Indonesia's First Fleet of Traditional Bugis Pinisi Schooners

SANDEQ 2008, Pinisi Rendezvous and an extention to the Darwin-Kupang Race called

"Sail Indonesia Yacht Rally" Is Presently in the planning stages, it will happen as it has for so many years and is well worth the visit if you are into Cultural Emersion !

KEEP READING "This one gets Interesting"

If you're planning a visit to Indonesia in the month of August, the Sandeq Race is something that you might want to include in your itinerary. The Sandeq Race 2008 is now in its 12th year. This year's competition includes 30+ of these traditional boats, crewed by local fishermen from an area in the Northern part of South Sulawesi called Mandar. The Mandarese people have used these fast fishing vessels to return their catch to market as quickly as possible. The race starts in the city of Majene, and ends 7 days later in the capital of South Sulawesi, Makassar. Each city visited during this open sea race, throws a local festival with dancing, music and local foods. After this festive event in Majene, the race moves on to Polewali, South Sulawesi and yet another event is launched, the process continues till the race arrives in Makassar, and merges with the National Independence Day celebrations in that historic port. All 30+ Sandeq vessels stern in along Makassar's Pantai Losari to create a traditional sailing photo opportunity, that is hard to recreate. This years event will be something special with a call being made for Pinisi Schooners from around Indonesia to Rendevou is the historical harbor of Makassar. We expect to have 20-30 vessels, with the President of the Republic of Indonesia, scheduled to open another major Marine Tourism event in the city of Makassar. In addition this year, the organizors of the "Sail Indonesia Yacht Rally" have added a stop in Makassar for an estimated 60 world cruising yachts. When you add this to our fleets of traditional vessels. Makassar is going to be a special place for that PHOTO OP that everyone hopes to have at the end of there holiday !

So, why not charter one of our vessels, or join one of our August programs to follow this important Makassar cultural event! OR If you are really interested in Sailing, please contact us, as one of our Pinisi Schooners is scheduled to follow the complete "Sail Indonesia Yacht Rally" to carry race organizers and some lucky participating "paying" join on guests, space will be limited on this official vessel, so advance planning is suggested.

In 2007, one of our Traditional Schooners followed the complete Sandeq Race. This year we are offering the same package program for travelers interested in a real cultural experience among Indonesian people that seldom see tourists. For those interested, you can join any of the dates mentioned above, on a per night basis (2 day/1 night minimum) @ $90 USD per day or the complete program for $720 USD per person for the 8 day race event.

In 2003 three Schooners of the Traditional Fleet followed Sandeq V the vessels Rima, Majestic and Duyung, sailed up the coast from Makassar to Poliwali. With a team of adventures looking to truly get off the beaten track, the vessels rafted on the beach front of the town of Poliwali, popped ashore at leisure, listened to some bad Karaoke and basically enjoyed ourselves and the private time. On the morning to the big start, we made our way to Majene aboard a shiny blue local Bemo. On arrival we took our places in the official start tent, listened to some speeches by most of the local officials and when the gun sounded it all started to happen. For the next 6 days, we followed the race fleet cruising at night to insure being in position, when the fleet arrived in the next harbor.

On arrival back in Makassar, all the Independence Day celebrations started, with local speed boat races two days of rock concerts and no less than 20 local bands.

All in all, this was a fun week !

Have you Questions or Comments?