Yachting rally to be hosted for second year

For the second time around the Hurukabra River Resort will be teaming up with the Ministry of Tourism to host the Nereid’s yachting rally in the Essequibo River, GINA said yesterday.

More than 25 yachts participated in last year’s edition.

GINA said the rally is expected to kick off tomorrow when the first yacht is expected to arrive and will run up to September 17. Nine other yachts are expected to join the rally.

At a press briefing yesterday, which was hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Founders of the Hurukabra River resort, Kit Nascimento and Gem Madhoo-Nascimento disclosed that during this year’s rally, a yacht measuring 72 ft is expected. It would be the largest ever to visit local waters.

Kit Nascimento (third from right) and other officials at the press conference (GINA photo)
Kit Nascimento (third from right) and other officials at the press conference (GINA photo)

The yachts will first clear immigration and customs at Bartica after which they will set sail for the Hurukabra River Resort which is a short distance away from Bartica on the west bank of the Essequibo River where they will anchor.

For the first time ever, Nascimento said the resort would be holding a beach party on Sunday for persons wanting to be a part of the yachting rally.

He said that following the first rally persons voiced interest in being able to see, and board the yachts.  This year, he said, they will be looking at the possibility of persons who attend the beach party being able to board the yachts.

According to Nascimento, around the world yachting is a major tourism investment and as a result of the first rally, the organizer David Matelicani has indicated to the Government his interest in setting up a marina boat yard.

Matelicani is an Italian/Australian investor who has been involved in yachting for most of his life.

Meanwhile after Guyana’s leg of the Nereid’s yachting rally, the yachts will sail to Suriname and then on to French Guiana.