Penang Marina Now for You but waiting for China

by Sail-World Cruising on 8 Mar 2006 Tanjung City Marina, the first marina in Penang city, in Malaysia, will be a boon for cruising sailors, whether they are long range cruisers or just flying in for a sailing holiday. However, the marina also has its sights on the future yachties who will come out of their giant neighbour China.

Marina manager Captain Md Suyod Suhaimi told the Penang Business Times that the rapid growth of China's recreational industry could be a way to bring more tourism dollars to Penang, while also raising the marina's profile as a destination for owners of megayachts. Their marketing strategy includes tapping the market in Hong Kong and China

Sailing Clubs in China, while still few in number, are increasing at a fast rate as awareness grows of this ‘new’ sport. Already Shenzhen in southern China has two yachting associations, and Shuhai, Xiamen, Guangzhou and Shanghai have also set up clubs. Some of them have also already built yacht ports to meet the demand.

Chen Yingchun, deputy mayor of Shenzhen, explains the growth of sailing:

'China's economy witnessed rapid progress during the past 20 years. It can be judged by the changes in the means of transportation people choose,' he said

'In the 1970s, people bought bicycles. They bought motorcycles in the 1980s, and in the 1990s more and more people bought cars. I believe more and more people will choose yachts and helicopters in the 21st century.'

Meanwhile while they are waiting, the Tanjung City Marina will have to be content with the yachts from Asia and the South Pacific including Australia. And there are plenty of those – even before the marina opened in November they had a large number of visiting yachts from Europe, the Americas and Australia.

The marina has been built on the site of the old Church Pier and retains the old world charm. It has 102 berths and can accommodate up to 140 yachts and boats of various sizes. Funded by the Federal Government, it sits on 1.6ha of coastal land adjacent to the Penang ferry terminal in George Town's inner city.

As more facilities of this type are opened around the Malaysian coastline, Malaysia is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for the cruising sailor. Keep it on your list!