Sutera Harbour Marina

Twilight Sailing 15th December

2009-12-16T08:46:00.000+08:00

Heavy rain during the afternoon nearly forced the abandonment of the fortnightly optimist racing for crew of yachts visiting Sutera Harbour Marina. However, as the rain petered out the race officer carried out a a quick inspection outside the marina nad there was a good land breeze building up.

11 boats made it to the start line which was set as a downwind leg of a sausage course of 3 laps. The start and first leg was interesting with the advantage often going to the following boats as the blanketed the wind from those head and there were a number of port and starboard incidents on the run and at the first mark.

Heading back upwind the field began to sort itself out and with a slight wind shift I broke tack with the two leading boats and managed to snatch the lead at the windward mark. I maintained a healthy lead despite losing the rudder on three occasion due to a missing retaining clip on the rudder. So Once again Pirates of Borneo rule.I even tried sailing an extra lap to try and catch up and lap the tail enders but just failed.

A successful evenings sailing was rounded of with a twilight dinner at Sutera Harbour Marina Club where prizes were presented to boats which finished in 3rd, 4th and 5th places plus myself for the fastest boat. The sailing has a special handicap system where previous winners pass down the prizes to those that have not won before, which cab surprise some of the participants!

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Set Back To Pirates Of Borneo , Borneo Cup Hopes

2009-10-06T11:20:00.001+08:00

Pirates of Borneo discovered yesterday that the Yacht they were planning to sail in next weeks, Borneo Cup, which forms part of the Borneo International Yachting Challenge, is no Longer available. The race leaves Miri in Sarawak on 11th October to sail to Labuan, where there is a dinner on 12th October, prior to racing the the second leg to Kota Kinabalu on 13th Oct (thank God its not a Friday) Once in KK there are two short races followed by a prize giving and dinner.

The Pirates of Borneo Crew are already, but just need to have a yacht confirmed, there are two alternatives, one a Yacht which is at present having a new keel fitted, if it is ready in time. or a small pocket racer Miri Magic one of the smallest race boat to enter, quite different to sailing a 46 footer.

Changes in boat size radically alter the tactics to be used so yesterday was spent working out new tactics, equipment and route for racing a 25ft boat., which will hopefully be confirmed today.

Two of the crew will be honing up their racing tactics at the Bi Weekly, twilight sailing event at Sutera Harbour Marina, whilst the remain three crew are arranging to travel to Miri from Tawau.

Technorati Tags: borneo cup,borneo international yachting challenge,pirates of borneo,sutera harbour marina,miri marina,labuan marina,Pirate rib shack diner

David Ogden aka seadogs

Http:/piratesribshackdiner.piratesofborneo.com

Pirates of Borneo Enter Borneo Cup

2009-09-29T21:17:00.001+08:00

Pirates of Borneo have a put out a call out to the brethren of the sea for crew members to enter this years Borneo International Yacht race from Miri via Labuan to Kota Kinabalu. The commences on 9th October and the Pirates hope to be carry a wait some booty on the 15th October, to their lair at the Pirates Rib shack Diner at Asia city, where landlubbers can feast on the best steaks and ribs in town washed down by grog.

For more information contact seadog http://piratesribshackdiner.piratesofborneo.com

Technorati Tags: borneo cup,Borneo yachting challenge 2009,pirates of borneo,borneo tips,pirates bar

Twilight Racing

2009-09-23T08:36:00.001+08:00

This week there was a good turnout for the bi-weekly fun racing in Optimist dinghies. There was a good wind and breaking waves which promised some interesting racing.

Even before the start there were a few capsizes and lots of bailing as sailors soon leant to stay away from the bow as these small boats are not really meant to be sailed by heavyweight adults.

Once the racing started it was evident that there were a couple of racing snakes in the pack. I made a slow start in about fourth or fifth place but managed to pull up to third around the windward mark making up one place on the first reach and catching the leader at the end of the second reach as he was not sure of the course.

