| Aziz Idris |
SOME 20 international yachts anchored in Brunei River yesterday as part of a unique sailing programme in the region.
Sailors from Australia, New Zealand, United States, Denmark and Canada who first arrived in the Sultanate on June 22, came through the Kuala Belait Boat Club and the Royal Brunei Yacht Club.
Prior to this, the yachts – under the Sail Malaysia Rally – began their journey from Thailand, travelling the coastal areas of West Malaysia to Johor Bahru before heading to Brunei. The programme concludes at Sabah.
Spearheading the Sail Brunei programme was Allan Riches, the Managing Director of Intrepid Management Services Sdn Bhd, who sees the potential of boosting the maritime tourism in the Sultanate as an alternative tourism product.
Talks are already on the way with the Tourism Development Board and relevant agencies to host a similar programme next year and eventually become an annual event with more participating yacht, Riches said.
“We are hoping to host more activities and sideline events for next year which will involve the local communities promoting local products and services. We also hope to time the tide (for next year) so yachts have the opportunity to sail along the Tutong River,” he added.
Some of the sail boats and yachts participating in the Sail Brunei programme. – PHOTOS: MUIZ MAT-DANI
All smiles for the participants of the Sail Brunei programme upon receiving their certificates at the closing ceremony
Riches also said that a handful of sailors that joined this year’s Sail Brunei programme are avid bloggers and contributing writers from various travel magazines.
“All the articles and photos shared will help promote Brunei’s maritime tourism internationally and among the yachting community,” he said.
Riches, who has more than 15 years of sailing experience, said that there are many other unique areas in the waters of Brunei yet to be discovered and the programme hopes to encourage more people or tourist to use boats to explore these places.
The participants and partners of the programme were presented with certificates in a closing ceremony held at Mangrove Paradise Resort last night.
The group will depart the sultanate today and continue their journey across East Malaysia, stopping at popular islands and coastline cities along the way.
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