Traditional boat racing returns to Manaung Twsp

By DMG 25 Jun 2021

DMG Newsroom
25 June 2021, Manaung 

A sailing competition that could not be held in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic is back again this year in Arakan State’s Manaung Township. The sailing competition had been held annually in Manaung for a decade prior to last year’s interruption. 

The miniature yacht racing has been held in Kone Tan village, Manaung Township, since June 24 with 100 participating teams, according to the event organising committee. 

“It can be said that the number of competing yachts is higher than in previous races. The entrance fee for the regatta is K3,000,” said Ko Hsan Win, a member of the event organising committee. 

In the competition, small boats are divided into groups, with the winners of the groups then facing off for prizes. 

K80,000 will go to the first-place winner of the competition, with second prize set at K60,000 and the third-place contestant getting K30,000. 

Participants’ yachts are limited to 25 inches in length, according to the event organising committee. 

Only self-made yachts are allowed to compete in the regatta, said Ko Tun Tun Oo, a contestant. 

“The yacht had to be built about a month before the race. The wood used to make the masts was dry and light. Another thing is that the stern of the yacht is important. Only when the speed of the yacht can be controlled can the yacht stay upright,” he explained. 

Participants say it is very difficult to reach the desired destination because the yacht may capsize if the weight of the yacht is not balanced. 

In Manaung Township, there is no suitable location for large boat races like in other Arakan State townships, so this week’s event is considered a miniature version of those traditional boat races elsewhere.