KUCHING: The Sarawak Regatta 2014, themed ‘Race for Harmony’, raised its curtains yesterday with 24 boat races, and will climax with the blue riband of ‘King of the River’ on Sunday.
Marshalls supervising the boat races at Sarawak Regatta.
Paddlers settle down after a race.
Small crowds gather at Kuching Waterfront to watch the exciting boat races.
Paddlers race to the finish line in one of the heats held in the morning.
Police scuba team patrolling the Regatta races.
Sheer grit as rowers of Istana Merdeka team use all their might to reach the finishing line. — Photos by Chimon Upon
A paddler leaps out from the boat.
Strong paddlers in different teams race to the finishing line in one of the heats on the first day of Sarawak Regatta yesterday.
This year’s competition will see paddlers racing a distance of between 500 metres to 1.8 km in five categories of boat races, namely Perahu Balok, Bidar, Kenyalang,Tambang and Kayak.
The climax of the races will be the iconic race for ‘King of the River’ or ‘Raja Sungai’ title which offers a cash prize of RM10,000.
Despite smaller crowds on Day One of the Regatta yesterday, the Sarawak River was the centre-stage for the 9am to 19 heat and five final races of Kayak Men Single, Tambang Berdayung, Kayak Women Team, Bidar 20 Mixed Paddlers (15 men and five women) and Engined Tambang.
Among the top winners in the races were Richie Muktelus in the Kayak Men Single followed by Jury Amrullah Ibrahim and Mohd Nurfariezman Osman respectively.
In the Tambang Berdayung final, the race was won by Polo 7 Tali Harus 1, followed by Sarkon Enterprise – 1 and Sri Samarahan in third place.
In the Kayak Women Team Final, Enraz Cahaya Zen emerged winner while Sinaran Ratu Balqis finished in second position and JKM third.
Meanwhile, the well-known Sarawak tourism calendar event is expected to be officially opened by Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem tomorrow (Saturday).
On Sunday, the Sultan of Brunei and Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud will be at ringside to witness the final race vying for the ‘King of the River’ title. Adding to the variety and excitement of the occasion are the International Dragon Boat Race, the historical Brooke Swim, cultural show and showcase as well as promotion of local entrepreneur products including handicrafts, food and many more.
The new addition of Dragon Boat race has made the Sarawak Regatta more vibrant this year attracting some 500 international participants from around the globe including Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Macau, Hongkong, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and the Philippines.