PHOTO CREDIT: Omar Shamsuddin ~ HOMME Official Photographer.
“The 21st Royal Langkawi International Regatta—Where Legends Set Sail” ~ Dato’ Nicholas Pinder – Editor – HOMME Magazine – proud Media Partner.
The Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR) is one of Asia’s premier sailing events, held annually in the stunning waters of Langkawi, Malaysia. Known for its competitive racing, picturesque surroundings, and vibrant social atmosphere, the regatta attracts sailors, yachts, and spectators from around the world.
Key Features of the Royal Langkawi International Regatta:
1. Location: The regatta takes place in the Langkawi archipelago, a group of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea. The clear waters, steady winds, and scenic backdrops make it an ideal location for sailing.
2. History: The RLIR was first held in 2003 and has since grown into a prestigious international event. It is organized by the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club and supported by various sponsors and local authorities.
3. Racing Classes: The regatta features multiple racing classes to accommodate a wide range of participants, including:
– Racing Class: For high-performance racing yachts.
– IRC Class: For yachts with International Rating Certificates.
– PSC-IRC 2 class
– Multihull Class: For catamarans and trimarans.
– Sports Boat Class: For smaller, agile racing boats.
– Club Cruising Class: For less competitive, more relaxed cruising yachts (Ocean Rovers: For traditional and classic yachts).
4. Competition: The regatta typically spans five days of intense racing, with courses designed to challenge sailors’ skills and strategies. Races are held in various formats, including windward-leeward, island circumnavigation, and coastal races.
5. International Participation: The RLIR attracts a diverse mix of participants, from professional sailors and competitive racing teams to amateur enthusiasts and cruising sailors. This year, nine countries from Asia, Europe, Australia, and beyond are represented.
6. Social Events: Beyond the racing, the RLIR is known for its lively social calendar. Participants and spectators enjoy events such as opening and closing ceremonies, themed parties, and cultural performances, fostering camaraderie and a festive atmosphere.
7. Tourism and Hospitality: Langkawi, a UNESCO Global Geopark, offers visitors a chance to explore its natural beauty, including pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and unique geological formations. The regatta provides a boost to local tourism, with participants often extending their stay to enjoy the island’s attractions.
8. Sustainability Initiatives: In recent years, the RLIR has incorporated sustainability efforts, such as reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental awareness, aligning with Langkawi’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage.
“To have survived 21 years, through a pandemic, and go from strength to strength is a testament to both the hard work and dedication of the teams at RLYC and the RLIR, and the sailing community as a whole. Without the patronage of the sailors, boat owners and support crew, there would be no sailing, without our teams who organise RLIR, there could be no regatta. My thanks to our supporters, volunteers, and participants and all at the RLYC” ~ Y. M. Tunku Soraya Dakhlah binti Tunku Tan Sri Abdullah – Chairperson of the Royal Langkawi International Regatta and Rear Commodore of the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club.
Why It Stands Out: The Royal Langkawi International Regatta combines world-class sailing with the beauty of Langkawi, making it a must-attend event for sailing enthusiasts. Its blend of competitive racing, international camaraderie, and stunning surroundings ensures its continued success and popularity in the global sailing calendar.
PHOTO CREDIT: Andy Leong ~ RLIR Official Photographer
“The race may end, but a perfectly captured photo keeps the spirit alive.” ~ Andy Leong. Official Photographer RLIR.
Race Day 1 – 21 January 2025
Running in its 21st edition, the Royal Langkawi International Regatta has welcomed an impressive 35 registered boats from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, China, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Australia. This year’s event emphasizes competitiveness, inclusivity, women’s empowerment, and speed among the vessels. Notably, Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, and the Malaysian Navy are navigating the Andaman Sea alongside seasoned sailors. It’s heartening to see such a strong turnout, post-pandemic.