We split tags on the beat, the leader going offshore and I stayed inshore followed closely by by the third and 4th placed boats one of whom slipped past me before the windward mark, dropping me back to third. The penultimate reach would be the decisive leg with three of us within a few boats lengths, initial I was up to windward and the two ahead started to head up so I ducked to leeward and gybed around the wing mark to take the lead, there after it was a matter of staying calm and staying ahead of the racing snakes as they attempted to pass to windward. The finish was very close as we tried to surf the waves and at one stage I though I had lost as I hit the back of a wave and the second boat surfed up to my stern.

Following the racing we all gathered for dinner and prize giving at the Sutera Harbour Marina Club. The Handicap system which ensures the prizes are spread amongst the fleet resulted in the 2nd, 5th and 6th boats being awarded prize. One boat retired after a couple of capsizes and losing his bailer which meant he had to use his cap as a makeshift bailer.

Pirates Rule!

David Ogden AKA Seadogs
0198428702
Pirates of Borneo
Yacht watch Service

Technorati Tags: Sutera Harbour Marina,twilight racing,yacht watch service,david ogden,pirates of borneo

Pirate Wins Twilight Race at Sutera Harbour Marine

2009-09-09T16:31:00.001+08:00

Yes, There are still pirates in the waters off Kota Kinabalu. One of the owners of Pirates Rib Shack Diner took on the crews from visiting yachts and beat them all at their own game, sailing in Optimist Dinghies in the fortnightly twilight sailing fun event.

Some nine boats contested the event in light winds and it took a long time to reach the windward mark, some wondering if they would ever make it. Competition was quite fierce at the front but gradually the Pirate sailed through the fleet to take the lead at the windward mark. Three of the crew of a visiting super yacht made a determined effort to catch up with the Mate heading the Navigator and the Captain to the line.

The next race in two weeks time promises an interesting return match

David Ogden.

Pirates of Borneo

Pirates Of Borneo Online Store

2009-08-30T09:35:00.001+08:00

Pirates of Borneo who are based in Asia City, Kota Kinabalu have today launched an online store to sell Pirates Booty.

Many visitors to the Pirates Rib Shack Diner already purchase Pirates of Borneo T-Shirts, Polo shirts, Bandanas and Caps. The online store will allow international visitors to purchase, a wide selection of additional, shirts, bandanas and flags from the comfort of their own home.

Technorati Tags: pirates of borneo,pirate flag,pirate T shirt,pirate bandana,pirate hat,pirate cap

Twilight Racing

2009-08-29T08:53:00.001+08:00

Earlier this week I took part in the bi monthly twilight sailing at Sutera Harbour Marina. Crews from visiting yachts are invited to take part in this fun even, sailing Optimist dinghies. It makes quite an amusing spectacle seeing the older generation squeezing themselves into a boat designed for youngsters.

Winds were a little on the light side which turned making the windward mark a little bit of a marathon and it was a pity that only five boat took part.

Prizes were awarded for the first three places, under a special handicap system which resulted in the the winner and the fourth and fifth boat crossing the line all receiving awards.

The sailing was followed up by a buffet supper at the Marina club which proved very popular with the visitors from the USA and New Zealand who had been sailing together around the coast of Malaysia .

David Ogden

http://yachtwatchservice.com/

0198428702

Technorati Tags: Sutera harbour marina,asian marinas,kota kinabalu,pirates of borneo

Sutera Harbour Marina -Tuesday Nights Fun Sailing

2009-07-30T10:41:00.001+08:00

Visiting yacht crews and member of Sutera Harbour Marina and Golf club can enjoy fun racing on two Tuesdays a month. Initially the idea was based on yacht racing, however due to handicapping difficulties and the fact that many yachts would need to spend time re stowing equipment for a short race the racing take place in dinghies.

I happened to be around last Tuesday and joined up with a dozen yachtsmen and yachtswomen to race in Optimist dinghies. There was a nice breeze and a few waves to make it interesting. At least 4 people had never sailed in an Optimist before and tow of these got into trouble before the start and had to be rescued. A little embarrassing for blue water sailors , but yachts have automatic bilge pumps to keep the water at bay.

