by Fendall Haliburton
In 1997 RAYC held the first race to Fiji to break with the tradition of Suva as the preferred Fiji destination for ocean races from New Zealand. This race was the first of three consecutive races to finish at the Navula Light and to progress to the still raw destination of Port Denerau. Previously the over flow from Suva races had gone to the commercial port of Lautoka. Denerau Island was destined to be the biggest holiday location in the Western Districts of Fiji. At the time an escape from the tropical wet of Suva for the magic of the nearby Mamamuca Islands and the convenience of a brief cab ride from Nadi International Airport seemed a compelling logic. It is the same logic today.
The difference is that the model of the Port Denerau development I so admired in the office of the Denerau Island developer Tabua Investments in 1997 is today a reality. Port Denerau is today a hub for travel throughout the Western District of Fiji and beyond. The Port is a modern tourist centre with a large shopping mall and all the facilities that may be required to cater and pander to a visitors needs.
The marina itself is a modern facility catering for visiting yachtsmen and is now firmly established as a compulsory stop on the super yacht circuit for the South Pacific. Nigel Skeggs the CEO of Port Denerau Marina has hung up his dockies as a professional yacht skipper to get a real job. In this role he has devoted himself to producing the state of the art marina that is our destination. Think of it as a marina near you with an endlessly sunny climate and obliging management. This marina is intended to be the gateway for yachtsmen seeking to cruise in Fiji. The visiting fleet will be moored together in this state of the art facility which can accommodate a draft of up to 5 metres. Party central will be located a short distance from the pontoons of the marina. The “Bula Bus” will take you to your “significant other” beside the pool at one of the nearby hotels, or the adjacent apartment complex is a short walk.
The race will feature live tracking using the same technology seen in the recent Auckland to Noumea Race. The race offers a Corinthian division departing in advance of the Premiere Division. Start date for the Premiere division is Saturday 22 May, and the Corinthian and Cruising divisions the previous Wednesday 19 May.
Royal Akarana Yacht Club
Yachting New Zealand
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