SANDAKAN: Nineteen yachts from nine countries that took part in the Discover Malaysia by Sea programme, anchored off the waters of Sabah.
Some of the 19 yachts taking part in the Discover Malaysia by Sea programme, anchored off the waters of Sabah. — Bernama photo
The arrival of the participants and yachts in Sandakan was received by Sabah Parks Board of Trustees chairman Datuk Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin Tengku Mahamood.
The programme was organised by Sail Malaysia with the cooperation of Pangkor Marina Malaysia and Tourism Malaysia.
Sail Malaysia managing director Sazli Kamal Basha said the yacht rally which began in April from Langkawi would end on Aug 15 in Tawau, Sabah after 20 stops throughout the rally, namely in Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Terengganu, Sarawak and Sabah.
According to Sazli, the countries taking part are New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Republic of Ireland, Netherlands, South Africa, Poland and Austria.
“The programme was essentially to promote tourism in Malaysia, especially during the Visit Malaysia Year.
It was to create a sailing route on the waters of Malaysia,” he told Bernama here today.
Participants arrived in Sandakan yesterday and spent a night in an area near Pulau Selingan, in the Turtle Islands Park.
Sazli said the programme would help promote the waters off Sabah as among the best spots in the world to be explored, through yachting activities. — Bernama