JONG

RACE UTARA 2015

CELEBRATION OF THE NORTHEAST MOONSON AND HER CONSTANT, PERFECT SAILING
WINDS.

The Jongs are unmanned outrigger sailing ships, brought/walked in against the
wind. They are released from a starting line, 10 at a time towards the beach. The
first 3 move up to semi finals to race for a trophy, an Adia meaning cash price and
Honor to play.

The time of the moon, the sun, the tides, and the winds, the day of the week, the
available time, effort, skills, dedication, passion, artistry and heart as well as politics,
business and competitive rivalry need to match in a day for all to be able to play.

The wind gusting at 20 knots pushed some Jongs to their limits, and some
didnt make it. 12 different villages from around Bintan (we had to refuse
players) with 10 Jong each came to the invitation for the love in the art of the
racing Jong.
The plastic sails have all disappeared, and the flap of the sails melted with the
waves lapping on the beach. 140 Jong were open on the beach.

All the kids didnt sail a race, but they helped in the set up, testing the medium
size, and got the teaching of a lifetime.
It took two people to bring some of the Jong out, due to the strong wind
condition, as a slight mistake would set them off, like a wild horse. The opening
of a Jong school is to create an entrance point, as they are the teachers and
practitioner of the art.

A lot of casualties, with broken masts, outrigger, pierced sails and hull from
high impact collision, to bring a few truly epic races, with nose dive and sprints,
sharp turns and recoveries making a seamanship statement on the ultimate
racing machine design that can be build at home with a few tools.

The Jongs of the school are being repaired, completely dry-docked, like the
refurbishing of a fleet after a fierce battle.
Each Jongs needs to be received at full speed landing on the beaches, inches
away. You cannot ignore them or stay away. The focus and needed attention is a
feeling of togetherness. Entire families came to support and watch their village
competing.

Some few month old babies were brought along, soaking the creation in. a
true seamanship school, of design, strategies and skills. Each Jong has a name,
meaningful.
Some were decorated as rockets, one as a needlefish, a definite old design, and
carvings. Rivalry both new and old. But everyone wanted his or her Jong to
perform well.

Some were decorated as rockets, one as a needlefish, a definite old design, and
carvings. Rivalry both new and old. But everyone wanted his or her jong to
perform well.

Oversea sailor, friends and visitors, came to be part of the event. The race is the
heart and purpose of the event.

The sponsors, Nikoi island, Yves and the Biosphere Foundation, the department
of tourism through Luki, the Chamad of Gunung Kijang, and a lot of helping
hands are all part of the success for this epic race.