| COLORFUL SIGHTS AND SPECIAL TREATMENT |
A colorful gathering: Monsoon Cup organizers, sailors, race officials and umpires gather for a group photo after dinner at the Terengganu government building. (©Swedish Match Tour/Guido Cantini)
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A dancer performs a traditional Malaysian dance during a dinner hosted by the Chief Minister of Terengganu, Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, prior to the start of the Monsoon Cup. (©Swedish Match Tour/Guido Cantini)
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Malaysian dancers perform for competitors at a dinner hosted by Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, Chief Minister of Terengganu, prior to the start of the Monsoon Cup. (©Swedish Match Tour/Guido Cantini)
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Skipper Cameron Dunn (2nd right) and his Mascalzone Latino -- Capitalia team are decked out in Batik shirts, traditional Malay wear. (©Swedish Match Tour/Guido Cantini)
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At the Monsoon Cup launching ceremony in September Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi invited everyone to “come dance with the wind in Terengganu.”
At the time much of the talk focused on the monsoon season and the potential for heavy rains. It was clear that the inaugural event would be unique based on the weather alone. When the sailors, race committee, on-water umpires and Swedish Match Tour representatives arrived in Kuala Terengganu yesterday, it quickly became clear just how unique this event would be. And it wasn’t even raining.
A police escort guided two loaded coach buses the 15 minutes from the Kuala Terengganu airport to the venue on Pulau Duyong Island. Four police on motorcycles alternated blocking intersections and clearing red lights so the buses could proceed unimpeded. Some sailors and media said they’d been part of police escorts for events like the Pan Am Games or triumphant America’s Cup returns, but it’s believed that was the first time a Tour event enjoyed a police escort.
What sets the Monsoon Cup apart from other Tour events is the culture. The state of Terengganu, on the east coast of the Peninsular Malaysia, is a devout Muslim state. Those awake at dawn or walking around at dusk are captivated by the sounds of Muslim prayers wafting through the air. Local women wear head veils. There’s no beer, wine or alcohol. While the police escort is believed to be a first for the Tour, never before has there been a dry regatta on Tour. And we’re not talking about water over the deck.
“We have a culturally fascinating heritage,” said Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, Chief Minister of Terengganu, who hosted all involved with the Monsoon Cup at a dinner last night at the Terengganu government building. “We have 225 kilometers of coastline with pristine white beaches. We’re very excited to show the world what Terengganu and Malaysia have to offer.”
That heritage was brightly displayed during dinner when dancers performed ancient routines for the dinner guests. Dressed in elaborate headwear and bright, colorful costumes, the dancers hopped, swayed and glided across the stage to sounds from traditional instruments.
The evening was made vivid by the clothing worn by all involved. The Monsoon Cup presented everyone with traditional Malaysian formal wear. Men wore Batik shirts and women wore Baju Kurung evening dresses. The clothing is hand woven and painted silk, and no two items were the same.
“It was a wonderful exposure to a culture and part of the world that we don’t see much of,” said veteran television broadcaster Peter Montgomery of New Zealand, who will provide commentary for the live broadcasts of the final two days of the Monsoon Cup. “Sailing events don’t often see that. I was impressed by everything, form the police escort to dinner.”
“We were overwhelmed yesterday,” said Rasmus Kostner, a Danish crewmember for Coutts Racing who is also part of the Mascalzone Latino – Capitalia Team for the America’s Cup. “People are putting out a big effort to put on a good show. All the color at dinner made it more special than your normal sponsor dinner. We had a lot of fun yesterday.”
—Sean McNeill
RELATED CONTENT
Monsoon Cup Gallery
A-List Sailors, Film Stars Heading to Malaysia (Nov. 17, 2005)
Tour Eyes Milestone Anniversary (Oct. 27, 2005)
Malaysia Welcomes Tour with Lavish Ceremony (Sept. 7, 2005)
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