Bigger plans in the pipeline for Sarawak Open Regatta

MIRI: Plans are afoot to make the KFC-MCC Sarawak Open Regatta part of the mandatory circuit for national recruitment of athletes.

When this materialises, Malaysian Sailing Association (MSA) technical chairman Lawrence Yeow said yesterday, racers could collect points which will lead to participants attracted to the event from other state and countries.

The matter is now in the hands of the Sarawak Sailing Association to apply and seek approval from MSA.

“In fact, it actually opens more opportunity to nurture and pick the best racers, regardless among the locals or the international racer, and we hope to see more young talents to be discovered,” he added.

Meanwhile, Yeow explained that the smaller number of participants for the second edition KFC-MCC Sarawak Open Regatta was due to the time constraint faced by competitors who had to choose between Sarawak and Sabah Open Regatta.

“A week after this (Sarawak Open Regatta), some of the players will be heading to Sabah for the next championship. The timing

In fact, it actually opens more opportunity to nurture and pick the best racers, regardless among the locals or the international racer, and we hope to see more young talents to be discovered. — Lawrence Yeow, MSA technical chairman

is crucial, thus, they either had to choose one or go for both, which is extremely tough for them, physically and mentally,” he said.

The KFC-MCC Sarawak Open Regatta, which is one of the regatta in the country organized by Malaysian Sailing Association, is sponsored by KFC and in collaboration with Sarawak Sailing Association and Miri City Council.

The opening of the three-day event, which ends on July 30, was officiated by Assistant Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin and witnessed by Miri Divisional Resident Sherrina Hussaini and co-organiser chairman Troy Yaw.