FUN TIME: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (right) and Taib (left) having a joyful time with other state leaders. — Photos by Philip Kiew and Jeffery Mostapa.
MARUDI: The 2011 Baram Regatta which ended yesterday achieved another breakthrough when it was called the ‘Mother of all Regattas’ in Sarawak.
The presence of the Sultan and Prime Minister of Brunei His Royal Highness Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah to grace the regatta was already a historic moment which undoubtedly left lasting memories in the minds of local dignitaries and the people of Baram.
It consequently further strengthened the long established cordial bilateral relations between Brunei and Malaysia in particular Sarawak, while further promoting both countries to the world community.
Among the local dignitaries and fans of the regatta were Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Muhammad Salahuddin and Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
Long Terawan, Mulu successfully retained the ‘Raja Batang Baram’ title for the second consecutive time after winning it in 2008. Second and third placings respectively went to Citra 1 and Jayong 9 Belaga.
Meanwhile, Jayong Belaga emerged as the overall regatta champion to win the ‘Charles Hose Memorial Cup’.
Jayong 9 Belaga through its Unlimited Men B team successfully clinched the Sultan of Brunei’s Challenge Trophy.
Second and third place winners were Citra 1 and Tedung Melanca respectively.
For the TYT Challenge Trophy, the champion was Long Terawan, second – Citra and third – Jayong Belaga.
Citra 1 however managed to win the Chief Minister’s Challenge Trophy while Masyarakat Nelayan Sibuti and Salcra came second and third respectively.
All three challenge trophies offered a cash prize of RM2,400 each.
A total of 40 races were competed in the three-day event which attracted over 30,000 people from all walks of life.