DIRECTOR of Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh says that Guyana is “ready to host a successful and safe yacht rally and we are poised to deliver a seamless stay to those visiting Guyana.”
He was at the time speaking at a press briefing at the Ministry of Tourism’s Boardroom at Colgrain House on Camp Street.
There will be 10 yachts sailing from Trinidad to Guyana with 18 members and they were expected to arrive at Bartica on the Essequibo River yesterday and will depart on September 17 for Maroni in Suriname.
The Director recalled the successes of the previous yacht rallies, noting that this year marks the third consecutive year.
SERIOUS INVESTMENTS
Haralsingh highlighted the tremendous potential the yachting market possesses but “we need serious investments into this market to move us from just having the potential to become ready.” He said Guyana can provide a safe haven for yachters since the country is positioned outside of the hurricane zone.
Guyana, he stated, is also strategically positioned to be very accessible to the European yachters. The Director also related that Tourism Minister Catherine Hughes, along with Kit Nascimento and his wife Gem Madhoo-Nascimento, met with some of the yachters in Chaguaramas, Trinidad to brief them on their trip to Guyana.
Nascimento and his wife disclosed that their aim is to make Guyana a premier destination for yachters around the world. Nascimento said the journey from Trinidad to Guyana will take approximately 2 to 3 days, dependent on the winds and current flow of the water.
HURUKABRA RESORT
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.
He said that following the first rally, persons voiced interest in being able to see, and board the yachts. This, he noted, was done last year and will be continuing with persons who attend the beach party being able to board the yachts.
SETTING UP MARINA
According to Nascimento, around the world yachting is a major tourism investment and the organiser Donald Stollmeyer has indicated to the government his interest in setting up a marina boatyard. He stated that “we will see yachters from Sweden, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago and United Kingdom.”
Madhoo-Nascimento explained that she has worked along with the yachters to provide them with some tours to Kaieteur Falls and Georgetown as well as other parts of the country that will be compatible with their length of stay.
The Hurukabra River Resort, she noted, will be teaming up with the Ministry of Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority to host this year’s yachting rally in the Essequibo River.
Nascimento said the resort would be holding a beach party on Sunday, September 13 for persons who wish to be a part of the yachting rally. A ticket costs $17,000 and is inclusive of return transportation and lunch. (Rebecca Ganesh)