This booklet gives some guidelines and advice for

participants of the 2014 Mount Gay Rum Neptune

Regatta.!!

It is required reading, especially for individuals

that have not participated in previous Neptune Regattas.!

Naturally most people will know what to take, but this list is made up of what we feel is essentials:

  Suntan Lotion 30+   Electrolytes (Powder Sachets)   Spare Sun Glasses   Spare Footwear (ideally for wading between coral & urchins)   Bed Roll (Yoga Mat Works)   Lightweight Sleeping Bag   Dry Bag   Hat (wide brimmed)   Head Torch (with red light option*)   Waterproof (Poncho works)   Anti-Bug Spray   Simple First Aid Kit   Environmentally Friendly Soap/Clothes Wash   Bag for rubbish   Some Indonesian Rupiah (to spend in the village)   Sense of humour & adventure

•  We suggest the red light not so much to save night vision (which to most that sail is sacrosanct) more that bugs are not attracted to the red light. White light attracts all sorts of ‘friends’ of a multitude of sizes…

Accommoda'on  at  Nongsa  Point  Marina  Resort,  If  you  are  not  sleeping  on-­‐board  while  at  Nongsa,  then  we  suggest  that  you  book  your  rooms  now.  Once  Nongsa  Marina  sells  out,  then  we  suggest  staying  at  Turi  Beach  Resort  which  is  literally  around  the  corner.  The  beach  walk  path  has  been  rebuilt  so  it’s  easy  access.  Please  make  sure  that  you  get  your  dates  right  on  which  nights  you’re  staying  and  make  sure  that  you  have  a  copy  of  the  reservaDon  confirmaDon  as  proof.  There  are  more  people  than  rooms  (which  are  close  to  the  Marina)  so  this  is  to  avoid  any  ‘computer  errors’  when  you  turn  up  and  expect  a  room  available.      Green  Books  (Sailing  Permit  for  the  Riau’s)  The  process  and  required  documentaDon  are  on  the  RegaLa  Website/NOR.  You  should  communicate  with  Maria  at  Golden  Image  (SEE  NOR)  and  explain  that  you’re  with  the  Neptune  RegaLa.  If  you  are  not  in  Singapore  then  email  us  directly  and  we  will  endeavour  to  assist  for  you  with  Maria.  (Please  don’t  use  us  unless  necessary,  as  we  are  quite  busy  organising  a  rega7a  that  takes  place  in  the  middle  of  nowhere)  Green  books  do  take  a  while  to  process,  so  you  need  to  start  asap  if  you  haven’t  already.    Fuel,  For  diesel  we  have  contact  details  for  a  bunker  barge  in  the  Singapore  Straits  which  is  reasonably  priced,  clean  diesel.  We  use  them  for  the  Cruising  Club  and  therefore  can  recommend.  If  you  wish,  purchase  at  Nongsa,  we  are  sDll  working  on  cost  but  it’ll  be  cheaper  than  Singapore  by  a  liLle  and  the  fuel  generally  clean  but  make  sure  if  it’s  been  raining  heavily,  to  have  them  check  for  water.    Petrol  can  be  purchased  at  Nongsa  but  it  needs  to  be  trucked  in,  so  advise  in  Nongsa  Point  Marina  in  advance  (Contact  info  in  NOR)    Personal  Kit,  On  the  previous  page  is  a  list  of  what  we  believe  are  the  essenDals.  Most  people  prepare  well  but  there  are  always  a  few  that  don’t.    Trust  us  when  we  say  that  having  these  items  make  for  a  really  enjoyable,  stress  free  island  stay.  Not  having  some  of  these  items  can  really  make  for  a  miserable  Dme,  especially  when  everyone  else  does.    Other  info  (likes  visa  requirements,  NOR  etc)  you  can  get  off  the  Neptune  website:  www.neptune-­‐regaLa.com      

This year we are very (very, very) happy to have Lime House, a wonderful Caribbean Bar and Restaurant in Singapore, join the team on Neptune Island to take care of the F&B of regatta participants. Executive Chef, Hasan DeFour, and his team will be running the BBQ’s and preparing a selection of Caribbean Island delights. We will endeavour to have a selection of food to please all palates but please be aware that Neptune Island has limited resources… well actually none, just what we take. So please let us know in advance if there are any particular ‘reasonable’ requirements regarding or allergies we need to be aware of.

