The decision to buy new sailing equipment, including new boats and sail, has boosted the morale of the National sailing squad that is currently preparing for the 2017 SEA Games hosted by Malaysia.

Double Handed Programme (Kita Juara Sukan Pelayaran) coach Muhammad Sahir A Rahim said the decision by the Malaysian Yachting Association (MYA) in November has inspired sailors to compete in international competitions.

"The association has approved the purchase of new boats and sail that can be used for the 2017 SEA Games to be held from Aug 19 to 31. We hope the new equipment will arrive before our final phase of preparations.

Muhammad Sahir said since the performance of National sailors is already at the optimum level, the arrival of new equipment would provide the impetus to improve their performances further.

"We will be competing in a number of local and international competitions before finalising the squad for the SEA Games," he said. - BERNAMA