January is typically the windiest month in Langkawi, with wind speeds starting at 5 to 8 knots. The first warning signal was given at 9.30 am this morning—a light breeze to start the day. By mid-day, the wind picked up 14 to 15 knots, powering the boats to a pleasant racing speed. The Member of Parliament (MP) for Langkawi, YB Dato’ Haji Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah, flagged off the first day’s race on time.
Today’s race at Kuah Harbour featured a windward-leeward course. The wind shifted from 050 degrees north to 080 degrees northeast, prompting Mark Boat A to adjust the windward mark for a smoother flow. The Racing class was the first to go, followed by IRC 1, IRC 2, Multihull, Club, and finally, Sports Boat. Three boats from the IRC 1 class crossed the starting line prematurely and had to dip down before starting again.
During the downwind leg, the RSYC Sailing Team encountered a gust of wind. With the spinnaker flying, Aqid Nurhaziqah briefly lost control, causing the boat to spin up. The skipper swiftly brought the boat head into the wind, regaining control without any chaos.
Success today required skippers to remain vigilant of the wind direction and pressure, particularly a bias to leeward. The tables turned from last year as ‘The Next Factor’ skippered by Rolf Heemskerk, led the Racing class, followed by ‘Blitz’, helmed by Nick Burns. In the IRC 1 class, ‘Char Chan’ skippered by Kazuki Kihara, came in first, followed by ‘Mata Hari’, helmed by Vincent Chan, and ‘Team Jolt’, with Lee Yi Min as captain.
In the PSC-IRC 2 class, ‘Phoenix’, helmed by Niels Degenkolw, captured first place, followed by the PDRM Sailing Team, skippered by Muhammad Izzad. ‘Haruki’ helmed by Douglas Jackson led the Multihull class with WOW coming in second with David Liddell as the skipper.
‘Dash,’ helmed by Mohd Azhar, claimed first place today, with ‘Wind of Change,’ skippered by Ilya Strakh, following closely behind, and ‘Suraya,’ helmed by Selwyn Enoch, showcased impressive skills to secure a spot in the top three for the Club class.
For the Sports Boat class, Rizal demonstrated his credibility by leading today’s race and is a strong contender to win the 2025 regatta.
PHOTO CREDIT: Omar Shamsuddin
Race Day 2 – 22 January 2025
Following an exhilarating first day of sailing, an eventful prize-giving evening, and the grand commencement of the 21st Royal Langkawi Regatta 2025, the competitive spirit was at an all-time high as participants set out on a windy journey for Race Day 2.
The day’s races took place offshore, southeast of Langkawi, about six miles from the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club. By 9.45 am, the start pin and rounding buoy were set amidst occasional swells and choppy waters, setting the stage for another thrilling day of competition. Morning winds ranged from 9 to 16 knots, with a direction between 060° and 070°. While the swell and big waves posed challenges for some of the smaller vessels, all boats successfully completed two races. Simon James, the Principal Race Officer, skillfully balanced the number of races with a commitment to crew safety.
Race Highlights by Class
Racing Class:
Kevin Whitcraft’s Vayu overcame earlier technical issues to take the lead, surpassing Rolf Heemskerk’s The Next Factor. Nick Burns’ Blitz claimed third place.
IRC 1 Class:
Kazuki Kihara’s Char Chan made a strong performance, coming in first place overall, with Vincent Chan’s Mata Hari and Maksim Lisun’s Uminoko securing second and third places overall.
PSC-IRC 2 Class:
Phoenix, skippered by Niels Degenkolw, claimed first in Race 3 and second in Race 4, earning the top spot overall. Telaga Sail99 – UMT Racing Team, helmed by Ku Anas Ku Zamil, showed impressive teamwork, climbing from fourth in Race 3 to first in Race 4, securing second place overall.
Multihull Class:
Dougal Jackson’s Haruki took first in Race 3 and second in Race 4, maintaining the overall lead. John Newnham’s Twin Sharks won Race 4 and finished second overall, with David Liddell’s WOW in third place.
Club Class:
Mohd Azhar’s Dash dominated with two first-place finishes, followed by Ilya Strakh’s Wind of Change. Wan Fadli Wan Ahmad’s Marikh edged out Selwyn Enoch’s Suraya to secure third place.
