Darwin to Banda Neira Yacht Race & Rally

16/06/2026

Big shout‑out to our new sponsor proudly supporting this year’s Darwin Banda Neira Race T‑shirts. We’re proud to partner with them as our official T‑shirt sponsor. Thanks for backing the event and our community. 🙏

12/05/2026

ONLY 12 WEEKS TO GO!!

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST ARE NOW CLOSED
EVENT EOI & CREW EOI are now closed. Crew EOI details are still available to any Skippers looking for additional hands onboard.

NUMBERS SO FAR…
14 boats and 45 skippers/crew have now signed up!

RACE REGISTRATION EXTENDED
Skippers, you now have until the 15th May 2026 to sign up for the Darwin Banda Neira Yacht Race & Rally.
Late entries may be accepted until 30 June. (Late fees apply)

ABOUT THE RACE:

Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Association is pleased to present the inaugural Darwin Banda Neira Yacht Race & Rally, which replaces the long tradition of the Spice Islands Darwin to Ambon race. Many skippers would call in to beautiful Banda Neira returning from the Ambon race. Our Indonesian counterparts are also looking forward to hosting a warm and entertaining experience on their island.
The south-east trade winds dominate the weather and can provide wonderful reaching conditions through the tropical waters. The fastest yachts take two days whilst the more relaxed sailors may take up to five days.
Local, interstate and international participants are invited and all types of sailors and sailing boats are welcome.

RACING & RALLY DIVISIONS:
Div 1 - IRC Racing
Div 2 - Cruising Monohull
Div 3 - Cruising Multihull
Div 4 - Rally

12/05/2026

SNAPSHOT OF BANDA NEIRA:
Check out the video below showcasing the beautiful sights of Banda Neira.

Video Credit - Likes Baronda

03/03/2026

We’re proud to welcome our Indonesian sponsors to the Darwin to Banda Neira Yacht Race & Rally 2026 on the 1st August 2026.

Your support strengthens the historic connection between Darwin and the Banda Islands and helps us bring this iconic voyage to life for sailors, families and communities on both sides of the Arafura Sea.

09/02/2026

⛵️ Six months to go!

The countdown is on for the Darwin to Banda Neira Yacht Race & Rally, setting sail on 1 August 2026. This 510nm international classic takes us from the Top End to the stunning Banda Islands — a passage rich with history, culture, and the spirit of blue-water adventure.

With support from the Maluku Tourism Board and the Ambon Sailing Community, this year’s race continues the long maritime connection between our regions. All divisions are represented — IRC Racing, Cruising Mono, Cruising Multi, and Rally — welcoming sailors of all experience levels.

Whether you’re preparing your vessel, lodging your EOI, or following along from shore, now’s the time to get excited. We’ll be sharing updates, tips, and stories as we head toward the start line.

Let the six‑month countdown begin.
Let the countdown begin.

27/08/2025

04/06/2025

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST are now invited for the Darwin to Banda Neira Yacht Race & Rally, commencing 01 Aug 2026.
A new twist on the traditional Darwin to Ambon Yacht Race - still a north-bound race utilising the south-east trade winds through tropical waters, but now with a rally option and a charming new destination where warm hospitality and culture awaits.
Click below to access the NOR, register your interest and find more info about the race and destination.
https://www.dbcya.com.au/racing/darwin-banda-race
Proudly hosted by Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Association.

13/05/2025

Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Association is pleased to announce the new Darwin to Banda Neira Yacht Race, commencing 01 August, 2026.

Notice of Race and EOI/Registration links coming soon.
Updates will be posted on this page, or visit
https://www.dbcya.com.au/racing/darwin-banda-race

A 600nm international north-bound sailing classic starting in Darwin Australia and finishing in beautiful Banda Neira in Indonesia. This replaces the long tradition of the Spice Islands Darwin to Ambon race. Many skippers would call in to Banda Neira returning from the Ambon race and we are pleased to confirm support from Maluku Tourism Board and the Ambon Sailing Community for this exciting new destination.

The south-east trade winds dominate the weather and can provide wonderful reaching conditions through the tropical waters. The fastest yachts take just over two days whilst the more relaxed sailors can take up to six days. All types of sailors and sailing boats are welcome and there are three divisions.

Organised activities await upon arrival in Banda Neira, including the Presentation Night on Sat 08 Aug.

Stay tuned for more info.
https://www.facebook.com/DarwinBandaNeiraYachtRace/

A 600nm international north-bound sailing classic starting in Darwin Australia and finishing in beautiful Banda Neira in Indonesia. This replaces the long tradition of the Spice Islands Darwin to Ambon race.