Sport

The Successful 21st Royal Langkawi International Regatta Concludes

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This year’s regatta concluded with exciting races across six competition classes, showcasing top-tier sailing talent and sportsmanship in Malaysia’s premier yachting event.

The 21st Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR) took place from January 20 to 25, 2025, attracting 35 yachts and some 270 participants from countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, China, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Australia, and more. The event featured six competition classes: Racing, IRC1, IRC2, Sports Boat, Multihull, and Club.

Throughout the week, sailors contended with variable conditions, from mild breezes to stiff winds and stronger currents, particularly evident on Day 3 (January 23). On this day, the fleet navigated courses from Bass Harbor to Kuah Town, with two races successfully completed despite the challenges. Days 4 and 5, which featured both around-the-island and harbour races, saw outstanding sailing conditions, with good winds, excellent seamanship, and plenty of action on the water.

The post-race scene each day, as usual, was always a good time, with crews and support teams gathering at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club in Kuah to relax and soak up the laid-back island vibes. Quite a few participants also ventured out to other spots to explore and enjoy Langkawi’s many F&B destinations and other attractions.

Char Chan, winner of the IRC1 class

EXEMPLARY SPORTSMANSHIP

A notable incident during the regatta was the capsizing of the Australian sailing catamaran Boreas on the fourth day. The Malaysian ATM Sailing Team aboard Uranus ceased their own race to assist, providing first aid and support to the distressed crew. This act of camaraderie earned them the prestigious Tunku Abdullah Sportsmanship Award, highlighting the deep-rooted sportsmanship within the sailing community. Remarkably, quick action and plenty of effort by many resulted in the successful recovery of the flipped yacht, which was towed back to the marina, and should be repairable.

The multihull Boreas after being towed back to the marina following its capsizing

Recounting the incident in an interview with local media, ATM Sailing Team captain Hasani Izhar said his team were still competing in the eighth round when the Boreas incident occurred.

“Upon seeing their yacht overturn, we discussed and unanimously decided to stop and end our race to assist Boreas. When we arrived, we immediately provided emergency first aid to one crew member who had a shoulder injury.

“Subsequently, we transferred five other crew members and their belongings to Uranus. We also provided ropes and promptly contacted the Marine Police for emergency assistance and efforts to salvage the capsized yacht,” Hasani told Bernama after receiving the award at the RLIR 2025 closing ceremony last night.

Hasani added that after stabilising the capsized yacht, some of his team members assisted the Boreas crew in pumping out water from 4 pm until 8 pm.

“Although we were competing for points in the race, emergencies involving lives at sea are a responsibility we cannot ignore. We later learned this was the first instance of a yacht capsizing during RLIR’s history.”

The ATM crew aboard Uranus, who came to the aid of Boreas

Speaking about receiving the Tunku Abdullah Sportsmanship Award, Hasani said, “Even though we didn’t win in the Racing class, we are deeply honoured and proud to receive this meaningful award. It is the first time we’ve been recognized with such an award since our debut in RLIR in 2006.”

Promoted

Karen Rowlands, 72, a crew member of Boreas, which was competing in the Multihull class, suffered injuries to her head, right shoulder, and right thigh and was transported to the hospital in Langkawi, for further treatment.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL REGATTA

Even with the unprecedented incident involving a capsized sailing yacht, the 2025 regatta was another resounding success, certainly a testament to the exceptional race management led once again by Principal Race Officer (PRO) Simon James. His expertise ensured that races were conducted smoothly, even amid varying weather conditions and other challenges.

The terrific team at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club further bolstered the event’s professionalism, providing top-notch facilities and support to participants and spectators alike.

Of course, beyond the thrilling races, the natural beauty of Langkawi’s archipelago added a captivating backdrop to the event. Known for its jade-green waters, numerous beaches, and tangled mangroves along its northern coasts, Langkawi offers a blend of luxury escapes, lovely beaches, geological wonders, and rich biodiversity, making it a favoured destination for both adventure seekers and those in search of island relaxation.

FINAL STANDINGS

The regatta concluded with the following results in each class (skipper in parentheses):

Racing Class:

  • Winner: The Next Factor (Rolf Heemskerk)
  • Runner-up: Blitz (Nick Burns)

IRC1 Class:

  • Winner: Char Chan (Kazuki Kihara)
  • Runner-up: Mata Hari (Vincent Chan)

IRC2 Class:

  • Winner: Phoenix (Niels Degenkolw)
  • Runner-up: The Blue Angel (Jeremy Camps)

Sports Boat Class:

  • Winner: RSYC Racing Team (Rizal Mahadi)
  • Runner-up: Navy 2 (Asmawi Azman)

Multihull Class:

Promoted
  • Winner: Twin Sharks (John Newnham)
  • Runner-up: Haruki (Dougal Jackson)

Club Class:

  • Winner: Dash (Mohd Azhar)
  • Runner-up: Suraya (Selwyn Enoch)
From left to right, The Next Factor, Blitz, and Vayu on Race Day 5, which finished first, second, and third, respectively, in the Racing Class

The RLIR continues to be a highlight in the Southeast Asian sailing calendar, celebrated for its competitive spirit, challenging courses, the natural beauty of Langkawi, and the exceptional hospitality of the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club.

With the 21st edition now successfully in the books, participants and organizers alike look forward to future regattas, fostering international camaraderie and the pursuit of sailing excellence.

On the final day of racing, a beautiful sunset seen from the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club




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