THE CRAZIEST REGATTA IN THE WORLD? SANDEQ RACE, IN INDONESIA. THE VIDEO

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No high-tech equipments, no satellite connections, no routiers neither technologically advanced on-board tools. Sandeq Race is made barefoot, on bamboo outrigger canoes just a little different from those ones traditionally used by Indonesian fishermen, which constantly get broken and repaired with the only aim to last the time of the race and run fast, very fast: between 25 and 30 knots.

Sandeq race is essentially a regatta for fishing boats, the traditional Asian outrigger canoes, and it is the fastest, longest and hardest regatta of its category. It has been taking place almost every year since mid-90’s but it became popular only some years ago. In the latest editions, it reached over 40 participants. Even if the boats used are the traditional Indonesian ones, the original idea came from a group of friends moved to Indonesia from all around the world. The charming traditions of the local fishermen, who used their outrigger canoes for their fishing trips, and the speed of these boats give birth to the idea of a competition.

The race route is 300 miles long, in the area of Mandar, a zone in Southern Salawesi, Indonesia, in the Sea of Java. Every day, participants run 30-40 miles. Most of participants are local fishermen but some European sailors sometimes take part to the competition, too. Crews can include up to 8 people: 5 or 6 people on outriggers, 2 or 3 people to drive and set sails. The first ones are called Pattimbang and they usually use some ropes fixed on the masts ( up to 18 metres high) and they keep in balance on outriggers.

The video below offers an idea of the simple equipments used and the speed of these boats. These are the main elements which impress all external viewers. But for local people, Sandeq Race has also become a reason of proud and belonging; cheer and participation are total during the competition.