One of Southeast Asia’s longest-running sailing events is set to open the regional regatta calendar once again, as the Royal Langkawi International Regatta sails into its 22nd edition this January.
The Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR) will return from January 19 to 24, 2026, reaffirming Langkawi’s place on the regional sailing map and marking another milestone for one of Asia’s most established yacht racing events. Hosted at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club (RLYC) in Kuah, the regatta continues a tradition that began in 2003, combining competitive racing with Langkawi’s reputation as a relaxed yet world-class cruising destination.
Since its inception, RLIR has played a quiet but important role in positioning Malaysia, and Langkawi in particular, as a credible sailing hub in Southeast Asia. Taking place at the start of the regional regatta season, it has long been seen as a natural warm-up for crews moving on to events in Thailand and beyond. Its timing, reliable wind conditions, and sheltered island setting have made it especially appealing to both serious racing teams and cruising sailors looking to test themselves in a competitive but approachable environment.
The 2026 edition is expected to attract around 35 yachts from a wide cross-section of sailing nations, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, China, India, Australia, the United Kingdom, and more! Over 250 sailors are anticipated to take part, reinforcing RLIR’s reputation as a genuinely international regatta despite its relatively intimate scale.
While the numbers may be modest compared to Europe’s largest sailing events, RLIR’s appeal lies in its balance. The regatta has consistently drawn a mix of professionally crewed racing yachts, owner-driven IRC boats, multihulls, and club-level entries. This diversity has allowed RLIR to maintain a competitive edge without losing the social and community atmosphere that has defined it for more than two decades.
EVENT CLASSES AND TROPHIES
For 2026, sailors will compete across seven classes: Racing, IRC 1, IRC 2, Multihull Racing, Multihull Cruising, Sports Boat, and Club. Each category is designed to ensure fair competition across different yacht designs and crew profiles, a structure that has evolved over the years in line with international racing standards.
Winners in each class will be awarded a series of established challenge trophies. These include the Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy for the Racing Class, the LADA-IRC Challenge Trophy for IRC 1, the PSC-IRC 2 Challenge Trophy for IRC 2, the Langkawi Sports Trophy for Sports Boats, the Malaysia Multihull Challenge Cup for the Multihull Class, and the RLYC Commodore’s Challenge Cup for the Club Class.
Beyond podium finishes, RLIR continues to place strong emphasis on sportsmanship, both on the water and ashore. The Tunku Abdullah Sportsmanship Award remains one of the regatta’s most respected honours, voted on by fellow competitors and awarded to the individual or team seen to best embody fair play, cooperation, and professionalism throughout the event. Over the years, this award has become a meaningful recognition within the RLIR community, reinforcing the regatta’s values beyond pure results.
Off the water, the regatta is expected to maintain its established social programme, with daily prize-givings, sponsor-hosted events, and informal gatherings at RLYC. These elements have long been part of RLIR’s appeal, offering crews and owners opportunities to connect across classes and nationalities in a setting that feels more personal than many larger regattas.
Support for the 2026 regatta comes from a broad mix of tourism bodies, corporate sponsors, and industry partners. Key sponsors include Turkish Airlines, the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Tourism Malaysia, the Kedah State Government, ALJ Global Sdn Bhd, Malaysia International Boat Show 2026 Langkawi, Tropicana Cenang Langkawi, Rainman Watermakers, and Marine Supplies Asia. Turkish Airlines has also been confirmed as the official airline for RLIR 2026, while Gatorade and Lipton Soda will serve as the official beverages.
Media support is provided by HOMME and Sea Yachting, with institutional backing from the Malaysia Sailing Association, World Sailing, and the Aseanarean Bluewater Alliance. Their involvement reflects RLIR’s standing within the broader sailing ecosystem and ensures alignment with international racing practices. Though not an official sponsor, TEG Media, the parent company of ExpatGo, is proud to be covering the RLIR for the 13th consecutive year.
As Langkawi continues to develop its marine and tourism infrastructure, RLIR remains one of the island’s most consistent international sporting events. For sailors, it offers competitive racing in tropical conditions. For Langkawi, it provides continued visibility as a destination where sport, tourism, and maritime culture intersect in a measured, sustainable way.
Visit langkawiregatta.com for all the details!
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Photos are from previous editions of the Royal Langkawi International Regatta.