Sports Boat Class:
The RSYC Racing Team, led by Rizal Mahadi, delivered a flawless performance, taking first place in both Race 4 and Race 5 to retain their overall lead. Navy 2, helmed by Asmawi Azman, secured second place after an impressive comeback in Race 5.
After a challenging day battling strong winds and waves, sailors are likely resting up for another competitive day against the stunning backdrop of the Langkawi archipelago.
CHAR CHAN. PHOTO CREDIT: Omar Shamsuddin
Race Day 3 – 23 January 2025
It was a colourful scene at Kuah Harbor, with spinnakers in shades from bold reds to vibrant rainbows set against a moderate breeze of 6 to 12 knots, coming from 055° to 060°. The day’s course took sailors from Bass Harbor to Kuah Town back and forth, with boats leaving the dock at 8.30 am and the first race commencing promptly at 9.30 am.
As the day progressed, the breeze softened, and the rising tide brought a stronger current into play, testing the sailors’ precision and adaptability. Despite these shifting conditions, all classes powered through and successfully completed two races.
Principal Race Officer (PRO), Simon James skillfully orchestrated two windward-leeward courses, with the second race extending into a longer, one-lap challenge. The well-synchronized crews and sharp instincts of experienced skippers ensured the yachts stayed competitive, keeping the
momentum alive and the action on the water intense.
Race Highlights by Class
Racing Class:
Noppakao Poonphat’s Vayu claimed the first place for Race Day 3. Rolf Heemskerk’s The Next Factor showed impressive speed and strategy, taking second place and Nick Burns’ Blitz settled in third place.
IRC 1 Class:
Kazuki Kihara’s Char Chan continued its dominance, maintaining the top spot in the IRC 1 class.
Vincent Chan’s Mata Hari held steady with second and third place finishes in Races 6 and 7, respectively. Meanwhile, Maksim Lisun’s Uminoko did not start (DNS) either race due to problem with the propeller, underscoring the unpredictable nature of sailing.
PSC-IRC 2 Class:
The standout in PSC-IRC 2 class was Niels Degenkolw’s Phoenix, claiming first place in both Race 5 and Race 6 to secure the overall lead. Muhammad Izzad’s PDRM Sailing Team/Fortissimo delivered a strong performance to take second, with Jeremy Camps’ The Blue Angel rounding out the top three.
Multihull Class:
In the Multihull division, John Newnham’s Twin Sharks was unstoppable, finishing first in both Race 5 and Race 6. The Firefly 8.5m catamaran is proving to be a top contender for the title.
Twin Sharks was followed closely by Dougal Jackson’s Haruki and David Liddell’s WOW.
Club Class:
Dash emerged as the clear winner in the Club class for the day, with Wind of Change helmed by Ilya Strakh and Selwyn Enoch’s classic Suraya in a close battle for the remaining podium spots.
Strategic zig-zag tacking played a crucial role as skippers navigated the shifting winds.
Sports Boat Class:
Sports Boat division was dominated by the RSYC Racing Team, securing first place in both races of the day. Asmawi Azman’s Navy 2 held onto second overall, while Mohd Akiyuddin’s Navy 1 came in third.
Winner of the Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy: NEXT FACTOR, helmed by Rolf Heemskerk. PHOTO CREDIT: Omar Shamsuddin
Race Day 4 – 24 January 2025
Sailors were treated to favourable conditions on the fourth day of the Royal Langkawi International Regatta 2025, with steady winds gusting at 12 to 16 knots. Principal Race Officer (PRO), Simon James capitalized on the breezy start, scheduling the highly anticipated ‘Around the Island’ courses, which pushed competitors to their limits. These routes, featuring Courses
21 and 22, brought a refreshing twist to the standings as the wind shifted between 055° and 060°.
The action began early, with mark boats leaving the marina at 6.45 am. Starting from Gate 1, the course led them past Pulau Singa Besar, Pulau Beras Basah, Pulau Intan Besar, and Pulau Intan Kecil before looping back through the finish gates. Sailors had two options for race times, ensuring flexibility and optimal competition conditions.
Incident Report
A dramatic moment unfolded when Boreas, a catamaran from Phuket, capsized in high winds, flipping 180 degrees. The crew was swiftly rescued, and the boat was towed ashore for repairs.
According to the skipper, the sudden gusts made it nearly impossible to maintain balance before the incident. The quick response from ATM Sailing Team (Uranus), race officials and the rescue teams ensured everyone’s safety, allowing the races to proceed smoothly.
Race Highlights by Class
In the Racing Class, Nick Burns’ Blitz delivered a standout performance, claiming the top spot for Race Day 4. Close behind was Rolf Heemskerk’s The Next Factor, which showed impressive speed and coordination to secure second place. Noppakao Poonphat’s Vayu, though a dominant contender earlier in the regatta, settled for third in today’s race.
The IRC 1 Class saw Vincent Chan’s Mata Hari claim victory with a sharp display of tactics and teamwork. Lee Yin Min’s Team Jolt pushed hard and managed to secure the second spot, while Steve Manning’s Red Rum One navigated skillfully to take third place in the standings.
In the PSC-IRC 2 Class, Niels Degenkolw’s Phoenix continued its winning streak, grabbing first place with a commanding lead. Jeremy Camps’ The Blue Angel followed as a strong second, while Telaga Sail99 – UMT Racing Team, helmed by Ku Anas Ku Zamil, maintained their consistency to claim third.
The Multihull Class brought plenty of excitement, with Dougal Jackson’s Haruki emerging as the day’s top performer. David Liddell’s WOW kept the pressure on, finishing in second place, while John Newnham’s Twin Sharks added another solid performance to their regatta campaign by taking third. Despite Haruki and WOW grabbing the top spots, the incident with Boreas added an unexpected twist to the day’s events.
In the Club Class, Selwyn Enoch’s Suraya demonstrated exceptional speed and strength in the occasional gust, securing first place. Wan Fadli’s Marikh followed closely, capitalizing on favourable conditions to finish second. Onisama Sailing Racing, skippered by MinZhi Feng, rounded out the top three.
Finally, the Sports Boat Class was once again dominated by the RSYC Racing Team, who clinched first place. Mohd Akiyuddin’s Navy 1 secured second, and Asmawi Azman’s Navy 2 held onto third.
Day 4 proved to be as exhilarating as it was challenging, with shifting conditions testing every sailor’s mettle. The fleet now looks ahead to the final stretch, where strategy, speed, and a little bit of luck will ultimately determine the regatta’s champions.
URANUS: Winner of the Tunku Abdullah Sportsmanship Award. PHOTO CREDIT: Omar Shamsuddin
Day 5 – 25 January 2025
After 4 days of intense racing, the final day greeted sailors with calm waters and wind speeds ranging from 9 to 14 knots. The morning started briskly at 9.30 am with strong winds that gradually eased into a lighter breeze as the day progressed.
Fortune favoured the brave as Principal Race Officer (PRO), Simon James made the call to proceed with two races—a shorter one and a longer course extending from Kuah Harbour to the smaller islands in the south and back.
The day’s races featured a dynamic mix of challenges, including a downwind start, windward-leeward courses, a long spinnaker run, small island rounding, and a final long upwind beat, concluding at 3.00 pm.
Race Highlights by Class
Racing Class:
Noppakao Poonphat’s Vayu delivered an impressive performance, taking first place, followed by Nick Burns’ Blitz in second and Rolf Heemskerk’s The Next Factor in third.
IRC 1 Class:
Char Chan, skippered by Kazuki Kihara, edged out the competition to secure first place overall, while Steve Manning’s Red Rum One took the win for the 10th race and claimed second place.
Vincent Tan’s Mata Hari rounded out the podium in third.
