Today's Sunset Watching | 26.1.12 @ Cenang Beach, Langkawi

Malay Wedding Again...

Normally, there are lots of wedding ceremonies during school holidays. Its a golden opportunity to me duh! Here are some moments that I would like to share... I am still learning duh..

Rubber Tapping

Rubber tapping is the process by which natural rubber (gum rubber) is collected. There are many species of trees that can be tapped for rubber; some of the more common species are Gutta-Percha (Palaquium gutta), rubber fig (Ficus elastica), Jelutong (Dyera costulata), Panama rubber (Castilla elastica), various spurges (Euphorbia species), and Guayule (Parthenium argentatum). Many of the early European explorers to the New World tropics were introduced to rubber that indigenous people obtained from tropical tree species. Rubber tappers would make a very shallow incision in the bark of a tree that would cut through the latex vessels. The dripping latex would then be collected in a vessel attached to the tree. In Central Kalimantan Jelutong trees were particularly important as a source of rubber.

Since rubber was a relatively unstable product it remained a curiosity until 1839 when Charles Goodyear invented vulcanization, a process that would make the elastic properties of rubber more permanent through treatment with heat, sulphur and white lead. The rubber product became harder, less soluble and more durable, and the plastic properties of this natural material could be brought to a desired shape. This discovery enabled the applications of rubber-derived products to greatly multiply and exploitation of many species of wild rubber-bearing plants intensified.

The tropical tree that was found to yield the purest, most elastic and most abundant rubber was known in commerce as Pará rubber, Hevea brasiliensis. This species was native to Brazil, northern Bolivia and eastern Peru. At one point the rubber trade brought in 40% of Brazils export revenue, all from wild trees.

Domestication of the Pará rubber tree was attempted in Brazil at great cost to large growers but was limited by severe disease issues. In South America a fungal disease of the Pará rubber tree called the South American leaf blight is caused by the ascomycete Microcyclus ulei. This fungus inhibits natural rubber production on a commercial scale in South and Central America. But as large companies were attempting and failing at establishing plantations in the Americas in the 1920’s and 30’s others were succeeding in Asia where the fungus does not exist.

The Malayan rubber industry has been described as one of the greatest achievements of Western colonial enterprise. Along with tin, it formed the backbone of Peninsular Malaysia’s economy, and its impact on the landscape was profound. By the end of the 1890’s many of the problems of cultivating Pará rubber in Malaysia had been resolved. It was found that initial spacing of 350 trees per hectare was shown to permit the most rapid growth and tapping could begin in seven years after planting. Tapping methods were much improved over those used in the Amazon. Instead of cutting with a small hatchet, knives were designed that excised thin slivers of bark. Trees could be tapped on alternate days throughout the year and yields would increase as the tree matured. In 1896 the first successful commercial grove of "Pokok Getah" was planted in Malaysia. Pará  rubber is also less demanding in terms of soil fertility and topography than other introduced tree crops such as oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and cocoa (Theobroma cacao).

Peninsular Malaysia is among the world’s most important rubber growing areas. Rubber "pokok  getah" is also grown in the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Together the 14 states produce almost 20% of the world’s natural rubber on 1.3 million hectares of land with production declining due to planting of other crops, especially Oil Palm. Eighty percent of this rubber comes from thousands of privately owned plots of land (small holders), usually less than 2.5 hectares (data from the Malaysian Rubber Board).

Pará rubber as a crop plant has found its place in the economies of producing tropical countries. It is the most widespread smallholder tree crop is Southeast Asia, nearly all the natural rubber used by tire manufacturers comes from Pará rubber. It contributes a substantial amount to the welfare of small farmers in the tropics worldwide. For many swidden fallow (slash and burn) farmers rubber constitutes their main source of cash, literally a bank account that can be tapped as needs arise. Collected rubber can also be stored or stockpiled to be sold when the price reaches a better level. Tapping rubber trees for latex has not been automated, and will not likely happen in the near future leaving the important natural rubber industry in the hands of small holders.

Further reading:

·       The Rubber Industry, 1839-1939, W. A. Gibbons, Ind. Eng. Chem.,1939, 31 (10), pp 1199-1209, publication date: October 1939.