The wind and sea conditions contrived to thwart the race when the wing mark drifted away and the first three boat around the windward mark headed directly to the leeward mark, which was the only one in site at the time. The fourth boat saw the rescue boat towing the errant buoy and headed in the right direction taking the lead, leaving the former leaders to chase.

The wind gradually lightened so despite a valiant chase it was of no avail with a 4th place the highest they could climb.

Once the dinghies were stowed everyone gathered together for dinner in the Marina Bar, where prizes were awarded for the top three.

All in all a great evening, just have to do it again in a couple of weeks.

David Ogden

http://yachtwatchservice.com/

0198428702

Technorati Tags: sutera harbour marina,optimist racing,yacht watch service

All Day English Breakfast

2009-07-12T08:26:00.001+08:00

Pirates of Borneo is pleased to announce that you can now get an all day breakfast with real bacon from Charles's Food bar at the Pirates Rib Shack Diner in Asia City.

More and more people are discovering the Pirates Rib Shack Diner and bar and enjoying the open air atmosphere, everything is available from Mr Wong’s Sarawaken Chinese soup, Tarzan#s BBQ fish, Western style Ribs and seafood, to sandwiches, ice cream, coffees and tea. Not forgetting cold BEER

Coming soon Massage outlet and free tourist orientation proving advice on where to go and what to do in Sabah.

Join us at weekends for Tri Nations Rugby, AFL,NRL, F1 and other sports events.

On selected evening there is live entertainment. Tri Nations Rugby, AFL,NRL, F1 and other sports events

Call Nick 014 350 8965

http://piratesribshackdiner.piratesofborneo.com

Technorati Tags: pirates of borneo,pirates ribshack diner,Asia City,Kota kinabalu dining

La Salle School Party at the Pirates

2009-06-21T10:09:00.001+08:00

Some hundred plus pupils held a diner dance party at the New Pirates Rib shack Diner in Asia City on Saturday 20th June, easily fitting in the spacious open air surroundings, with live music provided by resident musicians and augmented by some of the staff and schoolmates with sketches, karaoke and dancing.

The Pirates Rib shack diner is the ideal place for functions both large and small and all manner of food can be provided to meet ones budget.

The Pirates formally operated a bar on Kota Kinabalu Waterfront however the smell and pollution caused by redevelopment initiated a move inland where of course food and drink is much cheaper Click Here for Map to the treasured secret, where you will find the best that KK has to offer! at prices you can afford.

Technorati Tags: pirates of borneo,pirates ribshack diner,kota kinabalu

Formuala 2 Powboats Return to Sabah

2008-12-05T12:35:00.006+08:00

The Formula 2 world Cup returns to Kota Kinabalu waterfront in a weeks time. 12-14th Dec.
Once again Briton Colin Jelf is hopiong to become champion again, deafeating 18 rival competitiors.

Colin has already arrived in Sabah and the boats are due to arrive on Monday.

One of the best places to view the race at Kota Kinabalu waterfront is The Pirates Beach bar, operated by Pirates of Borneo, who provide good food, wines, cocktails and beers.

David Ogden
Pirates of Borneo
Yacht Watch Service

F2000 Powerboat World Cup 2007 Sabah

2007-12-03T13:51:00.000+08:00

Briton Colin Jeff dominated the final race which took place this morning off Kota Kinabalu, he lead from start to finish followed by his brother Owen ahead of third place Italian Alex Carrera. Once again the spectators had now idea as to what was going on as the commentary appeared to be only available in the pits area. Thus it was similar to watch an early movie, yes there was the whine of engines but no one new who was who. Half way through the race yellow flags were waved, why we can only guess, so the boats slowed and ran a few laps in convoy before sprinting to the finish. There was no indication as to how many laps were raced but I found out later a race is normally 30 laps.

The shame is that people were ignorant about the fact that Colin Jeff's win was the 3rd this year and he ending the day with 67 point out of 80, second place in the championship went to Alex Carrera with 39 points. I do not know the third place overall as could not identify the boat but think it was Latvian Uvis Slakteris who has had a string of fourth places.

