KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia - Some 100 sailors from 30 countries around the world have been impressed with the beauty and friendliness of Malaysia and its people as they toured around the country in a three-month sailing rally.

The Sail Malaysia's Passage to the East rally began in Penang on May 3 and ended here yesterday.

Some 40 yachts from countries such as New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Norway and Canada were gathered at the Sutera Harbour Marina and Country Club here as the final stop of the race.

The sailors are unperturbed by the influenza A (H1N1) virus scare, dismissing it as a flu that you can catch anywhere.

"I don't think it's a worry for any of the sailors here.

"It's a flu, you can go anywhere in the world and catch it.

"Plus, the lifestyle here seems very healthy, so we aren't really worried," said Midge Mortensen, a retired Kiwi who is travelling with his wife Michelle.

The couple have been based in Langkawi for the past two years and travelled the region from there.

"Malaysia is a very blessed country. Lots of friendly and welcoming people who speak English well and beautiful sights.

"We would, however, have loved to see more of the inland sights and meet the people to find out just what this country is about."

The participants travelled from Penang to Lumut, Johor Baru, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Miri, Kuching and finally to Kota Kinabalu.

"Along the way, they got involved in some local activities and tours," said rally organiser Hardeep Dhaliwal.

Julian Way, the sailors' representative said that the city, known as the "Land below the wind" for its mild weather, had the potential to become a centre for yachting in the region.

"The facilities, the weather, the people, the myriad of attractions like the islands, nature, fishing and relatively cheap cost make it an ideal place for sailors to come."