Borneo Regatta to be held this weekend in Brunei

By Achong Tanjong

Local traditional boat and powerboat enthusiasts are looking forward to the Borneo Level Regatta race, which will be held this weekend at the Serasa Watersports Complex in Muara.

"The competition is held in conjunction with His Majesty's 62nd Birthday Celebration," said championship co-chairman, Awg Hj Maidin yesterday.

"This year's event is the biggest, judging from previous races. It sees participation of teams from Borneo, including from Limbang, Miri and Sabah.

"The teams from Lawas include from Sundar and Awat-Awat. However, Kalimantan will not participate this year," he added.

So far, nine teams from neighbouring states have registered for the meet, he said, adding that this year more than 20 local teams will compete compared to the previous race.

The race is divided into two categories, one of which is open to all associations in Brunei. They will compete in 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 paddlers.

He said 13 local teams have registered for the meet - Persatuan Lumba Perahu Kg Lurong Dalam, Seri Baru-Baru B, X-Team, Tutong, Police, Seri Baru-Baru A, Waktu B, 995 Bomba dan Penyelamat, Aksi Laut, Kg Setia B, ABDB, and Waktu Brunei Darussalam.

Five teams who win first to fifth placings in the local category will be selected to represent Brunei to compete at the Borneo-level race, to be held on Sunday.

Boat race teams from Brunei won the regatta held in Limbang recently.

The highlight of the event will be a marathon open - for 30 paddlers. The marathon is expected to be flagged-off from Muara Port and covers a distance of about 2km to 3km.

Members of the public will also have the opportunity to witness a fireworks display on Saturday night, thanks to B-Win Trading and Marketing Co.

Shuttle bus services will be available to transport members of the public to the venue.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin