Bani Hasyim بنو هاشمPhotography: SARAWAK REGATTA 2013

Message by Minister of Tourism Sarawak

I welcome all participants and visitors alike, to this historic event of Sarawak Regatta. On behalf of my Ministry, I wish all visitors for a fun and enjoyable stay. To add value of your stay, I would also like to invite visitors to explore the tourist attractions in and around Kuching.

Sarawak Regatta has indeed posses an interesting history dated back as early as in 1872 during the Brooke’s ruling era where Sarawak River was marked as the main gateway into Kuching, for trading of essential goods, communication and protection from potential enemies. One could understand the reason of the beautiful landscape along the Sarawak River where the Fort Margherita, the Square Tower, the Astana and other colonial buildings which are in existence along the majestic river.

There are also many stories and incidences happened along the Sarawak River that excites many historians, one of them is the famous Brooke Swim across the Sarawak river which will be revived during this iconic. Introspectrively,the Sarawak Regatta event is just one way to showcase the exciting stories that took place in Sarawak.

I hope this year’s Sarawak Regatta will provide extra value for tourist to see more historical events that somehow put flavours to the Heritage City of Kuching. By having events like this will also help to create a harmonious environment for locals to enjoy and experience.

Last but not least, I wish all the very best to the Sarawak Regatta 2013 and live up to the theme ‘a race for peace…’ to all visitors and fellow Malaysian.

Thank you.

YB Datuk Amar Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Abang Haji Openg

Minister of Housing

Minister of Tourism

SARAWAK

The 2013 edition will have the dragon boat category for the first time. Participants are expected to come from Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore.

This annual event is the showcase of boat race with participation from various government agencies, private sectors and also participants from overseas such as Indonesia and Brunei. Other activities include displays of crafts and exhibitions by local entrepreneurs.

The day programme include “Brooke Swim”, kayaking and duck catching. Racing boats from the various villages around Sarawak will make it a grand affair and also a great occasion for families from outside Kuching to visit the city.

CHAMPION KING OF THE RIVER--> TEAM JANG

Sarawak Regatta has been a premier event with a distinct historical and cultural significant. It was held as early as before 1872 and was organized as an annual event taking place during the New Year. Sarawak Gazette had recorded in 1872, that the annual Regatta that year was held, on 29th February 1872 at the Sarawak River infront of the Astana. The European community in Sarawak and in the neighboring countries were invited to the Astana - for breakfast - before the race. Keen competition were also recorded for the Rajah Cup. The boat 'Sri Matu' built and manned by the Melanaus, was reported as the winning boat.

CHAMPION OF INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT---> TEAM THAILAND

The 2013 edition will have the dragon boat category for the first time. Participants are expected to come from Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore.

CHINESE'S DRAGON BOAT

The Chinese Dragon Boat features the head and tad of a dragon, a mythological creature regarded by the Chinese as having dominion over the waters and exercising control over rainfall. The head and tail are kept ashore during the year and are only affixed for the races. After they have been attached, it is necessary to bring the boat to life and a ceremony presided over by a Taoist priest amidst burning incense and exploding firecrackers. The eyes of the dragon head is dotted with paint and sacrificial paper money is put into the dragon's mouth and then thrown into the water.

The Dragon Boat Race traces its history to commemorate the life and death of a famous Chinese scholar-statesman, Chu Yuan. Some three centuries BC, Chu Yuan served the King of Chu during the warring states period. As a loyal Minister, Chu Yuan at first enjoyed full confidence and respect of his sovereign. Eventually, through the intrigues of his rivals, he was discredited and was never able to regain the emperor's favour. On the fifth moon in the year 295 B.C., Chu Yuan plunged himself into the Milo River in the Hunan Province.

The people who lived in the area jumped into their boats and rushed out in a vain search for him. This unsuccessful rescue attempt traces the history of what the Dragon Boat Race is and is being commemorated every year.