The  IRC  Class  will  enjoy  two  of  the  longest  and  most  challenging  passage  races  in  the  region.  The  rest  of  the  fleet  will  be  sleeping  on  their  vessels  for  at  least  2  nights  (some  may  choose  to  stay  aboard  at  Neptune  Island)  Outside  of  the  Sailing  Instruc'ons  and  the  relevant  Cat  3  safety  regula'ons,  these  are  some  pointers,  along  with  informa'on  on  what  you  can  expect:    On-­‐Board  Recognising  that  IRC  Vessels  will  minimise  weight  for  racing,  we  strongly  suggest  that  certain  provisions  are  taken/kept  on-­‐board,  should  the  wind  drop.  Last  year  we  enjoyed  a  constant  15+  NE  breeze  for  the  passages…  we  all  know  that  isn’t  always  the  case.  The  rest  of  the  fleet  will  undoubtedly  be  fully  provisioned  with  copious  amounts  of  fine  foods  and  aperiDfs  but  all  the  same,  we  advise  the  following:    •  2  litres  of  water  per  person  per  passage  •  24  hours  supply  of  food  per  passage  •  Suitable  waterproofs  •  Mask  and  fins  (fins  as  some  areas  have  strong  currents)  •  Electrolytes  (powder  sachets  found  in  most  pharmacies)    We  (Neptune  Organisers)  will  have  all  the  necessary  kit  for  search  and  rescue  etc.  A  team  of  BriDsh  Royal  Marine  Commandos,  who  are  also  trained  field  medics,  will  be  available  should  the  need  arise.  Please  keep  your  radios  on  at  all  Dmes,  even  at  anchor.  (a  useful  >p  is  to  use  an  earpiece  for  the  radio  for  whoever  is  on  watch…  and  have  the  radio  on  loud  volume  should  they  nod  off  J  )  Channel  numbers  are  72  (Race  Officials)  &  16  (Emergency).  Should  the  need  arise  for  radio  communicaDons  whilst  managing  an  incident,  please  have  one  person  designated  to  represent  the  vessel  and  if  possible,  on  constant  standby  to  receive  procedural  instrucDons  without  distracDon.  This  should  not  be  the  vessel’s  Skipper.    If  this  is  your  first  Neptune  and  you’d  like  more  advice  or  past  parDcipant  input,  please  use  our  social  media  page  to  post  your  views  or  comments  and  see  what  others  advise:    

hUps://www.facebook.com/Neptune.RegaUa    

We advise that if you have your own tender to bring it along to allow for

more freedom. Neptune Tendering will be a timed service and will not be

available 24 hours aside for emergencies.

We will have a rib that we use for tendering on and off

Neptune Island, camera crew transport and racing/fleet

assistance.

Neptune  Island  Neptune  Island’s  local  name  is  Pulau  Sikeling.  The  island  is  uninhabited  and  completely  natural.  Our  job  is  to  keep  it  that  way.  The  local  village  is  on  a  nearby  island,  Pulau  Blanding.  There  is  a  populaDon  of  around  1,400.  We  employ  many  of  the  villagers  to  assist  in  making  the  regaLa  happen.  They  are  a  very  warm,  friendly  people  and  the  naDve  language  is  Bahasa  Melayu.  On  the  lay  day,  we  are  invited  to  visit  Pulau  Blanding,  hosted  by  the  villagers  with  a  tradiDonal  feast,  dancing  and  a  game  of  football.  (Team  Neptune  will  be  picked  on  the  day  and  I  suspect  we  will  get  thrashed.)    You’re  here  for  4  nights.  It  is  stunningly  beauDful  and  we  are  as  prepared  as  we  can  be  to  accommodate  you  during  your  stay.  We  provide:    Accommoda'on  &  Facili'es:  •  Large  Canvas  Tents  with  fiLed  ground  sheets,  that  can  comfortably  fit  6  people  with  kit.  There  will  

be  at  least  2  tents  per  boat,  possibly  more  if  cruisers  etc  wish  to  sleep  aboard.  •  Fresh  water  wash  faciliDes  (and  kit  wash)  •  Field  Latrines    •  NEPTUNE  BAR  •  Security  

