Bangkuai (left) speaking to Anderson while Sazli (centre) looks on.
KOTA KINABALU: International participants of a sailing event are impressed with Sabah’s Tuaran district, some 40km from here, describing it as an excellent berthing spot.
Against the background of a picturesque countryside, the sailors said the district offered charm as well as peace of mind.
David Anderson from Australia commended Tuaran, saying it was a "nice location along the coast with a secure and relaxing environment."
"It is a low-key marina berth and a perfect place for getting boats serviced and ready before continuing sailing further.
"We also have had the opportunity to explore nearby villages, and many sailors come here to see the countryside. Surely, that is what I am here for.”
Anderson conveyed this to the Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, during a welcoming event at the Anjung Gayang Jetty on Friday (July 19).
Since Wednesday (July 17), a rally fleet of more than 20 yachts has arrived in Tuaran as part of the annual Sail Malaysia Passage to the East Yacht Rally 2024 programme.
Besides Australia, the other participants came from New Zealand, the US, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Hong Kong, South Africa, Indonesia, Thailand, Canada, as well as other Malaysian states.
Bangkuai checking out the Anjung Gayang Jetty, where Sail Malaysia rally participants have docked their yachts.
Like most participants, this was Anderson's maiden visit to Sabah, where he was also sailing with his wife and their two children, aged three and six.
Anderson is also the group's commodore.
Swiss sailor Stephan Chappuis, also travelling with his family, was equally positive about Tuaran, saying that the district’s berthing spot offered excellent protection for boats against waves.
"Tuaran is a fantastic location for berthing, and the countryside views are simply breathtaking.
"This is my first time in Sabah, and I look forward to exploring the state," he said, adding that Sabah is also an ideal family holiday destination.
Meanwhile, Sail Malaysia managing director Sazli Kamal Basha said the Tuaran protected harbour has enough natural depth to accommodate foreign yachts.
"This means that Tuaran harbour has huge potential to become a main yachting hub in Borneo and a new tourism product for Sabah.
"To realise this potential, the harbour's entry needs to be deepened, and we are very certain that with the government's plans to create a deeper entry, waterfront development and investment will flow into this area," he said.
Bangkuai, who is also chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board, expressed the state's commitment to promoting niche nautical tourism.
"Sabah is dedicated to enhancing the experience of sailors by offering unique berthing locations like Tuaran.
"We believe that developing this aspect of tourism adds significant value not only to the sailors but also to Sabah and our local communities,” he said.