·       Vanishing Rain Forests, The Ecological Transition In Malaysia, S. Robert Aiken and Colin H. Leigh, Oxford Biogeography Series No. 5, 1995

·       Brazil and the Struggle for Rubber, Warren Dean, CambridgeUniversity Press, 1987.

·       Forest Products and Local Forest Management in West Kalimantan, Indonesia: Implications for Conservation and Development, Wil de Jong, Tropenbos-Kalimantan Series 6, 2002.

Jeff Shimonski

 

In Langkawi Island, we have few rubber estates of which can be visited freely by either foreigners or locals. We can watch and learn from where the rubber is actually came from or made from. For lucky visitors, they can experience of tapping the rubber tree. It needs patience and skill. I made myself free to visit one of the estate and did snap for few pictures....

Credits to the taxi drivers and tour agents who promotes local's commodity to our guests... these might not be seen in their countries... 

Okay.. chiow for now... till we meet again... 

Astalavista!

Langkawi Legends and Folklore

Langkawi’s legends are often spoken of to visitors; part of the allure of the island is the mystery and fantastic tales spun around different places. Ironically, it was these beliefs that seemed to have held back Langkawi’s economic growth for some time.

Today, the people have embraced development, becoming more advanced in both their infrastructure and mindset as a result. The ancient stories of Langkawi, however, have not ceased to exist. Instead, these legends have become part of the attraction to draw visitors to help shape Langkawi’s landscape through tourist revenue.

Living standards of local people have improved, and it is remarkable to note how much the island has changed by becoming a successful commercial centre.

Probably the most famous tale from Langkawi is that of a woman who was accused of adultery 200 years ago. She was tied to a tree and stabbed to death despite her pleas of innocence. The story goes on to say that she bled white blood, and proceeded to curse the island for seven generations. Back then, the people of Langkawi held on to this account of Mahsuri as the reason for Langkawi’s lack of growth.

Looking at Langkawi today, the ‘curse’ was clearly broken, since the island is now a fantastic hub of activity. Still, the legend of Mahsuri makes for great stories and a tomb claimed to be hers is located in Kuab, aptly named Makam Mahsuri.

Some landmarks in Langkawi are named directly or have some claim from a fable. For example, Kuah Town has its own story to tell; the explanation of why its name means gravy in Malay.

Then there are even horror stories of a mythical vampire creature that resides in a cave on the Dayang Bunting Island.

Barren women who bathe in the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls can become fertile, because of a fairy that used to frequent it.

Padang Matsirat is not only home to Langkawi’s airport but also known as the ‘field of burning rice’.

These stories provide a touch of flavour and colour to Langkawi’s culture and image as a premier tourist destination. Year after year, visitors from all around the world marvel at these tales while enjoying their sun-soaked holidays.

Read more: Langkawi Legends & Folklore http://www.langkawi-info.com/info/legends.htm#ixzz1imivfyIj

Upcoming Event in Langkawi...

ROYAL LANGKAWI INTERNATIONAL REGATTA 2012
NOTICE OF RACE

For the Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR 2012)
9th to 14th January 2012

The Regatta organizers wish to mention to all participants that the underlying aim of the event is to provide competitive and enjoyable racing for all crews, irrespective of the design or vintage of their yachts.

AUTHORITY

The Regatta is organized by the RLIR 2012 committee in conjunction with the Malaysian Yachting Association (MYA - National Authority) under the patronage of the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club.

Enquiries and entries should be addressed to:

 

Regatta Secretariat
Royal Langkawi International Regatta,
Jalan Dato Syed Omar, 07000 Kuah, Langkawi,
Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia.
Tel. +60 4 966 4078 Fax. +60 4 966 5078
office(at)langkawiregatta.com

1. RULES

• The Regatta will be governed by The rules as defined in the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) 2009-2012.
• The IRC Rules 2011 Parts A, B and C
• The ORC Special Regulations Category 4 shall apply to all keelboats and Multihulls (except that the requirement to be self righting will not apply to the Multihull Classes) and except the Sports Boat Class. Copies of the safety regulations for Sports Boats are available on request.
• Advertising on a boat or by its crew is permitted in accordance with the ISAF Advertising Code (formerly Category C). Boats with advertising material should include details with their entry form. The Organising Committee will require all participating boats to display event advertising in accordance with ISAF Advertising Code
• The Australian Sports Measurement Rule (SMS)
• The Platu 25 International Class Rules,amendedby Thailand/Malaysia/Singapore National Class Rules
• The current Offshore Multihull Rule (OMR)
• This Notice of Race and
• The Sailing Instructions which will be available during registration.

