| Achong Tanjong |
THE Radio Controlled Boat Racing Association (RACOBRA) will hold its Open RC Powerboat Race at the reservoir of Bukit Berambun, Kampong Tanah Jambu from tomorrow to Sunday in conjunction with the Brunei December Festival (BDF) 2018.
Speaking at a media event, RACOBRA Deputy President Mohammad bin Nayan, who is also chairman of the BDF 2018 Open RC Powerboat Race, said that seven categories will be contested at the event.
The categories are Class A – Catamaran/Tunnel Hull Open CC Gasoline Local Engine Modified; Class D – Vee/ Mono Hull Open CC Gasoline Local Engine Modified; Class E – Vee/Mono Hull Imported Marine Gasoline Engine 26cc-28cc; Class F – Catamaran/ Tunnel Hull Imported Marine Gasoline 26cc-28cc; Class G – Vee/ Mono Hull Imported Marine Gasoline 26cc -35cc (Open CC); Class H – Catamaran/Tunnel Hull Imported Marine Gasoline 26cc-35cc (Open CC); and Class I – Hydro and Rigger Imported Marine Gasoline Open CC.
He added that this is the first time the association is organising the event with support from the Tourism Development Department of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT).
He highlighted that the event is organised as an answer to the call from the MPRT to make Brunei an attractive place to visit for both local and foreign tourists.
He said, “The race will be an annual event during the BDF to promote sports tourism while at the same time generate income for the country.
“It also serves to raise the skills of local RC powerboat racers to a standard where they are able to compete at a high level at both the national and international stages.”
Event Deputy Chairman Haji Khallidden bin Haji Mohamad Jamil said the top four winners in each category will receive trophies and cash prizes.
According to him, over 60 participants with more than 250 boats will compete at the race in the seven categories.
“Besides local participants, racers from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand will also participate,” he said.
“The response has been very encouraging and the total number of contestants has gone past the previous record. This is the biggest race so far we’ve organised in terms of the number of registrations.”