KOTA KINABALU: One of Asia's most anticipated sailing events, "Sail Malaysia Passage to the East", returns to Sabah next month, with 20 yachts confirming their participation.

       Among those participating are from Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Canada, France, Thailand, Sweden and the United States of America.

       With Kota Kinabalu as the starting point, the yachts will sail across the waters of Sabah from July 17 to August 27 with the final destination being Tawau.

       Throughout their journey, participants will stop at numerous locations to discover the state’s beauty, including Kudat, Kinabatangan, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, and Semporna.

       Sail Malaysia managing director Sazli Kamal Basha said this year’s participants were slightly less than previously as the borders had just been opened on April 1.

       “Getting the yachts ready could take time for some,” he said here on Thursday (June 16).

       Sazli and SM Yachting Eastern Sabah Rally director Wong Ming Rui on Wednesday (June 15) met with Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai to brief him on the event.

       He added that the event which had been organised since 2008 and had attracted a total of 400 sailboats to Sabah from over 30 countries.

       Bangkuai meanwhile hoped the event would kick start an uptick in maritime arrivals to Sabah.

       “This is niche adventure tourism and a unique way to explore Sabah.

       “Being able to witness international participation in our seas shows that Sabah is a safe place for sailors.

       “I also see this as encouraging for us to market Sabah as a sailing vacation destination,” he said, believing that it will excite the interest of yachting enthusiasts worldwide.