Having a great time: Bangkuai (right) speaking to Kane and Sazli during the cultural dinner held for the rally’s participants on Saturday.
KOTA KINABALU: He had thought that Borneo was a country in itself and had never heard of Sabah.
But a whole new horizon opened up for 70-year-old Steve Kane from Las Vegas when he sailed into Sabah four weeks ago.
“It’s a picturesque state that’s very different from my home country. I’m loving every minute of my time here,” said Kane, who took part in the Sail Malaysia rally.
This year’s Sail Malaysia saw the participation of 20 boats from the United States, Australia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, France and the Philippines.
Among this fleet, 12 vessels sailed into Lahad Datu’s waters while the rest berthed in Kota Kinabalu’s harbour.
Throughout their journey through Sabah’s waters, participants would stop at numerous locations to discover the state’s beauty, including Kudat, Kunak, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Semporna.
And it has been an exciting first-time journey for Kane, the American now in Sabah.
It’s not just his first time in the Land Below the Wind but also his inaugural exploration of Malaysia and South-East Asia.
“The people are wonderful. They always have a smile on their face. Of course, I don’t speak the language, but they make it easy for me to make it work,” he said.
He also singled out the Turtle Islands Park.
“I had seen things like this on National Geographic, but never in my life did I think I would see it with my own eyes here.
“I was standing behind a giant turtle which was laying dozens of eggs as they were being collected and then re-buried for protection,” Kane said.
He spoke about the charm and security in Sabah, besides its unique blend of culture, architecture and natural splendour.
What struck Kane as particularly exceptional was the state’s commitment to safety.
He praised the efforts of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), recognising its role in providing a safe maritime environment.
“I was impressed with the safety and Esscom. I have no fear of pirates,” he said.
Kane’s journey to Sabah was sparked by an invitation from a friend to join Sail Malaysia, where they set sail from the Philippines to Kota Kinabalu as the first starting point in Sabah.
Prior to his visit, Kane admitted to being unaware of Sabah’s existence, even mistaking Borneo for an independent country.
“I’ve never been to Malaysia and in fact, this is my first time travelling to South-East Asia. Now, I have learnt that Borneo is a vast island shared by three nations.
“I had a great time here and we have gone to a few ports. I am very much impressed by what I have seen and experienced.”
Kane, who celebrated his birthday on Saturday, hopes to visit Sabah again in the future, a wish shared by many of his fellow sailors.
He was among those who were hosted to a cultural dinner on Saturday for the rally’s participants.
Also present was Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Other guests included Lahad Datu district officer Firuz Idzualdeen Mohd Dzul, Sail Malaysia managing director Sazli Kamal Basha, Lahad Datu Tourism Association chairman Joe Wong, Rural Tourism Association Sabah president Walter Kandayon, and the local community.
Bangkuai emphasised the significance of the Sail Malaysia rally for Sabah, particularly its rural districts, and called on the participants to spread the word about the numerous attractions here and that it was a safe destination to visit.
“It showcases not only the natural beauty of Sabah’s coastal areas but also provides a unique opportunity for the rural communities to engage with a global audience, fostering cultural exchanges and economic growth,” Bangkuai said.
“By consistently attracting the sailing community to Sabah’s shores, we can become a prominent hub for maritime tourism activities.”
