Discussions ongoing for yacht marina by 2016

Sep 28, 2014 News

Even as Guyana seeks to fully embrace the yachting tradition, negotiations are

Yachts of Nereid’s Rally anchored outside Hurakabra River Resort

currently ongoing between Government and Italian yachtsman, David Matelicani to bolster yachting here. In fact at a recent reception held at the Hurakabra River Resort in the Essequibo River, Matelicani made a point of disclosing his commitment to such a venture.
The yachting enthusiast currently lives aboard his yacht docked in Australian waters and, according to him, his discussions with the Guyana Government is centred on putting measures in place to build a marina and boatyard, complete with all haul-out facilities. He was keen on noting too that “if all goes well” the proposed initiative should be operational by early 2016, if not before.
During his deliberations, Matelicani expressed the view that Guyana, outside of the hurricane belt, is an ideal destination for yachts from both the Caribbean and those crossing the Atlantic to South America, and are on their way up to the Caribbean.
Moreover, he is especially hopeful that in the not too distant future the Essequibo River will become a major yachting destination, in comparison with any in the Caribbean.
Yachting tourism, according to Matelicani, is a multi-million-dollar business creating substantial employment for skilled labour in yachting maintenance and repairs and as a major foreign exchange earner.
The occasion at which the experienced yachtsman spoke was a prelude to the second hosting of the Nereid’s International Yacht Rally. It was for this purpose that the Ministry of Tourism and Hurakabra River Resort held what was described as ‘the official welcome reception’ on September 11 last at the Essequibo River Resort for the nine yachts and 22 sailors which had begun to arrive in Guyana since September 7 from Trinidad and Tobago.
Three yachts scheduled to participate, owing to last minute repairs, were unfortunately unable to make the sail.
Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Indranauth Haralsingh, was tasked with welcoming all participants to Guyana, on behalf of the Government and the Tourism Ministry.

Cruisers versus Guyanese at tug-of-war at Hurakabra beach party

Owner of Hurakabra River Resort, Kit Nascimento, speaking on behalf of himself and wife, co-owner, Gem Madhoo-Nascimento, also welcomed the Rally. The Rally was coordinated by Matelicani whose efforts were commended by Nascimento.
According to Nascimento, Matelicani was instrumental in significantly increasing the yachts participating in the Rally which was sponsored by local private business, Banks DIH Ltd and supported by I-Net Communications Inc. which provided additional network bandwidth to accommodate the Rally.
The Captain of Orion 1, John Fesel, one of the participants, speaking on behalf of all the sailors, expressed his appreciation for the tremendous welcome extended to the yachts, the remarkable hospitality and service extended from the Customs and Immigration, Coast Guard and Police, and remarked on the exceptional kindness and hospitality received by all of the yachtsman from the people in Bartica.
He also congratulated the Nascimentos on the wonderful Resort and their generous hospitality.
For three days the participating group engaged in exciting activities and were taken on a tour by Regional Chairman of Bartica, Gordon Bradford, to Kyk-over-al, Baracara Falls, Marshall Falls and given a full experience of the Amerindian Heritage Day at the village of Karrau.
Many Guyanese, who attended the Hurakabra Beach party, also got an opportunity to visit and enjoy the hospitality of the yachts or experience a sail on one of them. For many, it was their first time on board such a vessel, and they deemed it as ‘thrilling’ or ‘educational’ to experience in some little way, the lifestyle of a yachtsman.
Many games were organized by the Guyana Tourism Authority staff. The yachters emerged winners in the tug-of-war game against Guyana. It was a great time for them to mix and mingle in a very casual and fun atmosphere.
A number of the yachters immensely enjoyed a visit to the majestic Kaieteur Falls which they described as ‘magnificently unspoilt and natural’.
The rally left Guyana on Thursday September 18, with plans to head to Suriname and finally French Guiana.