Where a conflict arises the Sailing Instructions will take precedence, followed by this Notice of Race, then other rules listed above.

2. ELIGIBILITY

The Regatta will have the following classes. The Race Committee (RC) may split classes into divisions. A minimum of 3 yachts is required to constitute a class or division. If less than the required minimum entrants are received the RC may join two classes. The RC reserves the right to adjust the eligibility criteria and / or reallocation of yachts in the interests of fair competition. The determination of eligibility criteria and the allocation of yachts to particular classes or divisions shall not be grounds for protest or redress.

IRC

Monohull keelboats with a current valid IRC certificate

As specified above, Race Committee may split this class into:

• Racing
• Premier (Modern Cruising Boats with Large Displacement)
• IRC 1
• IRC 2

Sport Boats

Monohull keelboats with:

• LOA not less than 5.5m
• LOA not greater than 10.0m
• Minimum keel to weight ratio of 0.35

As specified above, the Race Committee may split this class into:

• Sports boats
• Platu Open
• Platu Under 25

Multihull

Multihull (catamaran and trimaran) yachts of a size and condition acceptable to the Race Committee.

Entrants should have a current valid OMR certificate. If a boat does not possess a current valid OMR certificate, an OMR rating will be calculated by the Race Committee based on the principles of the current OMR rule.

As specified above, the Race Committee may split this class into:

• Racing Multihull (only multihulls with a current valid OMR certificate)
• Premier Cruising Multihull

Club

Monohull keelboats without a current valid IRC certificate or current SBR certificate. Entrants in this division will be allocated a TCF in accordance with Clause 3.

As specified above, the Race Committee may split this class into:

• Cruising
• Ocean Rover

All Classes:

Participating yachts shall comply with the RYA-RORC Special Regulations, Safety and Equipment requirements of a Category 4 Regatta with the exception of Sport Boats Class which shall comply with the RYA-RORC Appendix J Category 5 Special Regulations. All yachts may be subjected to inspection at any point during the regatta, and their entry may be refused or withdrawn in the interests of safety.

3. RATING

The IRC Handicap Rules 2011 Parts A, B and C will apply to Racing and IRC Classes. IRC Certificates are not required to be “Endorsed” (IRC 9.4 refers).

• For the purposes of IRC Rule 21.1.5(d), this is a regatta run on consecutive days (so the sails on board shall remain the same throughout). IRC Rule 22.4.2 shall not apply. There will be no limitations on crew number or weight except as required for boats rated as one design, which shall comply with IRC Rule 22.4.1.
• IRC Endorsed certificates are not required for this regatta.

The current QCYC OMR Rule will apply to Multihulls.

Boats in the Club class will be allocated a TCF by the Race Committee based on the entry information provided by the yacht's owner at time of entry.

• The TCF may be adjusted during the course of the regatta should additional performance information become available to provide more competitive racing. Calculation and adjustment of TCFs is not grounds for redress or protest

Yachts in the Premier Cruising Multihull class, or, if the Multihull Class is not split as provided in Clause 2, yachts in the Multihull class, will be allocated a TCF by the Race Committee.

• The TCF may be adjusted during the course of the regatta should additional performance information become available to provide more competitive racing. Calculation and adjustment of TCFs is not grounds for redress or protest

IRC, and OMR Certificates: Competitors wishing to enter a class which requires a current valid IRC, OMR or SBR certificate, shall provide a copy of their certificate with the entry form. Those competitors entering via the website, shall forward a copy of their certificate to the Regatta Office prior to 11th January 2012. No alteration in boat’s TCC will be permitted after this date, except as a result of rating protest, or to correct rating office errors. Competitors are responsible for obtaining copies of certificates from the relevant issuing authority.