The question on everyone's tongue is will the race return next year, if it does hopefully the local organiser will get their act together and provide decent information, that the public and the competitors deserve. this year there were too many people waling around with Official badges who did not have a clue about what was going on.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Farce At F2000 world Championship Sabah

2007-12-02T19:16:00.000+08:00

What promised top be an exciton day in the history of Sabah the first final of the F2000 world cup Powerboat race turned into a farce today. there has been a total lack of information during the the event. it semester the only people who know what is going on are the pit crews.

The final race was abandoned after one of the competitors flipped on a downwind leg burying its bows in a wave. Conditions were far from ideal with a force 3 wind gusting to 4 causing the swell to have breaking waves.

The organiser decided to re run the final race on Monday but did not realise that the film crews were committed to other work so it seems the final; will be a closed door event with no publicity.

The company running the event may have good political contacts and initial ran a publicity campaign but have failed to provide the general public with any information as to what was taking place. This is a great shame and perhaps due to greed. It would have been far better to learn about the sport and the basic requirements such as a smooth surface of water, and at least have someone in the company who knew what a powerboat was.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Sutera Harbour Marina - F2000 World Cup Powerboat Race

2007-12-01T16:08:00.001+08:00

The F2000 Worlds Cup power boat race is being help of Kota Kinabalu this weekend and a course has been laid out North of Sutera Harbour Marina off the waterfront. the race is the final of a series of races in which two British brothers are sharing the lead. O nthe first practice race hower it was Frenchman Jean Baptise who was setting the pce in the time trials.

The local organisers Powersport events are to be commended for bringing the race to Sabah, however they have a lot to learn by way of keeping the public informed with what is happening. thousands of people lined the waterfront to see the boats racing but know one has as clue as to which boat is which which makes a mockery of the whole event.

The Public came out to support the event but the organisers seemed to have spent more time and money setting up sideshows instead of profividing information about the racing.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Sutera Harbour Marina Meets With Marine Department Malaysia

2007-10-30T16:37:00.000+08:00

Sutera Harbour Marina had a meeting yesterday with Jabatan Laut Marine Department Malaysia. The meeting was to advise Commercial Operators and Tourists groups about the current regulation that they have to follow.

Jabatan Laut will no longer tolerate the bending of rules and overloading of ferries carrying passengers.

The main reference documents are MSO 1960 which effects merchant vessels of less than 500 GRT and the section3 of 1953 port rules.

Every boat Captain need to hold a masters domestic trade certificate.
only two boat Captains are allowed per vessel.

All boats need to be registered and the original document displayed on the vessel the vessel registration number must also be clearly displayed
ferries are not to operate outside the limits laid down on their certificate.
Children over the age of 12 months are counted as a passenger
All vessels carrying more than 12 passengers to carry required safety equipment.

Penalties/Fines for non compliance to be paid by boat captain and Owner RM 1,000 per incident
Faded or missing registration number
Original registration document not displayed
Operating outside trade limits
Missing safety Equipment
Overloading boat.
Carrying excess passenger RM 350 per passenger.

Owners of Private vessels registered in Malaysia are required to have a seaman's crew card.

The Tourist guides association also advised that official guides are required by groups on the islands under the Tourism Act of 1992. companies will be fined RM7,000 if no guide is present and if an unregistered guide is used the fine will be RM20,000.

Sutera Harbour Marina staff will be checking an reporting on a vessels returning from the Islands with excess passengers.

Jabatan Laut Marine Department Malaysia will also be carrying out spot checks.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Sutera Harbour Marina -More Room For Visitors?

2007-10-20T15:15:00.000+08:00

Sutera Harbour Marina appear to be making more room for visiting yachts, by moving some of the larger commercial boats to Mediterranean style mooring in the SW corner of the marina. Marina staff are currently carrying out some much repair work on the floating pontoons.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Monsoon Cup Peter Gilmore is now a Dato Kuala Terengganu

2007-10-13T08:18:00.000+08:00

Monsoon Cup event adviser Peter Gilmour is now a Dato'.
He was conferred the Dato' Paduka Mahkota Terengganu (DPMT) in conjunction with Sultan of Terengganu Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin's 45th birthday.

