After a week of tight racing, shifting fortunes, and classic Andaman Sea conditions, the Royal Langkawi International Regatta reaffirmed its standing as one of Southeast Asia’s most respected sailing events.
With yet another day of splendid sailing conditions under blue skies, 22nd Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR) drew to a close on January 24 after a demanding and memorable week of racing off the shores of beautiful Langkawi. What began as a regatta marked by fluctuating conditions and early uncertainty ended with decisive final-day duels, narrow margins across multiple classes, and a celebration of both competition and camaraderie at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club.
This year’s edition brought together 34 yachts representing at least 12 countries, with crews ranging from seasoned international campaigners to first-time sailors discovering Langkawi’s waters for the first time. Throughout the week, consistent northeast seasonal winds, generally clear skies, and warm tropical seas created a race environment that rewarded preparation, adaptability, and discipline.
The final day of racing – officially designated Turkish Airlines Race Day 5 in recognition of the regatta’s main sponsor – delivered fitting conditions for a decisive conclusion. Easterly winds built to over 20 knots, visibility improved after earlier haze in the week, and anticipation was palpable across the fleet. A late logistical adjustment saw the race committee shift its operations from Manta Blu to Princess Mary, a 15-metre power cat, with all race equipment transferred overnight by the organizing team. By the morning briefing, crews and officials alike were focused on one thing – closing out the regatta on a positive note.
RACING CLASS DECIDED BY A SINGLE POINT
The most dramatic story of the week unfolded in the Racing Class, where the Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy was decided by the narrowest of margins. After several days of intense competition, The Next Factor, skippered by Rolf Heemskerk, mounted a late surge to overhaul pre-regatta favourite Alive and claim overall victory by just one point.
It was an unexpected win, and a testament to the changing fortunes that can unfold over the course of a week-long regatta. Alive, a Reichel Pugh 66 skippered by Duncan Hine, had been dominant earlier in the week. The Australian entry posted blistering speeds and set a new Round the Island record on Friday, asserting itself as the boat to beat. However, the final day’s technical windward-leeward courses shifted the balance. While Alive continued to show impressive raw pace, The Next Factor delivered consistency and tactical precision when it mattered most.
By the end of Turkish Airlines Race Day 5, The Next Factor had done just enough to secure the trophy, with Alive finishing as a tantalizingly close runner-up and Blitz, skippered by Nick Burns, taking third place. It was a result that underscored how quickly things can change at this level, and how championship regattas are often won through discipline rather than dominance.
CHAR CHAN’S GRIT DEFINES IRC 1
In IRC 1, Char Chan emerged as one of the defining stories of the regatta. Skippered by Kazuki Kihara, the Japanese team opened their campaign with an extraordinary six consecutive race wins, building what appeared to be an unassailable lead. That momentum came to a sudden halt on Race Day 3, when a rudder failure forced a DNF and threatened to undo their campaign.
What followed was a display of resilience that drew admiration across the fleet. Repairs were completed, focus restored, and Char Chan returned to the race course to defend its advantage. Despite sustained pressure from Malaysia’s Mata Hari, skippered by Vincent Chan, the Japanese crew held firm to secure the LADA-IRC Challenge Trophy. Team Jolt, led by Lee Yi Min, completed the podium in third place.
IRC 2 AND MULTIHULL CLASSES GO TO THE WIRE
The PSC-IRC 2 class also delivered one of the closest overall finishes of the regatta. Dynamite, skippered by Maksim Lisun, claimed the title with a final score of 17, just one point clear of Phoenix on 18 and The Blue Angel on 19. Across the week, the top three remained locked in a tight contest, with minor errors and small gains ultimately proving decisive.
The Multihull Class produced yet another week-long duel in the regatta, this time between Parabellum and Haruki. Parabellum, skippered by Dan Fidock, broke a deadlock on Race Day 4 with a standout Round the Island performance, cutting 13 minutes off their previous course record. Carrying that momentum into the final day, Parabellum secured the Malaysian Multihull Challenge Trophy ahead of Haruki, with WOW finishing third.
In Multihull Cruising, Serendipity delivered a flawless campaign. Skipper Jeff Harris guided the boat through the week without a single misstep, finishing comfortably ahead of North Star.
SPORTSBOAT AND CLUB CLASSES SHOWCASE DEPTH AND CONSISTENCY
The Sportsboat Class was arguably the most consistently competitive fleet of the regatta. ATM Sailing Team, skippered by Asmawi bin Azman, ultimately claimed the Langkawi Sports Challenge Trophy after a week of marginal gains and disciplined sailing. RSYC Racing Team, led by Tom Rizal Mahadi, finished second, with Team Benetau, skippered by Jungchul Kim, in third. In a class where seconds mattered and DNFs carried heavy consequences, the final standings reflected composure under pressure.
In the Club Class, Wind of Change dominated from start to finish. Skipper Igor Ginzburg’s team sailed a measured and consistent series over the week to take the RSYC Commodore’s Challenge Trophy, with First Light, skippered by Simon Piff, and Kesini, skippered by Peter Jong, completing the podium.
AN INTERNATIONAL REGATTA ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
Beyond the racing, the regatta once again highlighted Langkawi’s unique and enduring appeal as a sailing destination. Crews were treated to dramatic limestone cliffs, sheltered passages, and open-water stretches that tested both navigation and nerve. As always, the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club served as a vibrant base throughout the week, with sailors and officials sharing stories dockside, fine-tuning rigs, and enjoying the company and camaraderie of their peers at the Club’s F&B outlets.
Behind the scenes, the challenging scale of coordination was evident. Organizers worked long hours assembling race infrastructure, staging evening events, and ensuring smooth daily operations. Two official dinners – one at the start of the regatta and another at the closing ceremony – showcased Malaysian hospitality, with local cuisine enjoyed by sailors, sponsors, dignitaries, and members of Malaysian royalty.
The closing ceremony brought together competitors, sponsors, and organizers to reflect on the week and celebrate achievement. Returning Principal Race Officer Simon James was widely praised for firm but fair race management, supported by a dedicated race committee operating from Manta Blu, Princess Mary, and multiple mark boats. Media coverage throughout the event was hailed as professional and timely, while live entertainment added to the atmosphere ashore.
LOOKING AHEAD
As the RLIR completes its 22nd edition, its longevity speaks volumes. Few regattas in the region have maintained this level of consistency, international participation, and local relevance for more than two decades. Each year, the event draws global attention to Langkawi and reinforces Malaysia’s standing on the regional sailing calendar.
Equally important is the spirit in which the regatta is contested. While trophies in every class are fiercely fought over, sportsmanship remains central. From crews helping rivals troubleshoot mechanical failures to volunteers and students ensuring smooth operations – and even instances of crews coming to the aid of stricken boats or overboard sailors – the event is defined as much by cooperation as competition.
As the fleet disperses and sailors return to their home countries, with attention now turning to the 23rd Royal Langkawi International Regatta in 2027, the legacy of this year’s event is clear. The RLIR continues to bring positive international attention to Langkawi, as it celebrates the island’s maritime character and undeniable natural beauty, uniting a diverse sailing community through shared respect for and enjoyment of the sea.
