Call for KFC-MCC regatta event to become regular feature in future sailing circuits
MIRI: The inclusion of a regatta event, jointly sponsored by KFC and Miri City Council ( MCC), in the 12th Borneo International Yachting Challenge ( BIYC) will help boost the development of sailing here.
Moreover, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin believes that the KFC-MCC Sarawak Open Regatta could also promote Miri Marina as one of the global hubs for this marine sport.
“After the success in hosting sailing in the 10th Malaysia Games last year, there is no doubt that Miri is able to host more competitions.
“Thus, I hope that we would be able to have KFC-MCC Sarawak Open Regatta be included in the KFC race circuits in the future,” he said at the prize presentation ceremony for BIYC 2017 in Coco Cabana of Miri Marina Saturday night.
Lee who is Senadin assemblyman said unlike yachters, the sailors do not need to bring along their small boats for any competition.
“Take Miri Marina, for example — the competitors (for sailing) only need to fly down here, where they can rent the boats from several providers at and near the hosting venue.
“Thus, this is another area that we have to look into in our efforts to generate business through sailing events.”
In view of this, Lee also pointed out the need to further improve the facilities at Miri Marina such as the storage system, and also the setting up of a permanent pier for the boats to berth.
Meanwhile, BIYC 2017 co- organising chairman Troy Yaw hoped that the number of BIYC participants would hit above 60 next year.
He assured all present that as the owner of Miri Marina, he and his team would render their full support when it comes to the organisation of any sailing event in the city.
For next year, Yaw had promised that the tournament would have three challenge trophies up for grabs – one each for the Laser, Dinghy and Optimist categories.
“The most important thing now is for participants to improve their skills in their respective sailing disciplines.
“If you’re able to meet your goals, we’d defi nitely support you,” he said.