PIRATES from 31 yachts raided Big Mama's Yacht Club at the Pangaimotu Island Resort on Monday evening for the Great Fancy Dress Party of the 2010 Big Mama's Tonga Rally.

Organised by New Zealanders John and Lin Martin of the Island Cruising Association, this year saw the largest number of yachts joining the event since it began 1995. Yachts came from New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States.

The Big Mama Tonga Rally began from New Zealand earlier this month with yachts gathering at Pangaimotu last night. Yachts are to cruise the outer islands group in Tonga including Vava'u, Ha'apai with some sailing for the northern island of Niuatoputapu.

John said Tonga is the first destination of their 2010 Pacific Rally that included other Pacific destinations such as Fiji, New Caledonia and Vanuatu.

Colourful characters in hilarious costumes at Pangaimotu as yachties put on their best pirate looks for the fancy dress contest. The Second Secretary at the New Zealand High Commission Nuku'alofa Claire Ny presented the prizes. Also present was the Minister of Tourism Hon Fineasi Funaki and Director of Tourism Sakopo Lolohea.

The Big Mama Yacht Club is owned and run by 'Ana "Big Mama" and Pangia Emberson.