Note,  We  do  have  a  limited  amount  of  camp  beds  but  we’re  not  officially  supplying  them  as  they  suit  some  but  not  all.  Please  take  your  own  camp  bed  or  bedroll  (the  tents  are  on  a  sand  base)  the  fold  up  beds  are  beLer  as  they  are  off  the  ground.  (see  list  of  suggested  kit  on  page  1)    Food  &  Water:  •  Free  BoLled  water  will  be  available  at  all  Dmes.  This  should  only  be  used  for  drinking  as  we  will  

supply  for  a  consumpDon  of  2  litres  per  person  per  day  and  therefore  be  limited  beyond  that.  The  fresh  river  water  barrelled  in  from  Pulau  Buaya  is  readily  available  for  cleaning  etc.  

•  There  is  a  temporary  covered  food  area  with  BBQ’s,  boiling  water  and  a  selecDon  of  Dnned  produce,  fresh  meat,  fish,  fruit  and  vegetables.  Most  provided  meals  will  be  BBQ  fare  (Burgers,  sausages,  bacon  sandwiches  etc)  there  will  be  vegetable  soup  always  on  the  fire  with  tea  and  coffee.  Please  be  advised  to  bring  your  own  food  if  this  doesn’t  appeal.    

•  Ice  will  be  readily  available  to  purchase  from  the  village  but  it  is  only  for  cooling  and  not  advised  to  be  used  as  drinking  ice.    

We try to avoid having rules as almost everyone that participates in the Neptune has the same respect for the stunning natural beauty of the sailing waters and Neptune Island. However, cigarette butts were an issue last year, so we’ve created a large designated smoking area,

the bar area. The rest of the island will be smoke free.

We hope that you’ll understand and support us on this.

Once dark, we may cordon off parts of

the island (e.g. Jetty at low tide) for safety reasons. A&E is a while away

and our onsite medics, although competent, do not offer a comforting

bedside manner.

Many  tons  of  equipment  and  provisions  are  being  setup  on  Neptune  Island.  One  of  the  ways  that  we  engage  the  local  communiDes  is  by  employing  them  to  build  temporary  faciliDes  uDlising  recycled  local  lumber  and  foliage.  On  the  north  side  of  the  island  are  the  accommodaDon  and  washing  faciliDes.  On  the  south  side  (facing  the  fleet)  is  where  the  bar  is  set  up.  This  will  be  parDally  covered  with  seaDng  and  a  fully  stocked,  Dcketed  bar.    The  south  beach  is  also  where  the  BBQ  faciliDes  and  covered  food  area  will  be.    Separate,  but  not  disassociated,  will  be  the  Mount  Gay  Rum  Beach  Hut.  This  will  be  open  for  ‘Neptune  Cocktails’,  complimentary  rum  beverages  at  sundown  each  day.  There  will  be  a  non  alcoholic  opDon  as  well  but  I’m  not  enDrely  sure  why.  Unless  a  good  reason  for  absenteeism  at  sundown  on  the  beach  is  provided  (late  finish,  no  tender  available  etc.)  you’ll  miss  out…  but  the  bar  will  always  be  open      Whereas  Neptune  ParDcipants  will  enjoy  a  certain  amount  of  complimentary  daily  beverages,  Neptune  Bar  is  not  a  free  bar.  It  is  a  Dcket/voucher  transacDon  bar.  Books  of  Dckets  will  be  on  sale  at  Nongsa  prior  to  sejng  off  to  the  equator  (and  available  onsite  but  much  beLer  to  pre-­‐purchased.)  The  Bar  will  be  fully  stocked  and  beverages  will  be  served  chilled.    The  same  as  last  year,  the  anchorage  will  be  in  the  lee  of  Neptune  Island  (just  south  of  the  JeLy)  weather  permijng,  not  in  the  Buaya  Bay  area.  This  means  that  transport  to  and  from  vessels  is  reduced  considerably  and  vessels  can  be  clearly  seen  from  the  beach  and  bar  area.  We  keep  an  eye  on  anchored  vessels  for  drag  &  swing  etc.  but  as  always,  skippers  are  responsible  for  their  vessel  at  all  Dmes,  on  or  off  her.    For  those  without  tenders  (or  even  those  with,  wishing  to  have  a  rum  or  2)  we  will  be  running  an  Island  to  vessel  tender  service.  Please  be  aware  that  we  will  put  up  Dmes  of  tendering  as  this  is  not  a  24  hour  service.  Tender  Dmes  will  vary  to  suit  racing  and  fleet  needs.  More  informaDon  on  tenders,  Ddes  and  island  access  Dmes  will  be  shared  in  the  skippers  briefing  and  posted  prior  to  racing.    SMOKING:  Neptune  Island  will  have  a  designated  smoking  area  (around  the  bar).  Smoking  is  no  longer  permiLed  anywhere  else  outside  the  designated  area  due  to  fire  hazard  and  to  reduce  the  impact  to  the  island  of  cigareLe  ends.  There  will  be  a  fining  system  for  anyone  at  anyDme  smoking  outside  of  the  designated  area.  Any  money  generated  from  fines  will  go  to  the  community  aid  fund.  Details  at  skippers  briefing.  

