The Nereid Yachting Rally has graced Guyana’s waters for the second time, with participants from the United Kingdom, Argentina, Israel, Italy, France, United States, Switzerland and Australia.   

The Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) hosted a reception at the Hurukabra River Resort at Bartica in Region 7(Cuyuni/Mazaruni) on Thursday to officially welcome the participants.
The welcoming party comprised members of the GTA including GTA’s Director Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh, Former THAG President Mr. Kit Nascimento, Regional Chairman Mr. Gordon Bradford, among others.
Mr. Haralsingh pointed out that the Tourism Industry in Guyana is very ardent about the development of the yachting industry.
He said that the yachtees are in a country that the National Geographic has named as one of the top 20 must-see destinations in the world.
He posited that while other Caribbean countries offer more of a sun, sand and sea tourism, Guyana offers nature, eco and adventure tourism.

He underscored that the Government of Guyana is committed to responsible tourism and sustainable development with its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). Haralsingh also commented that as it is the hurricane season, Yachtees are safe here in Guyana.
Organiser of the Yacht Rally, Mr. David Matelicani said it is through the hard work of the Government and the private sector that Guyana is now being seen as an alternative destination.
He noted that sailors do not need to stay in the Caribbean waiting for hurricane season to end.
Matelicani reiterated that one of the main purposes of the Nereid Rally has always been to encourage sailors to sail southwards because this time of the year is hurricane season in many other Caribbean islands and this makes Guyana an ideal destination since the country is not plagued by such disasters.

He added that convincing people to sail to Guyana, was easy as it is a country with many natural wonders and a rich diverse culture.
He commended the hospitality of Guyanese as they have been very generous to the yachtees visiting the country.
Matelicani said that he is convinced that Guyana can compete with yachting destinations such as Trinidad and Tobago, and in time, will be able to attract its share of what is quickly becoming a multi-million dollar industry.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Mr. Gordon Bradford boasted of the wonderful tourism experiences the region has to offer.
He said that the hospitality offered by Region 7 residents were unmatched and will continue to be that way.

Bradford noted that the region has been offered assistance for this function and is grateful that the rally was kept there.
The yachtsmen and women had wonderful things to say about what they have seen of the country, as well as the Guyanese hospitality.
The yachtees were impressed by Guyana’s primeval environment, and expressed their pleasure at the brilliant way eco-tourism has been utilised.
While many of them described their journey as “rough” they were glad to be here, noting that their experiences have exceeded their expectations.
Although many would leave after the rally is finished, a few promised to return for a few weeks for a vacation.
In a few days, the rally will proceed to neighbouring Suriname before coming to an end in French Guiana.
The management of the Hurukabra River Resort, Mr. Kit and Mrs. Gem Nascimento along with the regional administration has planned several guided tours for the yachtees.
They will be visiting Fort Nova Zeelandia, Marshall Falls and the Heritage Day celebrations at Karrau Village on September 13.
It was noted at the moment there is no place for a yachtsman to go to repair his yacht if the need arises and to this end, a training centre for the service and repair of yachts will be opened in Guyana next year.
This will then be developed into a marine facility, offering the full range of services including haul out and storage of yachts.

(By Savitri Laikram )