Kota Kinabalu: Sailing has emerged as a vital component in the State government’s strategy to enhance tourism through sporting activities.
Assistant Minister of Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy (MySpace) Datuk Seri Anil Sandhu said this in his closing speech at the 25th City Day Open Regatta held at the Kinabalu Yacht Club (KYC) last Sunday (Feb 15).
He highlighted the importance of sailing, classified as sport tourism, which not only enhances the local economy but also fosters a spirit of healthy competition among young sailors.
“Sailing is a friendly green sport, which is particularly excellent in promoting character development among the youths and should be encouraged by all.
“The 25th KYC City Day Regatta 2026 has over the years become more and more popular and has now become one of the ‘ranking races of the State’ where most sailors vying for a place in the State team must take part to get a ranking’. I am happy to see so many young people from all over Malaysia taking part in this regatta.
“This event to celebrate the importance of the sea as a recreational area for the residents of Kota Kinabalu also contributes to tourism,” he said.
More than 70 sailors from five teams took part in the annual event organised by Kinabalu Yacht Club (KYC).
The International 470 Open overall title was won by Leonard Chin with his crew Angela Foo followed by Michael Robert Hastie/Haron Muzaffar Abdul Aziz and Reena James/Chrishantel Chao Shen Marcus.
Lenoard and Angela also clinched the 470 veteran title with Michale and Haron in second place.
In the International 420 Open, the title went to Danyal Marczqui Rahmat Haron/Muhd Iftitah Andi Mallabbang. Bibi Qeesha Mohd Faizal/Natasha Wong took the second spot and in third place were Lucqmann Racheed Haron/Zeid Ashraf Zainal.
The overall title in the ILCA (International Laser Class Association) 7 class was won by Adam Carraz with Anas Shaidi Johari taking second place and Firdaus Hakim Mohd Hisham in third.
The Class 6 title went to Nur Hafizahananti Zailan followed by Zeti Irdina Zinal and Mohd Syahieradham Raiman, while Muhd Aiman Aqeel Mohd Firdaus captured the class 4 title.
The windsurf open overall title was captured by Qasya Chairullah, while the top three places in the close overall category went to Mitchell Llyod Cini, Abidin Aliakbar and Dr Amabel Seow Min Hui.
Mitchell and Abidin also claimed the top two places in the men’s category with Dr Sandeep Singh Gillin in third, while Dr Amabel was the sole winner in the women’s category.
In the optimist overall, Muhd Harith Qaiser finished ahead of Natalie Wong and Ziqri Luqman Zainal.
The three also took the top three places in division A. The B title went to Muhd Fairuz and in second place was Jazel Qalish Izwani Hasdanizam with Ahmad Wafiy Azzam Mohd Resal in third, while title C was won by Izz Qasrina Chairullah followed by Malique Anaqi Mohd Norhaifiy and Bibi Mya Mohd Faizal.
In the SUP (stand up paddle board) long distance 6km race, the top three winners in the men’s category were Joerel Jarrow Jr Marcus, Abidin Aliakbar and Lau Kim Fong, while the women’s winners were Reena James, Chriyenterl Chao Shen Marcus, Chrishantel Chao Shen Marcus and Sheena Melissa Chok.
In the SUP technical race (2km) with board length less than 12 feet, the winners were Chrishantel Chao Shen Marcus, Clarissa Medeline Pui Enid, Sheena Melissa Chok (women); Joerel Jarrow Danie Marcus, Jarrow Danie Marcus, Michael Brandon (men).
The board length more than 12 feet winners were Reena James, Chriyenterl Chao Shen Marcus (women) and Abidin Aliakbar, Lau Kim Fong, Dr Sandeep Singh Gill (men).
Meanwhile, also present at the closing ceremony were KYC commodore Albert Shim and vice commodore Allan Koay Kah Seng.
