The “2023 MGM Macao International Regatta”, co-hosted by the Sports Bureau (ID) and Ursa Major Sailing Event Management in conjunction with the Marine and Water Bureau (DSAMA) and the Macau Sailing Association, will take place from January 5-8, according to a press conference yesterday at MGM Macau in Nape.
ID President Pun Weng Kun said in a speech during the press conference that the competition, which is title-sponsored by MGM, will be held in the waters south of Hac Sa Beach and the waters south of the Inner Harbour channel off the Macau Science Centre, adding that the 37 sailing teams with about 300 competitors will contest three championships, namely the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area Cup Regatta (IRC), Macau Cup International Regatta (Beneteau First 40.7 Unified Design Group), and the International Catamaran Invitational (Hobie 16 Unified Sesign Group).
Pun pointed out that the competition not only promotes sport activities amongst cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA), but also provides an interactive platform for teams from Macau and overseas to learn from one another. At the same time, Pun said, the event promotes the development of marine sports in Macau, while enriching the elements of local sporting events.
During the four-day event, Pun added, a raft of activities, such as spectator activities, photo competitions and a family day, will be held for residents and tourists alike to get involved in the event, deepening their understanding of the sport of sailing.
According to the press conference, 22 sailing teams will compete in the waters south of Hac Sa Beach during the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area Cup Regatta and the Macau Cup International Regatta, while the 15 teams participating in the International Regatta will compete for the championship in the waters south of the Inner Harbour Channel off the Macau Science Centre. The competition will be judged by international referees, the press conference noted.
In order to ensure that the competition can be carried out under safe conditions, the organisers said, strict COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control measures will be implemented during the event in accordance with the Health Bureau’s (SSM) guidelines.
Further details of the event can be found at the official website www.macaoregatta.com, the “Macao Major Sporting Events” Facebook page, Macao Sports WeChat public account, or the bureau’s WeChat subscription account.
Sports Bureau (ID) President Pun Weng Kun talks to the media after yesterday’s press conference about the “2023 MGM Macao International Regatta” at MGM Macau in Nape. – Photo: Yuki Lei
