Power boat race in Kapit records encouraging participation, with 100 entries

KAPIT (July 13): The power boat race, to be held at Kapit Waterfront here today and tomorrow (July 13-14), has recorded keen participation, with more than 100 entries received.

Teams from Bintulu, Mukah, Sibu, Bintangor, Kanowit, Song, Belaga, Kapit and Brunei will compete in the 50HP, 30HP 3 Pistons, 30 HP 2 Pistons and 18HP categories.

Kapit Resident Galong Luang, the organising chairman of the annual Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari, met the racing teams and their crew at Jalan Kubu Lama yesterday.

The 22-member Kelab Temburong Power Boat Racing Team left Brunei at 3am on Thursday, and arrived here yesterday in a convoy of six four-wheel drive vehicles (4WD) via Miri.

The team manager Mohamad Ruzaimi Wahab said they were not professional power boat racers, but were just keen to participate.

“We all love this extreme water sport, which is exciting and thrilling.

“Just imagine a tiny power boat speeding in the open water. I salute the captains (drivers) who skilfully manoeuvre these boats, chasing one another.

“We come in a big number, 22 of us. It is all because we love this extreme water sport. It is the passion for power boats that makes us decide to come here.

“We don’t receive any assistance from anywhere; we use own money to cover the expenses, which is approximately RM13,000,” he said, adding in the past they had taken part in similar events held in Kanowit, Sibu, Bintangor, Dalat, Mukah, Sebuah, Marudi, Belaga and even long Lama.

Meanwhile, local power boat enthusiast Solomon Kumbong, owner of ‘Raja Kerbu Gemilang Racing Team’, said his team would contest in all events.

Separately, Team Gelima Racing manager Jacob Baleng described power boat racing as ‘an expensive activity compared to other sports’.

“Each boat costs more than RM15,000, and it costs more than RM3,000 to modify the propeller and RM5,000 to modify the engine – these have yet to include design and construction.

“Regardless of the cost, we keep going on because of our great enthusiasm for this sport, plus the pride and satisfaction to participate,” he said.

The power boat race is among the activities run in connection with the annual Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari.