The Southeast Asian regatta scene is once again ready to kick off with the return of Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR) from 19th to 24th January 2026. This is the 22nd edition of RLIR since its debut in 2003. The regatta aims to position Malaysia, and Langkawi in particular, as a prominent sailing destination while promoting sports tourism in the country.
This eagerly anticipated annual regatta at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club (RLYC) in Kuah, is expected to welcome 35 sailing yachts from all over the globe including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, China, Chinese Taipei, India, Australia and United Kingdom, with a total of more than 250 sailors participating.
“It is with great pride that we are hosting the 22nd Royal Langkawi International Regatta. Our longevity is a testament to all who ensure this sailing event persists from the team both at RLIR and RLYC, our wonderful and committed volunteers, sponsors and partners, and of course the sailors without whom there would be no regatta. With over 12 countries represented this year, and many more participants globally, we are truly an international regatta” – YM Tunku Soraya Dakhlah binti Tunku Tan Sri Abdullah – Chairperson of the Royal Langkawi International Regatta and Rear Commodore of the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club
Sailors will compete in 7 classes namely Racing, IRC 1, IRC 2, Multihull Racing, Multihull Cruising, Sports Boat and Club. The winner of each class will be awarded with the following prestigious trophies: Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy (Racing Class), LADA-IRC Challenge Trophy (IRC 1 Class), PSC-IRC 2 Challenge Trophy (IRC 2 Class), Langkawi Sports Trophy (Sports Boat Class), Malaysia Multihull Challenge Cup (Multihull Class), and RLYC Commodore’s Challenge Cup (Club Class).
In addition, individuals or teams who demonstrate high sportsmanship both at sea and on land throughout the RLIR have the opportunity to bring home the special Tunku Abdullah Sportsmanship Award. The winner of this award will be determined based on the highest number of votes from the competing participants.
RLIR graciously acknowledges the sponsors: Turkish Airlines, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Tourism Malaysia, Kedah State Government, ALJ Global Sdn Bhd, Malaysia International Boat Show ’26 Langkawi (MYBOS ’26), Tropicana Cenang Langkawi, Rainman Watermakers and Marine Supplies Asia.
A heartfelt gratitude goes to the media partners: HOMME and Sea Yachting. Additionally, RLIR is pleased to announce that Turkish Airlines will be the official airline for RLIR 2026, and that Gatorade and Lipton Soda will be the official beverages.
RLIR is supported by the Malaysia Sailing Association (MSA), World Sailing and Aseanarean Bluewater Alliance.
| RLIR 2026 – PROGRAM OF EVENTS | |
|---|---|
| 19th January 2026 (Monday) | |
| 0900 – 1700 | Registration at Main Deck (Ground Floor) and Sail Measurement at Weather Deck (Lower Ground Floor), RLYC |
| 1400 | Practice race (Kuah Harbour) First warning signal |
| 1730 | Skipper’s briefing at Meeting Room, RLYC |
| 1800 | Media briefing at Meeting Room, RLYC |
| 20th January 2026 (Tuesday) | |
| 0930 | RACE DAY 1 – all classes First warning signal 0930* |
| 1830 | Welcome Cocktail & Race Day 1 Prize Presentation at Poolside, RLYC |
| 21st January 2026 (Wednesday) | |
| 0930 | RACE DAY 2 – all classes First warning signal 0930* |
| Evening | Free and easy |
| 22nd January 2026 (Thursday) | |
| 0930 | RACE DAY 3 – all classes First warning signal 0930* |
| 1600 | Race day 2 & 3 prize presentation at Charlie’s Bar, RLYC |
| Evening | Free and easy |
| 23rd January 2026 (Friday) | |
| 0930 | RACE DAY 4 – all classes First warning signal 0930* |
| Evening | Free and easy |
| 24th January 2026 (Saturday) | |
| 0930 | RACE DAY 5 – all classes First warning signal 0930* |
| 1730 | Race day 4 & 5 prize presentation at Charlie’s Bar, RLYC |
| 1930 | Closing dinner ceremony, overall and grand prize presentation at Poolside, RLYC |
