Borneo International Yachting Challenge 2007 - Purpose Driven is New Champion

Yesterday off Miri Marina , Purpose Driven from Brunei one the final race to take the overall title in IRC class of the Borneo International Yachting Challenge.

Api Sel a 50ft British Registered, Aluminium cutter won the cruising class A event despite dropping to third place yesterday due to a slow start in light winds.

Frenchman Labbadi Gilles sailing single handed on Eloise held on to overall lead in class B, losing the final two races to a similar sized 38 footer Star Of Siam by a matter of seconds

The Lead for Class C had been disputed throughout the series by the large 55ft motor sailor Lady Emma from New Zealand which ended up one point ahead of the smaller 38 Tegan 1 from Canada.

The Multi hulls class only had one competitor Zosha from Australia until the final two days and so was declared the winner.

The race was a great success and the fact that each class was one by an entry from a different country proves that the regatta has a place on the International scene here in Asia. Perhaps in the future other clubs and venues such as Sutera Harbour Marina in Sabah will provide more opportunities for some friendly racing such as that provided by The Borneo International Yachting challenge.


David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service