Langkawi gears up for international powerboat races

The Langkawi International Powerboat Challenge 2013 F1 Nations Cup will be splashing down in Pekan Rabu, Kuah, Langkawi from August 27 to 29.

To be held for the first time in Malaysia, the event is the first leg of the F1 Nations Cup circuit, which will continue in Doha from November 20 to 22, and in Abu Dhabi from November 29 to December 1.

The three-day sporting highlight is organised by Associate Mediacom and hosted by the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), sanctioned by the Monaco-based international governing body of power boating, Union Internationale Motoautique, and the Motorised Water Sports Association Malaysia.

LADA CEO, Khalid Ramli, said 10 powerboat teams from Hungary, South Africa, Finland, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Brunei, Singapore and two teams from Malaysia were expected to participate in the Powerboat Challenge.

Khalid anticipated a crowd of 200,000 visitors over the course of the event, with races held daily and Pekan Rabu town transformed into an F1 Powerboat Village where other activities such as a public carnival and a night concert with local and international artistes would be staged.

Zarina Jaafar, event director, Associate Mediacom, said her company had signed an event promotion agreement with Union Internationale Motonautique to hold this event in Langkawi over three consecutive years, starting from 2013.

“It is hoped that the agreement will be renewed and this will be an annual event in Langkawi,” said Zarina.

-TTG Asia.