slightly longer than the Sydney to Hobart and takes place in the glorious tropical climate of the north, attracting boats and crew from around Australia and beyond. It’s not only the sailing that draws people in, but also the fabulously warm welcome, friendly people, carnival atmosphere and great way to kick off a sailing adventure around the Indonesian islands.

First to start was Wallop, a Jeanneau 509 skippered by race regular, Marcus Ilton. The rest of the fleet was hot on their tail and within minutes the fleet were under spinnaker and heading out of Darwin Harbour.

Geoff Hill on Antipodes, a Santa Cruz 72, crossed the line in just over 58 hours, taking out line honours and the IRC trophy for 2019. Colie a Hanse 575 skippered by Doug Sallis won Cruising Monohull.

The delightful Cockatoo a 29.5 foot Crowther made her return to Ambon after a 23 year break, having first competed (and set the race record) in 1987 and then participated regularly until 1996. She made a memorable return skippered by Matt Punch, Deb Negus & Brian Hallett, taking out the trophy for the multihull division and staking her place back onto the race honour board.

Another notable mention must go to Rick Setter and his Mottle 33 Pandora. Rick and his two crew ducked inside Stokes Hill Wharf less than one hour before the start to make some last minute repairs to their mainsail, completing the job just in time for the start.

The winds were kind with all yachts arriving in good time despite a few breakages on the way. Crews were able to exchange stories and share in the comradery that is the ‘Ambon Race’.

The reception received by participants in Ambon has to be seen to be believed. Dancing, singing, dining and good times featured throughout the week.

Garth Curran joined the race in 1997 and has raced multiple times since bringing his yacht ‘Walk on the Wildside’ up from Fremantle for each race.

Mr Curran said the children in Ambon are overwhelmingly welcoming. “I hope we can encourage more boats from the eastern side of the country to compete with us.”

Mr Curran said the most rewarding experience is not on the water, but interacting with the community in Ambon. “One arrival in particular was really special, a brass band was floating on a raft to welcome us into the docks — my crew were just in awe,” he said.

This year a call went out to participants for donations of ukuleles as Nico Tulalessy, Chair of the Ambon Sailing Community had initiated the ‘Ukulele Kids Project’ aimed at getting kids off computer games and singing and playing ukuleles. The project has been so successful it has been introduced into 3 school curriculums in the first 6 months.

The race participant’s donated 32 ukes and were rewarded with a concert performed by around 100 kids on the beach in Amahusu.

“Ambon is known as the island of music, everyone sings and dances and now almost everybody plays ukulele!” DBCYA Commodore Joy Eggenhuizen said.

“As our gift to the community who open up their shores to our skippers every year, we would like to provide them with the instruments.” she said.

Participants were also treated to a visit to a local high school providing an opportunity to meet students before being treated to an exhibition of traditional dance and music. Each year the race provides donations of books, games and school resources to a different school and this visit is often a highlight for many.

The Spice Islands Darwin Ambon Yacht Race is truly a race for all comers – with four divisions and yachts (and crew) of all shapes and sizes there is something for everyone. This year’s crews included an exceptional 6 husband/wife teams and 8 father/son teams, making it a real family affair. In 2017 one of the yachts crews even managed to span 3 generations!

In 2020 the race will also be part of the SAIL NORTH SERIES which will incorporate 5 international offshore races with the best 3 to count. A brilliant alternative to southern sailing for 2020 and opening the gateway to the Asian Circuit for many.

If you’re keen to know more about our race or to register your interest for 2020 (August 8, 2020) contact [email protected] .

2019 RACE RESULTS 1st IRC Racing Antipodes Geoff Hill 2nd IRC Racing Colie Doug Sallis 1st Cruising Monohull Colie Doug Sallis 2nd Cruising Monohull Wallop Marcus Ilton 3rd Cruising Monohull Liquidity II Greg & Robyn Dix 1st Cruising Multihull Cockatoo Matt Punch, Deb Negus & Brian Hallett 2nd Cruising Multihull Vitamin B Steve Winspear

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Darwin to Ambon Yacht Race & Rally – in the 'Bucket List of Races'

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• How It All Began
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Darwin Ambon Trophies

Many magnificent trophies were donated to the race over the years by individuals and organisations in Darwin and Ambon.

Read more …

Overview 1976 - 1998

The cessation of the Darwin Dili Yacht Race led CYANT members in search of other sailing destinations.  Spearheaded by Bill Jelley, the Darwin to Ambon International Yacht Race was founded in 1976.

Darwin Ambon 1998

Darwin ambon 1997, darwin ambon 1996, darwin ambon 1995, darwin ambon 1994, darwin ambon 1993, darwin ambon 1992, darwin ambon 1991, darwin ambon 1990, darwin ambon 1989, darwin ambon 1988, darwin ambon 1987.

The 1987 Darwin Ambon Race had 26 participants.   

Darwin Ambon 1986

The 1986 Darwin Ambon Race had 26 participants. 

Darwin Ambon 1985

Darwin ambon 1984, darwin ambon 1983.

The 1983 Darwin Ambon Race did not take place.

Darwin Ambon 1982

The 1982 Darwin Ambon Race had 15 participants. 

Darwin Ambon 1981

The 1981 Darwin Ambon Race had 11 participants. 

Darwin Ambon 1980

The 1980 Darwin Ambon Race had 13 participants. 

Darwin Ambon 1979

The 1979 Darwin Ambon Race had 11 participants. 

Darwin Ambon 1978

Darwin ambon 1977.

The 1977 Darwin Ambon Race had 7 participants. 

Darwin Ambon 1976

The inaugural Darwin Ambon Race had 10 participants. 

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Campaign To Help Darwin-Ambon Yacht Race Regain Former Glory

• August 11, 2011 08:32 GMT+700

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Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Association

A welcoming seaside club with laid back atmosphere, rustic open-air bar & kitchen (dinner) 7 days & a great variety of local and touring live music every Wed, Fri & Sun. Visitors and new members welcome.

Our popular eatery ‘The Galley’ serves fresh, local sourced seafood from the fishing fleet just down the road plus a generous Aussie a-la-carte menu.

For the sailor we provide a range of DIY yacht repair and access facilities including floating pontoon, careening poles and hard stand sites. We also host an active local, blue water and international yacht racing calendar.

There’s no gambling facilities whatsoever, just a fantastic unpretentious ambiance to encourage social connection with known friends and new. Everyone is invited to come relax, refresh, dine and dance to our unique marine backdrop.

We are located two minutes drive from the CBD down Tiger Brennan Drive or Garramilla Boulevard. We look forward to your company.