MIRI: The Borneo International Yachting Challenge (BIYC) has attracted the participation of 37 yachts even before the official announcement of the date the race.
Since its inaugural race eight years ago BIYC has developed into the regions premier yacht race attracting entries from all over the world especially from Australia.
“Entries for the race keep increasing not only from this region, but from as far as Europe and the United States.
“We not only managed to hold the race every year for the past eight years, the event also gained a reputation of its own in this region,” said Assistant Minister of Communications and Sports Datuk Lee Kim Shin to The Borneo Post after chairing the first organising committee meeting here yesterday.
The Ninth Borneo International Yachting Challenge, jointly organised by Miri (Sarawak), Labuan and Sabah, will be staged from July 21 to 27 with two
passage races from Miri to Labuan and from Labuan to Kota Kinabalu.
“Even before the official date was announced we have already received registration of 37 yachts with most number of entries from Australia. As it is still few months away from the event, we anticipate more entries . We are hoping to get 40 or more boats this year,’ said Lee.
In the past races yachts from Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Holland and United States were regulars in the race.
According to Lee, some of the entries would be taking part in the races for the first time. Seasoned campaigner and defending champions Selma Star from the Philippines will be the yacht to beat.
“Selma Star will be here again to defend their crown and participate for the fifth time.
“BIYC will also promote Miri and Miri Marina as one of the more prominent yachting destinations in this region. It is part of our sports tourism event,” said Lee.
Interested yacht owners can register through www.borneorace@com.