Bintulu Regatta now open for entries

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BINTULU REGATTA: Former Bintulu Regatta champion, SPDP Seri Sarawak team who won the Sarawak Chief Minister challenge trophy in 2008 is expected to participate in this year’s event which is now open for entries to those interested.

BINTULU: Entries are now open for Bintulu Regatta 2012 which will be held from July 8 to 9 and it is expected to attract participants from throughout the state whose skills, endurance and speed will be well tested.

The event co-organising chairman, Muhamad Yakub Kari who is also Bintulu resident said this year’s regatta is expected to become one of the finest to held so far because of the 2.2 kilometres distance that must be covered by the competing paddlers.

“It (distance) will be challenging for the participants but we will make sure all the safety measures for this year’s event are well looked after and that we will not compromise on technical aspects of it” he said on the upcoming event which the entry forms are now available at Sarawak Rivers Board’s (LSS) Bintulu office located at Bintulu Passenger Terminal of Jalan Sri Dagang.

“Skills and endurance will be the key for this year’s regatta and we don’t believe only speed but these two elements will make the race more interesting,” Yakub said on the race which is from Sg Sebiew to Bintulu Promenade.

Those interested can call the organising committee contact persons in Wan Ilham Wan Ahmad at 012-8826862 or Saminan Matyasin at 019-8178745 who will assist the public on any enquiries. They can also call 086-335853 or 315908 for more details. The forms are sold at RM5 for each category with the closing date for submission is June 28 at 12pm. It is also open to participants from neighbouring Brunei.

Jointly organised by Bintulu Resident’s Office and Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), the event is expected to be officiated by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud while the Head of State, Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Sallahudin is expected to grace the closing ceremony.

Eight categories in ‘perahu bidar’ event will be contested namely men’s open 10 paddlers; men’s open 15 paddlers; men’s open 20 paddlers; Chief Minister Cup men’s 25 paddlers; TYT Cup (King of the river) men’s 30 paddlers; women’s open 10 paddlers; women’s open 15 paddlers and inter-government agency and private sector men’s 15 paddlers.

Another eight categories in ‘perahu temuai’ event are men’s open 10 paddlers; men’s open 15 paddlers; men’s open 20 paddlers; men’s open 25 paddlers; Chief Minister Cup men’s 30 paddlers; women’s open 10 paddlers; women’s open 15 paddlers; and inter government agency and private sector men’s 15 paddlers.

The F3000 Power boat and tunnel boat (SST60 horsepower (hp); 40hp; 30hp; 18hp; 15hp) categories will also be contested.

Apart from that, longboats or fishermen boats involving 30hp and 15hp will also be featured at this year’s regatta and it is expected to attract more locals boat owners to join the race just for the fun of it.