Sarawak Regatta 2007

Sarawak Regatta revs up for finale(Sunday September 2, 2007) The StarOnline

KUCHING: Thousands of people thronged the Waterfront here yesterday as the Sarawak Regatta entered its second day.
Participants competed in longboat events involving 10, 15, 20 and 30 paddlers as well as in the kayak, seven-paddler balok (traditional Malay boat) and perahu tambang races.
There was also a special category for tourists and another for international teams.
The first final of the day, the 20-paddler longboat category for government agencies, was won by the Cahaya Intan team from the Samarahan District Council.

Paddlers in action during one of the races in the Sarawak Regatta in Kuching on Saturday.The Sarawak Foundation’s Sri Urai Zecon team, which won the event last year, finished second this time in the 1.8km race, while Pusaka from the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation came in third.
One of the key events in the state’s tourism calendar, the regatta was expanded this year to include a trade fair and Malay cultural activities involving villagers living on the banks of the Sarawak River.
Besides traditional dances, music and games, there will be traditional wedding ceremonies for five Malay couples today.
This year’s regatta is one of the biggest to be held, attracting 6,827 participants in 387 teams, including four from Sabah and one each from Brunei and Kalimantan.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud will officially open the regatta today and flag off the water scooter open class final before witnessing a review of boats on the Sarawak River.
Later, Sarawak Governor Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng will flag off the 30-paddler longboat race, which offers the TYT Challenge Trophy and the unofficial title of “King of the River” to the winner.

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