Borneo Cup Yachting Challenge

by Michael Lu/Di Pearson on 15 Apr 2005 For the first time there will be an exhibition of products and services at the Miri Marina from 20–24 April open to the public during the Borneo Cup Yachting Challenge.

The 2nd edition Borneo Cup Yachting Challenge is a Category 3 event, catering to five divisions, namely racing, cruising, sports, classic and ocean multi-hull.

The highlight of the six-day event is the 100-nautical mile Labuan - Miri Passage race in which the fastest boat is expected to finish in 20 hours.

In what is possibly the missing link for sailing events in South China Sea region, the Borneo Cup Yachting Challenge will complete the sailing circuit, making up of the Hong Kong to San Fernando Sea Race (Philippines), President's Cup (Philippines) and the Koh Samui International Regatta (Thailand).

A side event for Dinghy classes will be held during the Miri Bay Regatta. It is opened to the Optimist, Laser and International 470 classes.

Yacht entries to-date include; Ulumulu (Troy Yaw - MAS), Sarawak Seahorse (MAS), Star of Siam (Paule Walshe - Brunei Darul Salam), Ambil Angin (Kay Wilson - Brunei Darul Salam, Royal Brunei YC), Seaquest (Michael Batham - NZL), West Wind (David Withers - MAS), Southerly Change (Dennis Shepherd - AUS), Columbus (Ron Fitzpatrick - AUS), and Burragah (Paul Scholten/H Sinsua - St Vincents).

Hobie Cats have been added to the Challenge for the first time, but due to its late inclusion, only the Philippines (two teams) and Hong Kong (one team) have confirmed participation from in this new category which is expected to flourish in coming years.

However, the Dinghy category is well supported, with 35 optimists, 10 lasers and 10 International 470s already entered. Participants come from Miri, Brunei, Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur.

While a mother boat takes care of the race management during the passage race, the Royal Malaysian Navy will deploy two ships for SAR standby mission. The ships will escort the boats during the 100-nautical mile journey from Labuan to Miri.

Simpson Marine, a leading yacht broker and exclusive yacht dealer in the Asia Pacific region will be one of the six exhibitors at the Miri Marina.

Celcom will be promoting their GSM Satellite Communications service, the first telecommunications provider in Malaysia to provide seamless connectivity between GSM and Satellite mode, covering Asia with a total of 140 spot beams.

Sarawak Tourism Board and Tropical Dives Miri will showcase the splendors of the ‘Underwater Jungles’ of the Miri-Sibuti Reef while Nestle Products will be dispensing your favourite cuppa and drinks.

KTS S/B will be displaying their outboard engines while Ssangyong will exhibit their latest models. A few unique cars, courtesy of Mr. Troy Yaw, will be on display as well.

Bourneo Cup organisers welcome their latest sponsor, Celcom to this year's regatta. Celcom will be providing two satellite phones for use by the technical team in the passage race, in addition to the starter packs and prepaid cards.

http://www.sarawaktourism.com

More information on the race and NOR: www.borneorace.com