Cambodian Navy Gets New Signal Equipment Courtesy of CSF

Cambodian Navy Gets New Signal Equipment Courtesy of CSF

The Cambodian Navy has received new sets of international maritime signal flags from the Cambodian Sailing Federation (CSF).

Som Sothrithypong, secretary-general of the CSF, handed over the four sets of signal flags to Colonel Om Thoeurn, commander of Unit 7, in a brief ceremony at the Ream Naval Base which serves as the main base for the Cambodian Navy, in Sihanoukville on March 4.

The ceremony was witnessed by other Cambodian Navy officers, CSF coach Yinkeoveasna and other members of the sailing federation.

Also known as nautical flags, international maritime signal flags are very important equipment for any vessel or naval force. They are mostly used by ships to signal or communicate with each other.

Som, who represented CSF President Gordon Tang, said the gesture will strengthen the cooperation between the CSF and the Cambodian Navy.

“Mr. Gordon Tang would also like to thank the Ream Naval Base for their constant support and for providing facilities for the Federation,” he stressed.

Most of the equipment of the CSF is housed inside the naval base. Naval personnel comprises of many CSF members and players who compete on behalf of Cambodia in international sailing competitions.

Under the stewardship of Tang, the CSF is making headway in promoting and developing the sport in the Kingdom. Sailing is still a new sport in Cambodia, but the number of players and people interested in the sport has steadily increased.

Tang’s support also enabled the Federation to acquire new equipment like boats for training and competitions. “Before, we only had few equipments, but now we have more than enough for our players,” Som noted.

Tang is president of American Pacific International Capital and director of Listed SingHaiyi Group. He is also currently the first vice president of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC).

Tang is the biggest supporter of Cambodia’s sports programs. His support enabled many of the Kingdom’s athletes to train and compete abroad.

Three years ago, the CSF was inducted into World Sailing, the governing body for the sport which has 140 countries as members. Membership in World Sailing allowed Cambodia to send players and coaches to international training and competitions.

That same year, came the establishment of the Kingdom’s first sailing club in Kep.

Cambodia sent sailing teams to compete in the 2017 SEA Games (Malaysia), 2018 Asian Games (Indonesia), and 2019 SEA Games (Philippines). Players were also sent to compete in the Johor Sailing Regatta in Malaysia, 39th Singapore Open Windsurfing Championships 2020 and other sailing tournaments abroad.

Last year, windsurfer Keo Phearun won a bronze medal at the 2019 ASAF Asian Windsurfing Championship and National Kiteboarding Championships in China.

Despite some challenges, many see the potential for Cambodia in sailing and related sports.

Promoting and developing sailing also perfectly matches with Cambodia’s efforts to promote its coastline. Cambodia has a 440-kilometer long coastline encompassing the provinces of Preah Sihanouk, Koh Kong, Kep, and Kampot.

Khmer Times