Adventure-seeking yachtsmen from Australia and overseas will soon line up on Darwin's pristine tropical waters with their sights set for the beautiful Indonesian island of Ambon - Darwin's sister city.

The 600 mile downwind race began in 1976 after a chance visit to Ambon in the Spice Islands by a Darwin local and has since earned a reputation amongst returning yachts for textbook "champagne sailing".

This year the race will be hosted by the Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Association for the second time and hopes are high that the popular annual sailing event will continue to grow and attract more intrepid crews from far and wide.

This year's race organisers say the excellent facilities Darwin offers for yachts and their crews, teamed with July's perfect weather and packed social and cultural calendar combine to make the race an attractive event for sailors world-wide.

For the first time a rally will be held between Darwin and Ambon and beyond in conjunction with the official race, opening up the event to recreational yachts.

Yachts traditionally follow 'the rhumb line' from Darwin through the Arafura Sea past the Indonesian island of Barbar onto the Banda Sea and then sail into the tropical harbour of Ambon, where crews are greeted by enthusiastic locals and treated to an unforgettable cultural experience.

Returning yachties tell stories of the "overwhelming hospitality, scenic beauty and great food" experienced whilst visiting Ambon. The presentation ceremony held on the Saturday following the race start is a ceremonial gala event attended by the Governor of Maluku, the Lord Mayor of Ambon and senior government representatives from Jakarta and the Northern Territory. The next day skippers and crews invite excited locals on board for a sail around the harbor - truly a memorable experience for any yachtie.

Many international skippers use Ambon as a starting point to explore some of the Indonesian Archipelago's 13,000 islands. Some sail north to Manado and onto the Raja Muda Selangor Regatta in Malaysia, while others head southweat to the gorgeous Buton Passage, and then onto Macassar, Bali and beyond.

The Darwin to Ambon Yacht Race offers a rare and rewarding sporting and cultural experience for sailors of all ranks. It's a great community event that's worth your support, so why not enter this unique tropical challenge and cruise Australia's tropical north and Indonesia's enticing Spice Islands this July!

For more information visit www.darwinambonrace.com.au or lodge and expression of interest at info@darwinambonrace.com.au

 Spray owners and others interested in the 'Spray' design

are gathering at the Moreton Bay Boat Club, Scarborough, Queensland over the June long weekend (7,8,9 June 2008) for the A.G.M. of the Slocum Spray Society of Australia and of course the colourful and spectacular annual regatta.

For those interested in the Spray, there is an opportunity to talk with the skippers and to view these grand ladies of the sea on the Saturday 7 June 2008. There is an opportunity on the following day (Sunday 8 June) to see the Sprays in action and possibly become a part of a crew as they vie for line honours or just to complete the course- depending on the mood.

Spray owners and other interested persons wishing to join in the Spray weekend are invited to contact the Society’s Secretary, Barry Moore, on (07) 3880 0444 or 0407 130862 for further details.