The current edition of Yacht TV shows the award ceremony at the Sultans Palace

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Sutera Harbour Marina Buffeted by High Winds

2007-09-30T15:56:00.000+08:00

Last night high winds and heavy rain buffeted yachts moored at Sutera Harbour Marina. Crews of visiting yachts had some worrying times checking that mooring lines and awnings were secure. The morning dawned bright and sunny with a few minor repairs and adjustments required to awnings.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Sutera Harbour Marina - Bad Seamanship By Local Ferry Services

2007-09-16T19:03:00.000+08:00

Once Again the lack of Seamanship and control of vessels entering and leaving Sutera Harbour Marina came to light. Ferries continue to disregards the COLREGS that apply to all vessels of any size in tidal waters. The latest incident involved a yacht that was leaving under power, when a speedboat ferry coming in from the islands at speed,appeared around the breakwater, crossing in front of the yacht to pass on the wrong side forcing the yacht into the middle of the channel, A second speedboat, was following the first one and again passed on the wrong side. The Skippers of these speedboats carrying passengers are supposed to have certificates issued by Jabatan Laut Malaysian Marine Department. But they seem to be in total ignorance of their responsibilities. One day soon an Innocent tourist or visitors will be injured, by their reckless driving.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Sutera Harbour Marina - Changes To Indonesia Customs Rules

2007-09-14T15:48:00.000+08:00

Yachts passing through Indoneasian waters are advised that as from June 2007, they may be assessed by Indonesian Customs for duties, and have to pay 5% of the yachts value at first port of entry. The Duty will be repaid on departure from final port of call.

Yachts are no longer required to clear from port to port.

Visiting yachts can spend some time obtaining the necessary sailing permits and this can be speeded up by agents, however be aware some agents have been overcharging by over 600%

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

The Land Below The wind?

2007-09-13T20:38:00.000+08:00

The weather for the passed couple of days has been quite stormy with gusting winds and heavy rain showers, I am not sure for how much longer Sabah can hang onto its catch phrase "The land Below the Wind". The last tropical storm was "Greg" Christmas 1996 which caused over 100 deaths around Keningau some 80 miles from Sutera Harbour Marina. Winds reached 70mph and heavy rain continued for 24 hours causing flooding and landslides.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Yachting TV - Sutera Harbour Marina

2007-09-11T09:19:00.000+08:00

Yachting TV UK producer Steve Adams has requested the removal of the latest episode of his yachting tv program from my site, so visitors will no longer be able to view the contents of this cruising program, the latest of which was filmed aboard a replica of "Spray"

Until such time as a suitable replacement for this yacht cruising content can be sourced you can watch preview a selection of yacht racing from around the world.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Sutera Harbour Marina Latest Episode of Yachting TV

2007-09-09T13:34:00.000+08:00

The September edition of Yachting TV is now available at Yacht Watch Service s The main section of the program is a Cruise up the west coast of Scotland, organised with the help of World Cruising Club. illustrating typical pilotage problems on board a replica of Joshua Slocum's "Spray".

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Borneo International Yachting Challenge 2007 - Purpose Driven is New Champion

2007-09-08T11:18:00.000+08:00

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

Borneo International Yachting Challenge 2007

2007-09-07T14:54:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was the penultimate day at Miri Marina, for competitors taking part in the Borneo International Yachting Challenge. Barring accidents there will be a new overall winner and the fight is on between Purpose Driven from Brunei who finished 2nd in IRC class by a matter of seconds and Eloise from France in class B who lost for the first time this year to another Brunei yacht ,again by a matter of seconds.

Api Sel from the UK remains unbeaten in IRC class A and New Zealand Yacht Lady Emma is heading for honours is IRC class C.

Two Multi hulls raced yesterday and Although Zosha from Australia crossed the line first she lost out on corrected time.

The Competition ends today with a final inshore race and Prize giving dinner.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service