Now in its 22nd edition, the Royal Langkawi International Regatta reaffirmed its standing as one of Asia’s most established sailing events, with steady conditions and competitive racing setting the tone on the opening day in Kuah Harbour.
The Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR) returned to the waters off Kuah Harbour this week for its 22nd edition, underlining its long-held position as one of Southeast Asia’s most respected international sailing events. First staged in 2003, RLIR has grown into a fixture on the regional regatta calendar, drawing professional racers, sailors, and cruising crews from across Asia-Pacific and beyond. Its longevity, consistent international participation, and close ties with Langkawi’s tourism and marine community have helped cement its reputation as a benchmark regatta in tropical waters.
Race Day 1, held on January 20, 2026, offered an assured and accessible start to the week’s competition. After brisker conditions earlier in the week, sailors were greeted by lighter-than-expected winds ranging between 6 and 10 knots, paired with calm seas. The conditions provided a measured introduction to Langkawi waters, particularly for crews new to the venue, while still allowing for tactical racing across all classes.
The fleet sailed a series of straightforward windward-leeward courses designed to ease competitors into the regatta. Both competitive and more casual racers shared the course comfortably, benefiting from clean starts and clear race management. A minor course adjustment was required due to a recently sunken ferry at the northern end of the harbour, but the change was smoothly executed, and all boats navigated the area safely without incident.
The official start of racing was marked by flag honours presented by senior representatives from the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), reflecting the close relationship between RLIR and Langkawi’s broader tourism and development strategy. Among those present were Wan Kamarul Faisal Wan Kamardin, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Planning and Development), and Dr Azmil Munif Mohd Bukhari, Manager of the Tourism Division and Head of the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark. They were joined by Azlan Abdullah, Regatta Director and Executive Director of the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, reinforcing the event’s institutional support and prestige.
RACING CLASS
The Racing Class opened with a closely fought contest that immediately established one of the regatta’s key rivalries. The Next Factor, skippered by Rolf Heemskerk, and Blitz, under the command of Nick Burns, finished the day tied for first place on four points apiece after two races. Alive, skippered by Duncan Hine, sits third on six points. The result was notable given Alive’s recovery from a lightning strike during the Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta, which damaged onboard electronics. A first-place finish in Race 2 helped offset a DNF in the opening race.
IRC 1 CLASS
IRC 1 saw a dominant performance from Char Chan, skippered by Kazuki Kihara, who claimed victory in both races to finish the day on a perfect two points. Mata Hari, with Vincent Chan at the helm, followed in second place on five points. Skadoosh, skippered by Nandan Chandavarkar, and Team Jolt, led by Lee Yi Min, are tied for third on seven points, setting up a competitive battle as the regatta progresses.
PSC IRC 2 CLASS
In PSC IRC 2, Blue Angel emerged as the early leader on three points, skippered by Jeremy Camps. Phoenix, under Niels Degenkowl, sits close behind on four points, while Dynamite, skippered by Maksim Lisun, rounds out the top three with five points. With tight margins across the fleet, the class is expected to remain finely balanced in the days ahead.
CLUB CLASS
The Club Class produced a confident start from Dash, skippered by Sophie A Rahman, which leads on four points after the opening day. First Light, with Simon Piff as skipper, and Kesini, skippered by Peter Jong, are tied for second place on six points, keeping the class firmly open.
SPORTSBOAT CLASS
The ATM Sailing Team delivered a clean sweep in the Sportsboat Class, finishing the day on a perfect two points under the command of Asmawi Azman. RSYC Racing Team, skippered by Rizal Mahadi, and Team Beneteau, led by Jungchul Kim, are tied for second on six points each, highlighting the competitiveness of the short-course, high-intensity racing.
MULTIHULL CLASS
Flat water conditions played to the strengths of the multihull fleet. WoW, skippered by David Liddell, took a commanding lead with two race wins and a perfect two-point score. Parabellum, under Dan Fidock, and Haruki, skippered by Dougal Jackson, are tied for second on five points.
MULTIHULL CRUISING CLASS
The Multihull Cruising Class features two entrants this year. Serendipity, skippered by Jeff Harris, leads on two points, while North Star, with Bob Azzopardi at the helm, sits second on four points.
As the regatta moves into subsequent race days, RLIR’s 22nd edition is already demonstrating why it continues to attract a loyal following. With its combination of competitive racing, welcoming conditions, and strong institutional backing, the Royal Langkawi International Regatta remains a centrepiece of Malaysia’s international sailing calendar.
As the week of racing goes on, culminating in a gala dinner and prize presentation event at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club on Saturday, January 24, we’ll be adding updates and news on ExpatGo.
Photos courtesy of www.langkawiregatta.com.
