Putrajaya Regatta scales new heights

by AsianYachting.com on 14 Jul 2009 After last year’s success, the Organising Committee decided to go all out and try to make this event the best of the ten KFC regattas on the Malaysian Yachting Association (MYA) calendar. Being blessed with some of the best launching and boat storage facilities in the country, and an unbelievable 10 to 15 knots of breeze, made this task very achievable. Invitations were extended to all Asian nations with sailors coming from Bahrain, India, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Australia and Singapore to take on the strong Malaysian contingent from all the state associations and the National Sailing squad that have recently won medals at European Youth and Asian Class Championships.

They also went the extra mile and organised some shore side entertainment for spectators and sponsors to display their wares. The Singapore radio controlled sailboat fleet made the short trek north to take on the increasing number of Malaysian enthusiasts that are finding toggling joysticks from the comfort of the VIP chairs more to their liking.

The highlight on Day 1 (other than the great dinghy racing) was when the AsianYachting.com Directors Hasslan Ismail and Capt Marty had the pleasure of taking former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir for a sail on the lake as part of his 84th birthday celebrations. This sail is a long standing promise in appreciation of Dr Mahathir's government policy at the time - to grow the country into a regional yachting center by rapidly expanding the number of marinas around the extensive coastline. Develop modern boat building facilities, and the yachting tourism industry is sure to follow. Which is why the sailing fraternity calls him the 'Father of Malaysian Sailing'

Since Putrajaya and the 650 acre lake was also one of his creations, it seems only appropriate that the sail was held here. Watching over 150 sailboats zig-zagging their way around the courses made him very happy, as this is what he always envisioned the lake would be used for. So much so, that despite 20 knot gusts overpowering our Miri Magic 8m keelboat on a few occasions, when asked if he would like to go back after one round he demanded to go around for a second time. After explaining a few finer points in the lake design, he also pointed out a few areas where outside restaurants with boardwalk seating were supposed to be built to bring some life to the lake and complement the beautiful scenery the setting has to offer – and expressed his dismay with the present delays in development.

Arriving back on shore, the Regatta Chairman Tan Sri Samsudin Osman and Organising Chairman Datuk Setia Hj Mohd Isa presented Tun with a radio controlled sailboat to continue his boating hobby, and a birthday cake to celebrate this auspicious occasion. Despite handing over the reins a couple of Prime Ministers ago, Mahathir still has a commanding presence, and is respected by the general public for his progressive attitude and willingness to speak up when something needs to be said. Happy Birthday, Tun, and may you have many more.

The Malaysian Yachting Association (MYA) have added the Putrajaya Regatta into their ten-regatta Kentucky Fried Chicken sponsored - KFC National Ranking Circuit The National Sports Council funding also ensures these events are well run, highly competitive and provide quality racing for all interested participants in the dinghy classes. Over one hundred and fifty International sailors including some keen expats stationed here, graced the Putrajaya Lake in the heart of the Malaysian administrative capital. With 85 boats the single-handed Optimists are the biggest fleet by far, and spectators are often amazed to see these fearless young kids (weighing in at 30 kilos wringing wet) effortlessly piloting the boats around the course on their own.

36 sailors of all age groups and nationalities contested the Laser Classes which is divided into Standard, Radial and 4.7 classes. Some recent medal winners and top podium finishers were listed amidst the rankings and expected to shine again here. Eight International 470 and seven Int 420 teams rounded out the numbers of this sailing spectacular. The disabled sailors had a course of their own, and five Access 2.3 dinghies contested for the title which will be a good warm up for those lucky enough to qualify for the KL'09 5th Asean Para Games to be held in Kuala Lumpur from 15 to 19 August.

Talk about dodgems cars - even in the Laser classes, it was a matter of nudging your way into the starting area if you want to get away quickly, and the judges seem to turn a blind eye to these little infringements as they are quite often sorted out between the competitors. Wasn't like that in my day! Quite a few sailors that were forced to give up sailing after their Optimist days were over in favour of a higher education are returning to the sport after many years absence studying overseas. Anyone interested in continuing on with dinghy racing pursuits while in Malaysia can find the Malaysian Yachting Assoc (MYA) Racing Program and further regatta contact information at: http://www.sailing.org.my/

How's this for a quick response and keeping in line with the past PM's vision of holding further boating activities at the Putrajaya Marine Center throughout the year? You can now enquire about enrolling your child for dinghy sailing lessons, or hire a sailing boat for the afternoon, by contacting MYA Secretary Megat Fairuz at: megatfairuz@gmail.com With its all year round warm climate and generous exchange rates, Malaysia is fast becoming the perfect training destination. Even the Iranian National Team and junior sailors from the Hebe Haven Yacht Club in Hong Kong have chosen the National Training Center in Langkawi to send their sailors on group training programs over the school holidays.

During the year the committee have gained enough experience to go on and organise further water sports events on the lake. Huge investments have been ploughed into building the lake and surrounding city, so casting a bit of light on the subject will hopefully bring a new lease of life to the exclusive lakeside boating operations. Nothing short of seeing them fully utilizing the extensive marine facilities already available will put another big smile on the 'Ole Man's' face.