The original or a certified true copy of any required Rating Certificate shall be presented for inspection at the Regatta office no later than 24 hours prior to the Warning Signal of the first race.

An official IRC measurer will be present during the event to check new sails and modifications and may, at his discretion, require any yacht in any class/division to be inspected. Any yacht requiring measurement shall notify the Regatta office by 0900 on 11th January 2012(Tuesday). All charges and fees incurred by a yacht in obtaining or modifying Rating Certificates shall be borne by the yacht owner.

4. INTERNATIONAL JURY

4.1 An International Jury, properly constituted in accordance with Appendix N of RRS 2009-2012, will be appointed for the Regatta. There shall be no appeal in from the decisions of the international jury in accordance with Rule 70.5.

4.2 A local phone number is needed by each team.

5. SCORING

5.1 The ISAF RRS Appendix A Low Point scoring System will be used. The Regatta is designated as a Series under Rule A2.

5.2 For all classes, a minimum of 2 completed races is required to constitute a series.

5.3 Up to Ten races (10) are scheduled for Sportsboats Class. If more than six races (6) are completed, then one (1) worse score will be discarded.

5.4 Up to Eight races (8) are scheduled for Racing, Premier, IRC1, IRC2 and Multihull Classes. If more than six races (6) are completed, then one (1) worse score will be discarded.

5.5 Six races (6) are scheduled for the Club Class/es. If more than four (4) races are completed, then one (1) worse score will be discarded.

If a race is cancelled or abandoned by the Race Committee, the above minimum may be adjusted accordingly.

6. PRIZES

CLASS TROPHIES AND PRIZES

The Prime Minister's Challenge Trophy
Will be presented to the yacht with the lowest score for the series, competing in Racing Class and that yacht will be declared the overall winner of the 2012 Regatta.

The Lada-IRC Challenge Trophy
Will be presented to the yacht with the lowest score for the series competing in IRC 1 class and that yacht will be declared the winner of the 2012 IRC Regatta.

The Langkawi Sports Trophy
Will be presented to the yacht with the lowest score for the series competing in Sportsboat class and that yacht will be declared the winner of the 2012 Langkawi Sportsboat Regatta.

The Malaysian Multihull Challenge Cup
Will be presented to the yacht with the lowest score for the series competing in Multihull Racing class and that yacht will be declared the winner of the 2012 Multihull Regatta.

The RLYC Commodore's Challenge Cup
Will be presented to the yacht with the lowest score for the series competing in Club Cruising class and that yacht will be declared the winner of the 2012 Club Handicap Regatta.

DIVISION TROPHIES AND PRIZES

Where a class has been divided into divisions the RLIR Organizing Authority and its sponsors will award trophies, in each class and division, for:

• First, Second and Third overall;
• First, Second and Third each day; and
• Fastest time on Round the Island Race.

TUNKU ABDULLAH SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

A special Award in memory of the Founder Chairman and first Commodore Tunku Tan Sri Abdullah will be presented for the best team, both on water and land in the 2012 Regatta.

7. ENTRY FEES

Yacht Entry Fee: (inclusive of Skipper's Fee) RM550.00.

Additional Crew Member Entry Fee: RM200.00 per person.

The above fees shall be paid at or prior to the registration date 9th January 2012.

(No extra fee will be charged if the entry form has been submitted before 8th January 2012. A late fee of RM200 may be charged after this date).

Fees include berthing for 8 nights at RLYC including electricity and water, transport to and from social events, all the official social events and the issue of complimentary Regatta souvenirs. Non-sailing participants may enjoy the social events upon payment of RM300 per person for duration of the event or RM100.00 per person per night.

8. REGISTRATION

Owners wishing to enter their yachts for RLIR 2012:

1. May access the website www.langkawiregatta.com at any time before 8th January 2012, fill in the Entry Form and make payment by credit card by clicking on credit card payment and be transferred to the secure site.
2. Fill in the Entry Form and mail to the address given on Page 1 of this NOR together with payment by cheque or bank transfer.

