Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 14:24

 The Sail Timor-Leste Darwin Dili Yacht Rally is a web based event, organised and managed using the internet and email only;  we do not use telephone, mail or fascimile. Please always include the name of your yacht in the subject line of all emails to us. 

The 2010 Rally was an outstanding success with many of the participating yachts undertaking to return in 2011.  Details of the 2011 Rally will be posted on this website in the coming months. Please register your expression of interest for the 2011 Darwin Dili Yacht Rally by emailing us on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it so that we may keep you informed of plans.

The Darwin Dili Yacht Rally recommenced on 3 July 2010 as an annual event on the north Australian/SE Asian yachting calendar after a break of over 35 years. The 2010 Darwin Dili Yacht Rally was officially started by the Hon. Gil Alves, Timor-Leste Minister for Industry Commerce and Tourism at 1100 hours on Saturday 3 July 2010 aboard the official start vessel Spirit of Darwin. Eight yachts and 47 sailors left Darwin for the 425 NM course to Dili, Timor Leste. 

Click here to see photos of the Start.  For further information on participants click here.    Click here to see ABC report and video of the start.  Click here to view overall Rally results.
 
All yachts arrived safely in Dili, after spending many frustrating hours without wind, along the north coast of Timor.  Rally Division yacht, Chantilly, arrived in Dili mid afternoon on 6 July, after motoring the last part of the way because of lack of wind.  In the Competitive Cruising Division, Even Karma passed over the finish line under sail at 04:49:46 on 7 July, taking Line Honours for the event.  Raucous finished at 13:30:34  hours later that day.  All other yachts arrived in Dili over the period of 7 July with Dhumbala (the smallest yacht in the fleet) being the last yacht to arrive at 1925 hours in the middle of a tropical downpour.  All yachties thoroughly enjoyed being ashore and the warm hospitality of the Timorese people at various functions and official events.  Many yachts took the opportunity to tour Timor-Leste during their visit and some are staying for an extended period to enjoy all that Timor-Leste has to offer. Click here for photos of the fleet in Dili and here for photos of the various functions. 

Even Karma's total elapsed  time of 89:82 hours sets a new event record, beating the previous record of 91:37 hours set by Kingo in 1974.   
 
If you are looking for accommodation or services in Dili or Timor-Leste, a number of businesses are starting to register services and supplies on this website.  Included is a great travel and accommodation package - Darwin-Dili return flights and 5 nights accommodation in Dili from just $749!  The Hotel Dili is also holding a number of rooms for Rally participants.  For further information on both opportunities plus other business listings, click here.

Corporate sponsors are now supporting the Rally.  This includes the opportunity of yacht insurance through National Insurance Timor-Leste and provision of copies of sea charts for all Rally participants covering the Rally route, Timor-Leste, Dili Harbour and other anchorages and ports in Timor-Leste - click here for further information.

The Official Progam of Events in Timor-Leste - click here. 

The official launch of the 2010 Darwin Dili Yacht Rally was held at the Darwin Sailing Club on Friday 12 February 2010. The launch was officiated by The Honourable Gil Alves, the Timor-Leste Minister for Tourism, together with Timor-Leste Government officials and Timor-Leste Tourism Association representatives. Minister Alves accepted stewardship of the1974 Darwin Dili Yacht Rally perpetual tropies and confirmed these trophies will be presented to the winners of the 2010 event.