Bandar Seri Begawan - The road leading to Serasa Beach was jam-packed yesterday as people eagerly went to view the Regatta Boat Race and Jet Ski Fiesta, held in conjunction with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam‘s 61st birthday celebrations, at the Serasa Water Centre, Muara.
People and participants flocked to the beach as early as Sam, with the hope of securing a good viewing location.
More than 25 water races were held in yesterday‘s water fiesta, including the Jet Ski Race, Traditional Perahu (boat) Race, Fibreglass Perahu Race, Perahu Bot Laju Race, Perahu Tambang Race, Perahu Bidar Race, and Kayak Race.
The Siamas A rowing team won the ‘Lumba Perahu Tradisi 30 Pekayuh Terbuka‘, defeating 11 other teams. Teams ‘Seri Baru A‘ and ‘Seri Baru B‘ won second and third place respectively.
The rowing team from the Prime Minister‘s Office emerged as the winner of the ‘Lumba Perahu Fibreglass 20 Pekayuh Peringkat-Kementerian Kementerian‘, while the team from the Ministry of Development came in second. The team from the Ministry of Home Affairs came in third. Also attracting attention was Christopher Keasberry, who raced faster than anyone else during the ‘Jet Ski 1200 cc Terbuka 15 Pusingan‘. Meanwhile, Kamsul and Zulizkandar came in second and third respectively.
A family of five expressed their excitement of being there on such a beautiful day. ‘We don‘t usually go to the beach and would prefer staying at home, but after finding out about the water race, we thought it would be a great idea to come and give our support, and at the same time, enjoy the day at the beach.‘
Presenting the prizes to the winners was Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mohd Yusof, the Minister of Home Affairs.
Source: www.brudirect.com (13 Agustus 2007)