We put our ears up and find out what’s buzzing in town
It was a great day for sailing at Serasa Beach on the weekend of 21 September 2019. A slight haze still bothered the air but it was beginning its retreat – blue skies had begun to show again, along with white fluffy clouds, and the shady day was welcome weather for the group of seven to 15 year olds prepared to race their Optimists. The bath-tub sized boats rocked on the waters, the lithe young athletes flipping from side to side with their sails, sturdy and capable and fearless. The youngest was a small seven-year old boy, and we were told that while his small weight might be well against him on a windless day, a windy day would have him blazing toward the finish line, outstripping his heavier and older opponents.
But first, the Inaugural BDYA Sailing Championship 2019 had to have its opening, and it’s an important one because this is the first ever sailing championship of its kind in Brunei. Competitors from Sabah and Sarawak had come down to give our local athletes some competition, with over 50 registered participants joining in this inaugural championship. A satisfying number, one that is hoped to increase with its second effort next year.
Guest of Honour Yang Berhormat Major General (B) Dato Paduka Seri Haji
Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin was present for the event, donning the same BDYA cap the other guests sported. The Chairman of the BDYA Sailing Championships, Muhammad Fadzlin Hassan, took to the podium to deliver a welcome speech before handing the microphone over to Dato Paduka Ar Haji Idris bin Haji Abas, the President of the Brunei Darussalam Yachting Association (BDYA), who took this moment to encourage others to learn this age-old sport of sailing and take the opportunity to represent their country in international competitions.
The Guest of Honour then joined the President of BDYA and the Chairman of the BDYA Sailing Championships at the podium, and officiated the opening of the championships with the shrill blast of an air horn.
Yang Berhormat Major General (B) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan then personally met and spoke with the participants of the championships, before visiting and taking a tour of the newly built BDYA Clubhouse.
The three-day event consisted of three classes of races, namely the Laser and Optimist class and the Windsurfers. Taking place in the waters off Serasa, Mentiri, Pulau Chermin and Pulau Muara Besar, the sailors and their vessels took part in one Marathon and 5 course races, with over 50 registered participants of all ages from Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak.
The inaugural BDYA Sailing Championships was organised with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Royal Brunei Navy, the Royal Brunei Yacht Club, and the support and generosity of local businesses.
Read up more on our coverage of the Inaugural BDYA Sailing Championship on our website, www.borneoinsidersguide.com.
For more information on the Brunei Darussalam Yachting Association, check out their website (www.bdya.org) or keep yourself updated with sailing events on Instagram (@bdya_bn).