The East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) administration expects to earn Rp 22.5 billion (US$2.63 million) in revenues from the Sail Wakatobi-Belitong 2011 yacht race that will take place in part in the province.

A fleet of 109 yachts crewed by 456 sailors got under way from Darwin, Australia over the weekend for the rally that was scheduled to run until September.

East Nusa Tenggara Culture and Tourism Agency head Abraham Klakik said 82 of the yachts and their 328 crew members were expected to be in East Nusa Tenggara for 35 days for the event.

Assuming each person spends Rp 1 million per day during their time in the province, the administration expects Rp 22.5 billion in income, Abraham said as quoted by Antara news agency.

He said the province’s hopes were high that the event could help boost tourism and improve the economy.

Abraham added the yacht race contestants would visit 11 East Nusa Tenggara regions: Kupang, Alor, Lembata, Maumere, Ende, Riung, Roten Ndao, Sabu, East Sumba, Central Sumba and Labuan Bajo.