Refunds: Any cancellations before 15th November 2011 will be entitled to a full refund of the registration fee paid. Any cancellation after 15th November 2011 and before 8th January 2012 will receive a 50% refund. No refund after the 8th January 2012.

9. INSURANCE

Boats are required to be adequately covered by appropriate third party liability insurance to at least the minimum amount of 1,000,000 US$ or RM equivalent, and entrants shall declare that such cover is and will be maintained in full force throughout the Royal Langkawi International Regatta. Also it is recommended that all crew and others on board are adequately insured, including against medical costs.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS INSURANCE COVER SHOULD BE MADE PRIOR TO THE REGATTA. ADDITIONAL COVERAGE MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE AT TIME OF REGISTRATION.

10. ADVERTISING

10.1 Advertising on a boat or by its crew is permitted in accordance with the ISAF Advertising Code (formerly Category C). Boats with advertising material incorporated shall include details with their Entry Form. The Race Committee reserves the right to forbid items of advertising which may conflict with RLIR sponsors, or in any way offend Malaysian laws or customs by their nature.

10.2 The IRC Rules 2011 Parts A, B and C shall apply.

11. IDENTIFICATION

All competing yachts will be issued with a pair of hull stickers incorporating the RLIR and sponsor logos and an identification number. The decals shall be secured to each side of the fore part of the hull for the duration of the Regatta.

All yachts shall carry sail numbers in accordance with RRS Rule 77 and Appendix G. The Race Committee may relieve a yacht of her obligations under this Clause, but only if a request is made to the Race Committee no later than 24 hours prior to the warning signal of the first race in which relief is sought.

12. SECURITY

Whilst the Regatta Organizers will do their best to arrange a safe environment for competing yachts and crews, all entrants are cautioned to secure valuables at all times during the Regatta. Skippers are required to sign a Declaration upon registration, absolving the RLIR Organizers and RLYC of liability in the event of loss. Access to official social functions will be restricted to those who have paid the crew fee or social fee, and are identified by a security tag issued by the RLIR organizers.

13. BERTHING

The Entry Fee includes free berthing at Royal Langkawi Yacht Club from 8th January to midday on 16th January 2012, inclusive. Thereafter, yachts are responsible for arranging their own berths with RLYC.

14. HOTEL RESERVATIONS

The RLIR Organizers have negotiated favorable rates with a selection of reliable hotels. Participants wishing to avail themselves of these facilities will find contact details at the RLIR web site www.langkawiregatta.com. RLIR staff will not undertake reservations on behalf of participating crews, or be responsible for the associated transport.

15. DISCLAIMER

The Organizing Committee, the Race Committee, the Regatta sponsors and the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club and their representatives, officers, members and volunteers accept no liability whatsoever for any loss of life, property, personal injury, or damage caused by or arising out of the Regatta. Participants compete entirely at their own risk.

10th ROYAL LANGKAWI INTERNATIONAL REGATTA 2012
9th January – 14th January 2012
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

9th JANUARY Monday	0800 - 1700 1400 1730	Registration and Sail Measurement Practice Race Skipper Briefing
10th JANUARY TUESDAY	0930 1930	RACE DAY 1 - Racing All Classes Prize Presentation and Opening Dinner
11th JANUARY WEDNESDAY	0930 1930	RACE DAY 2- Racing All Classes Prize Presentation Dinner
12th JANUARY THURSDAY	0745-0845 0930	RACE DAY 3 - Racing some of classes RACE DAY 3 - Racing some of classes
13 JANUARY FRIDAY	0930 1930	RACE DAY 4 – Racing All Classes Prize Presentation Dinner
14 JANUARY SATURDAY	0930 1930	RACE DAY 5 – Racing All Classes Prize Presentation and Closing Dinner at RLYC

The Race Committee may change or amend this schedule.

NEW YEAR MOOD...

Hello with cheered smile... its been such a long while I haven't jot down anything here... busy with works, kids, hubby and of course definitely with my P H O T O G R A P H Y WORLD!!! I really damned into this business... I love nature, I love portraits, I love everything about photography....