Competitors rowing with all their might during the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta 2024 at Straits Quay Retail Marina.
THE Pacific West Dragon Boat Club proved to be the dominant force at the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta (PIDBR) 2024, clinching four out of five international open titles in an impressive display of endurance and skill.
The regatta, which has been a hallmark in Penang since its inception in 1979, saw fierce competition from local and international teams at the Straits Quay Retail Marina.
This year’s regatta made history as it debuted at the marina in Tanjung Tokong, moving from its traditional venue at Teluk Bahang Reservoir, where it had been held since the 1990s.
Despite challenging conditions, the Penang-based Pacific West emerged as the standout team, demonstrating their prowess across multiple categories.
The club claimed victory in the Malaysia Premier Open for the TYT Cup, International Senior 40 Open, International Premier Women’s 400 and International Premier Mixed 400m for the Hong Kong Challenge Trophy.
Their only miss was the competitive International Premier Open category, where they finished fourth.
This title was taken by the Guangzhou Baiyun Renhe Dragon Boat Team from China.
Pacific West coach Lawrence Koh expressed pride in his team’s performance, attributing their success to strategic rotation and consistent effort despite the demanding schedule.
“We had about 30 paddlers in rotation, including 10 women. By the time we reached the International Premier Open race, our paddlers were already exhausted after competing in multiple events.
Ahmad Fuzi (back row, fifth from left), Wong (in orange) and other Pacific West Dragon Boat Club members posing for a group photo with their trophies.
“Most of the paddlers are newbies who have only been training with us for the past three to four months,” he said in an interview shortly after the races.
PIDBR 2024 brought together 61 teams from 12 countries, featuring 1,600 rowers representing nations such as China, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Japan, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, Taiwan and Malaysia.
While the picturesque venue attracted a large crowd over two days, the choppy sea conditions posed challenges for participants.
Koh voiced his concerns about the suitability of the venue, suggesting that Teluk Bahang Dam remained the ideal location for the regatta.
“The Straits Quay venue isn’t the best for such a demanding competition.
“The sea was too choppy, which made it difficult for the teams to maintain their rhythm.
“The Teluk Bahang Dam offers calmer waters and a better environment for dragon boat racing,” he said.
The Guangzhou Baiyun Renhe team’s victory in the International Premier Open was one of the regatta’s highlights.
The racers in an upbeat mood. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
Known for their rigorous training regimen and technical precision, team members outpaced their competitors in the final stretch.
Despite the venue challenges, PIDBR 2024 was a success, continuing its legacy as a platform for celebrating sportsmanship, cultural diversity and the spirit of dragon boat racing.
Many participants echoed Koh’s sentiments about returning to the Teluk Bahang Reservoir for future editions of the regatta.
Its serene surroundings and optimal water conditions have historically set the stage for memorable races.
As for Pacific West, their performance over the years has solidified their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the dragon boat racing circuit.
Koh is already looking ahead to future competitions, aiming to refine his team’s strategy and stamina to claim the International Premier Open title next year.
“Winning four out of five titles is a tremendous achievement, but we’re always striving to improve.
“Our team is more motivated than ever to train harder and come back stronger,” he said.
Presenting the trophies were Penang Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.
Also present were Penang Island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran and Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang.
In his speech to close the event, Wong said sustainability was a key focus, with efforts to minimise environmental impact by using biodegradable cups at water stations to reduce single-use plastic waste, underscoring a commitment to eco-friendly practices.
“This year’s regatta is a celebration of sport, culture and environmental responsibility, setting a high standard for future events.
“It was also a resounding success, drawing a big crowd.
“The new venue proved ideal, benefitting local businesses while offering athletes a stage to showcase their skills and spectators an up-close experience of dragon boat culture.
“The event was more than just a competition.
“It is a vibrant celebration of unity, cultural heritage and shared excitement, where passion and tradition come alive,” he added.