To cross the equator, under sail, and pay homage to King Neptune is a tradition that seafarers have abided by for hundreds of years.

Neptune driving a chariot of hippocamps, Roman mosaic C3rd A.D., Sousse Museum, Tunis

Some  people  take  part  in  the  Neptune  RegaLa  for  the  racing  and  challenges.  Some  people  take  part  for  the  adventure  and  exploraDon.  Most  for  the  beauDful  waters  and  surrounding  scenery.  But  absolutely  everybody  takes  part  to  cross  the  equator  and  join  a  very  select  few  that  have  the  right  to  state  that  they  have  sailed  across  the  equator,  have  been  ceremonially  inducted  into  Neptune’s  Court  and  are  therefore  Trusty  Shellbacks.    Crossing  the  equator  to  enter  into  the  court  of  King  Neptune  is  a  tradiDon  that  dates  back  hundreds  of  years.  Just  by  entering  ‘King  Neptune’  or  ‘Equator’  into  You  Tube  you  will  come  across  dozens  of  videos  capturing  people  paying  homage  along  with  Pathe  Newsreel’s  of  presidents  and  royalty  all  being  judged  by  King  Neptune  &  Davy  Jones  as  Polliwogs  and    then  ritually  bapDsed  as  Neptune’s  new  court  members;  Trusty  Shellbacks.    Neptune  RegaLa  parDcipants  vary  in  their  interpretaDon  of  the  age  old    ritual.  Some  prepare  ghastly  concocDons  and  dress  in  full    regalia  depicDng  retches  of  the  deep.  Others  pop  a  champagne  boLle    and  raise  a  toast  to  Neptunus  Rex.  However  celebrated,  the  act  of  crossing  the  equator  as  one  fleet,  in  the  world’s  only  regaLa  that  traverses  ‘The  Line’,  brings  together  a  camaraderie  and  unity  in  being  a  member  of  a  very  select  few.  More  people  have  summited  Everest  than  have  presently  raced  to  the  equator!  Which  is  why  from  a  racing  perspecDve,  winning  ‘The  Garmin  Race  to  Zero’  is  a  preLy  big  deal.    (Some  cool  Garmin  Kit  to  win  too.)    We  encourage  parDcipants  to  plan  in  advance  their  respecDve  rituals  and  dress  up  accordingly.  The  best  pictures  of  Pollywog  to  Shellback  will  win  prizes  and  the  most  fun  boat  will  win  the  ‘Spirit  of  Neptune  Trophy’  sponsored  by  Leica    very  nice  prize…        

IF  you  have  any  quesDons,  please  do  not  hesitate  to  drop  us  an  email:  info@neptune-­‐regaLa.com    

©  2014  All  rights  reserved.  Neptune  RegaLa  Pte  Ltd  (a  member  of  the  Neptune  Sailing  Group)  www.neptune-­‐regaLa,com    with  thanks  to  Guy  Nowell  Photography  &  past  parDcipants  for  images.    

 HosDng  Marina:  Nongsa  Point  Marina  Resort  Prime  Sponsor:  Mount  Gay  Rum  

 Email:  info@neptune-­‐regaLa.com