Published on: Saturday, January 08, 2005 |
Labuan: The more than 100-nautical mile gruelling "Borneo Cup Yachting Challenge" between here and Miri initiated last year looks set to become a major sailing event in the region, thus giving an additional boost to the tourism industry both in Miri and Labuan.
"It is for such reason that both the Miri and Labuan authorities are keen to hold the race again between April 18 and 24 this year," said "Sarawak's Minister for Urban Development and Tourism, Datuk Wong Soon Koh.
Chairing the first Joint Committee meeting for the event, he said there would be two extra regattas during the seven-day event. The Labuan Regatta is on April 18 and the other at Miri Bay on April 23 and 24.
Among Wong's delegation was Sarawak's Assistant Minister for Infrastructure Development and Communications, Lee Kim Shim and key officials from the tourism and other sectors.
Labuan's delegation was headed by Labuan Corporation (LC) Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Development), Omar Kassim.
The event is organised by the Sarawak Sailing Association under the auspices of the Malaysian Yachting Association in collaboration with the Ministry of Urban Development and Tourism (Sarawak), Labuan Tourism Action Council (LTAC), Labuan Corporation (LC) and the Sarawak Tourism Board.
Wong said the present sailing circuit was made up of the San Fernando Sea Race between Hong Kong and Philippines, the President's Cup in Philippines and the Koh Samui International Regatta of Thailand.
"The Labuan/Miri race could fit into the picture as the missing link of the sailing cycle," Wong said.
He said some seven countries participated in the race last year.
"This year we are hoping for more and the Tsunami factor is not likely to have any adverse influence on the sailing fraternity.
"They are well aware that this zone is free from such ugly natural events. Furthermore when the race is concluded we would have delivered a strong and clear message that we are free from Tsunami woes," Wong added.
He added that no cash prizes would be offered but only trophies and certificates.
"Yachtsmen are mostly well off. They take part in challenges not for money but for the thrill and satisfaction of winning," Wong said.
The Borneo Yachting Challenge is a Category 3 event, catering for five category of boats - namely racing, cruising, sports, classic and ocean multi-hull.
Last year the boats completed the race between 13 and 14 hours, while the bigger ones took about 24 hours.
