| |
In January 2004, Phuket based marine consultancy company Yacht Solutions successfully organized for the first private sailing yacht to navigate the coast line from Kawthaung to Sittwe situated on the north-western coast of Myanmar. Previously many vessels have entered the Mergui Archipelago with some even venturing as far as Yangon, however no yacht had ever cruised the waters beyond this point.
The yacht to undertake this journey was the forty metre sloop SY Alithia, which was undertaking a two year circumnavigation of the globe visiting some of the most remote islands in the world. After much paperwork sent between both Yacht Solutions and the relevant ministries in Yangon, Alithia gained permission to start her itinerary which had been submitted in detail in the months prior to the start of her cruise.
Alithia started her journey in the port of Kawthaung where she completed the usual formalities such as customs, harbour department and immigration, soon afterwards she left to start her six week itinerary that would see her visit some of the most remote regions Myanmar has to offer.
The owners and crew, in most places went ashore to study the wildlife, to meet the local people and for their children to interact with the local children and schools. They also snorkeled, scuba-dived, visited monks, temples and museums.
They had to complete harbour department formalities in Mergui Town, Yangon, Thandwe and Sittwe, they also had to complete customs and immigration in Yangon.
Extended visas were required for all onboard as normally only 28 day visas are given in Kawthaung. The visas were applied for ahead of time through the MTT in Yangon. The paperwork sent to the various authorities was quite extensive; permission for their itinerary came from the very top in the Ministry of Defence. Throughout the process the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism (MTT) were very helpful in gaining permission for the trip and were happy to encourage tourism of this kind in the future.
Their itinerary;
- Kawthaung
- Kyun Philar
- Punala Island
- Wa Ale Island
- Black Rock
- Shlar Kamauk Island
- Myeik Town (Mergui)
- Yangon
- Preparis Island
- Ngapali
- Cheduba Island
- Baronga Island
- Sittwe
The vessel and all onboard were cleared out of Sittwe, after this they made their way to the Andaman Islands. |
|
