Nereid International Yacht Rally Coordinator David Matelicani has begun negotiations with government toward building a marina and boatyard that would see significantly more yachts coming here.
A press release from Public Communicators Consultants Limited said that according to Matelicani, as Guyana is located outside the hurricane belt it is an ideal yachting destination for yachts from both the Caribbean and those crossing the Atlantic to South America and are on their way up to the Caribbean.
He said the planned marina and boatyard would have all haul-out facilities and should start operations in early 2016 if not before. Matelicani also said he looks forward, with anticipation, to the Essequibo River becoming a major yachting destination in comparison with any in the Caribbean. He pointed out that yachting tourism is a multi-million-dollar business creating substantial employment for skilled labour in yachting maintenance and repairs and as a major foreign exchange earner for the country.
The nine yachts with 22 sailors who made the trip here departed on Thursday, after enjoying an official welcome from the Tourism Ministry and Hurukabra River Resort along with three fun-filled days of activities that showcased Guyana’s natural and unspoilt beauty.
Captain of Orion I, John Fesel, speaking on behalf of all the sailors, expressed his appreciation for hospitality extended by Customs and Immigration, the Coast Guard and Police and for the exceptional kindness from the people of Bartica.
Bartica Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford took the yachters on a tour to Kyk-Over-al, the Baracara Falls and Marshall Falls and they were given a full experience of the Amerindian Heritage Day at the village Karrau. A number of yachters also enjoyed a visit to the majestic Kaieteur Falls.
On Sunday, many locals who attended the Hurukabra Beach party got an opportunity to visit and enjoy the hospitality of the yachts or experience a sail on one of them. For many it was both a thrilling or educational experience.
The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) had also organised a number of games for team cruisers versus Guyanese and the yachters emerged victorious in the tug-o-war game against Guyana.
This is the second time that the rally has sailed to Guyana.
Director of the GTA Indranauth Haralsingh welcomed the participants on behalf of the government, along with owner of the resort, Kit Nascimento and his wife and co-owner Gem Mahdoo-Nascimento. Nascimento lauded Matelicani for having significantly increased the number of yachts participating this year. He also thanked Banks DIH for its sponsorship and iNet Communications for providing additional network bandwidth to accommodate the rally.
