“The Indian Embassies in Thailand and Malaysia have agreed to issue visas to “Sail the Andamans” participants that are non-residents of these respective countries. Otherwise, non-residents may obtain their visas in their home country”, reports R. Rathnam, heading up Andaman Holidays and Asia Pacific Superyachts Andaman Islands.
The inaugural “Sail the Andamans” Yacht Carnival & Rally will be held from February to 20 through March 2018 – and will begin and end at Port Blair, India – where all will enjoy delicious food and a unique culture during the Carnival.
Boats may sail from Phuket, Thailand and Langkawi, Malaysia and other destinations to the Andaman Islands with friends, family and crew members to join in the “Sail the Andamans” Carnival festivities – with lots of time for exploring the beautiful islands. Those joining may come as a group by yacht or fly into Port Blair to join family and friends at the event.
Sharing the natural beauty of the Andamans is at the heart of the annual event. India’s most remote state, the Andaman Islands Archipelago is situated more than 1000km off the east coast in the middle of the Bay of Bengal. Thickly covered by deep green tropical forest, the archipelago supports a profusion of wildlife, including some extremely rare species of birds, but the principal attraction lies in the beaches, caves and the pristine reefs that ring most of the islands.
The exciting inaugural event is organized by Andaman Holidays and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, the Government of India and Andaman Tourism and Asia Pacific Superyachts. The organisers and supporters are going all out to create a spectacular annual event, anchored at Port Blair. Apart from sailing in a beautiful area participants will have the rare opportunity to be introduced into an ancient culture and way of life with the first ‘Sail the Andamans’ Yacht Carnival offering a unique on and off the water itinerary.
All foreign boats taking part will be helped with customs formalities, the route to Port Blair, pre-rally accommodation (if requested) and advice on yacht berthing and anchoring.
There are a number of boats already registered; however, registration is still open though entries are limited.