I’m a migrant worker originally from California who
still has a family there operating a Bed n‚ Breakfast
in Nogales Arizona. I’m here in Bali now with
my wonderful wife Mary who is a spa and business management
freelance guru‚ with clients all over Asia.
How did you ever wind up in Bali?
I ended up in Bali as a result of being downsized after 20
years with Marriott Corporation. I sailed the South
Pacific for 5 years and was invited to join a friend in Indonesia
with a dream of opening a boutique hotel. Failing that, I
found an opening at Bali Marina and ended up as G.M. for the
last 8 years. I never considered living in Indonesia until
I arrived and fell in love with Bali, then the entire archipelago.
I’ve been promoting the sport of sailing on this island
ever since.
What is so special about sailing the waters of the Indonesian
Archipelago?
I’ve sailed all of the U.S., Mexico and the South Pacific
Indonesia is the best cruising grounds anywhere methinks.
First, it’s the wonderful people. We sailors
have been warmly received on every island and I speak for
all of the sailors I’ve met over the years. Next, the
cultural and marine diversity is truly remarkable, we have
no dangerous weather and the sailing conditions are just fine
the year round.
What makes the region different from other areas of S.E. Asia
such as the Gulf of Siam, Vietnam, Hong Kong, the Maldives?
Sailing the region is truly a voyage of discovery‚ for
cruising sailors. Each island is a new found treat .
Again, the diversity of culture, geography, unique wild life,
and the worldwide center of bio-diversity with the best
scuba diving anywhere! I’ve been there/done that - it’s
unforgettable.
How and why did The Royal Bali Yacht Club come into existence?
The club was founded by myself, Dr. I Made Mangku (Chairman,
Indonesian Sailing Federation), two Indonesian friends and
Martin Moore the first elected Commodore. We were formed
under the flag of Porlasi Bali (sailing federation). The simple
mission is to promote the sport of sailing in Indonesia‚
with our first priority minimizing the bureaucracy.
We were successful in working with the harbor authorities
and can now sail our small boats freely without the paperwork.
(We still have some way to go with the de-regulation effort)
Alvin Edmond is now Commodore with the main focus on getting
people and boats out on the water. We are building the Bali
One (designed by Martin Moore) and have acquired three Miracle
Dinghies. Very soon we will organize racing events and offer
sail training for members and young people - the future sailors
of Indonesia.
What is your present connection to The RBYC?
I’m representing RBYC and Yayasan Cinta Bahari Indonesia‚
(roughly translated: for love of the seas of Indonesia)
organizing the new Sail Indonesia Yacht Rally which is now
(I’m proud to say) the 2nd largest yachting event in
the Asian region - right behind the King’s Cup in Thailand.
We started with 18 boats in 2003, 43 boats in 2004 and this
year the rally boats are just now arriving in Bali with 69
boats after a voyage from Darwin to Kupang and onto Alor and
Riung, northern Flores. The tourist authorities have
really turned out at each island with dinner, dance and sporting
events for heartwarming cultural experiences for the yachties.
Next year, we will present the event again, add more unique
destinations to expand the Welcome to Indonesia effort.
Why is it called the Royal Bali Yacht club? Does the club
enjoy royal patronage?
Since we’re on an Island with a legendary history of
rajas and kingdoms, we invited I Tjokorda N.M.Samirana SH
to be our patron and he accepted graciously to support our
efforts.
What kind of people make up its membership?
Ninety percent of the membership is expats but we are always
encouraging more local participation. Hopefully our sail training
effort will attract more local people.
What are the benefits of membership?
Sail training, the use of our boats, fun social events and
opportunities for low-cost boat purchase to expand our little
fleet of racing boats. We presently have no facility but hope
to offer a club house in the near future.
Do you have any future plans or projects?
After the Rally festivities, I need to focus on building a
full service marina in Bali. We’re ready to go with
a great site and are actively seeking enthusiastic investors.
I could talk for hours on the subject. Suffice it to
say, the need is now! Indonesia is clearly 30 years behind
the rest of the Asian region in growing the sport and industry
of yachting. We intend to capture all the business opportunities
at our new marina resort. We have great support from the local
government and from the people who want us to start yesterday.
What advice can you give boat owners sailing this region?
Don’t believe travel warnings or cruiser rumors‚
about Indonesia. Contrary to popular belief, there are
no pirates affecting yachts. There are just two or three hot
spots to avoid. The truth be known: there are more hot
spots to avoid in the US, Europe, Australia and the rest of
the world. Also, leave your expectations behind. Simply put,
it’s different in Indonesia, so enjoy all the differences
that make for wonderful sailing experiences.
To learn more about the RBYC and the Sail Indonesia Yacht
Rally contact: http://www.royalbaliyachtclub.com and
http://www.sailindonesia.net . Business people may write
directly to Dick@BaliVillageMarina.com
< http://us.f420.mail.yahoo.com/ym/
Compose?To=BaliVillageMarina@yahoo.com>
for more details.
For anyone interested in being considered for Siapa, please
contact : pakbill2003@yahoo.com
Copyright@2005 Al Hickey
You can read all past articles of Siapa at www.BaliAdvertiser.biz
