Champion racers give insight into speed boat competitions

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

MORE work goes into winning races than just engine modification, said the champions of the boat race held in conjunction with His Majesty’s 67th birthday at Berambang Island yesterday.

Jaubang Anak Alol, champion in the Speedboat category, one of the 12 racing categories, said that good engines are not enough to make one a good racer.

[Related story: Boat racing fosters stronger ties]

Jaubang told The Brunei Times that factors like the shape of the boats, efficiency of the engines and propellers as well as driving skills are what contribute to their performance in the race.

“It does not matter how good your engine is; you can go as fast as you want but it means nothing if you lack the driving skills needed to operate the boat,” he said.

“If you are behind someone during the race, you have to know which line you should take as you might be affected by the waves,” he added.

“So while it is also true that engine modification does contribute to winning races, the most important thing would be how you started off during the race; if you are in front then you do not have to worry about the racing line,” said Jaubang.

Sharing the same opinion, Sabtu Baha, who won in the 15hp category also stated that choosing the right line during the race can be quite challenging.

“Aside from the conditions of the engine, I think experience is also amongst the factors that contribute to winning,” he said.

“For example, when you are about to pass the buoy and there is a racer in front, you have to know how to position yourself, because the waves may capsize your boat if you are not careful,” he added.

“In those situations, I would usually slow down my pace and then accelerate my boat back into the race,” said Sabtu.

His brother, Abdul Rahman Baha, who was victorious in the 30hp category added that courage is important in racing the boat towards the finish line.

“There is no secret to victory except for the courage to proceed forward, unafraid of any challenges ahead,” he said.

“And when you are in the race, you are all alone, so you have to be brave to drive towards the finish line,” he added.

Presenting the trophy and cash prize yesterday was the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture,Youth and Sports, Hj Mohd Rozan Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunos.

The Brunei Times