WINNER CIRCLE: The winners of the powerboat competitions posing for a group photograph with invited guests after the prize giving ceremony. Koh is seated right.
KAPIT: The much anticipated Powerboat races held during the closing ceremony of the Baleh Kapit Raft Safari last Sunday was a thrilling spectacle which drew thousands of spectators to the Kapit river-front.
A total of 43 tunnel boats from 33 local racing clubs competed in three main categories namely the 18hp Tunnel Boat, 30hp Tunnel Boat and 50hp Open Tunnel Boat races. Also included in the race were six water-pump boats from three racing clubs.
“The local community in Kapit thoroughly enjoyed the races as the tunnel boats were quite fast. Of the 43 boats, 19 competed in the 18hp, 17 boats took part in the 30hp and seven in the 50hp categories. Teams from Sibu and Kanowit also took part in the races this year,” said organising chairman Koh Kumbong.
Koh, who is also the chairman of Kapit Powerboat Racing Club, was happy that the races held was a success and disclosed that additional safety measures were implemented this year to ensure safety of the drivers and audience.
“We are ready and better prepared for any eventualities in the race. This year’s prizes were also better and next year’s edition could see more attractive prizes. We acknowledged that this year’s event has its shortcomings. With the help of relevant parties, we will strive to make it better in 2013,” said Koh.
In the final of the 18hp Tunnel Boat race, Bujang Bidik team emerged champion with team KBRT in second while Bujang Lelayang team was third.
Team Mur Pink triumphed in the 30hp Tunnel Boat while Lelingai 99 team were victorious in the 50hp Tunnel Boat Race 1 and Race 2 events.