PSC-IRC 2 Class:
Jeremy Camps’ The Blue Angels showed strong form in both races, securing the lead, with Niels Degenkolw’s Phoenix close behind in second place.
Multihull Class:
John Newnham’s Twin Sharks, a Firefly 8.5m catamaran, maintained their dominance, taking first place overall, with Dougal Jackson’s Haruki in second.
Club Class:
Dash once again claimed the top spot, while the classic wooden boat Suraya, skippered by Selwyn Enoch, secured second place thanks to favourable wind conditions in the morning.
Sports Boat Class:
The RSYC Racing Team, led by Rizal Mahadi Sazili, capped off their exceptional regatta by winning both races, securing their lead. Navy 2, helmed by Asmawi Azman, placed second, while Navy 1, skippered by Mohd Akiyuddin, held steady in third.
With excellent water and wind conditions providing thrilling sailing throughout the week, it’s safe to say everyone was eager to gather for the day’s Prize Presentation at 5.30 pm at Charlie’s Bar, followed by the Closing Ceremony and Grand Prize Presentation at the Royal Langkawi
Yacht Club’s poolside later in the evening.
PHOTO CREDIT: Andy Leong
Overall Highlights – 20 to 25 January 2025
The Royal Langkawi Regatta 2025 was a celebration of sailing at its finest—a mix of returning champions seeking to outpace long-time rivals, loyal patrons cherishing memories since 2003, and new competitors chasing the thrill of the race. Despite their diverse backgrounds, one thing
united the participants: their shared love for the sea and the spirit of teamwork.
This 21st Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR) saw the wind gods cooperating generously, allowing Principle Race Officer, Simon James to orchestrate 10 races across the picturesque waters of the Andaman Sea, set against the breathtaking Langkawi Archipelago.
From calm conditions with 5 to 15 knots on the opening day to gusts reaching 25 knots on the dramatic ‘Around the Island Course’, the regatta kept sailors on their toes. With 35 boats representing 9 countries and over 270 participants, every moment of this event was a testament to dedication and skill.
Composing strong winds, adventures, fierce competition, with teams navigating challenges both on the water and off, as protests kept the jury actively involved, there were a couple of notable highlights. Char Chan finally edged out Mata Hari in a closely contested battle, while Eveline showed incredible grit by racing in every event.
Racing class would have seen tight competition from the impressive Vayu who had sailed the first day for the first 3 races. The inspiring act of camaraderie when Boreas capsized mid-race, only to be aided by the ATM
Sailing Team (Uranus) while still competing showcased great sportsmanship. These moments underscored what makes the RLIR so special.
Challenge Trophy Winners
● Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy: The Next Factor, helmed by Rolf Heemskerk, claimed the top spot with a narrow three-point lead over Blitz, while Vayu maintained fierce competition to secure third place. True to their motto, “Prior Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance,” The Next Factor’s preparation paid off.
● LADA-IRC 1 Challenge Trophy: Char Chan, skippered by Kazuki Kihara, finally overtook local favourite Mata Hari helmed by Vincent Tan, finishing 7 points ahead. The mutual respect and camaraderie between these competitors are what keeps them returning to Langkawi year after year.
● PSC-IRC 2 Challenge Trophy: Niels Degenkolw’s Phoenix from Denmark claimed victory, attributing their success to “a good boat, good wind, and a happy crew.”
Jeremy Camps The Blue Angels followed closely in second place.
● Malaysia Multihull Challenge Trophy: John Newnham’s Twin Sharks, a Firefly 8.5m catamaran, triumphed in the Multihull class, narrowly beating Dougal Jackson’s Haruki by two points.
● RLYC Commodore’s Challenge Trophy: Dash, helmed by Mohd Azhar, took first place, with the classic wooden boat Suraya, skippered by Selwyn Enoch, securing second place after finding favourable wind conditions.
● Langkawi Sports Challenge Trophy: The RSYC Racing Team, led by Rizal Mahadi, dominated the Sportsboat class, winning an impressive 9 out of 10 races.
Sailors who excelled in Langkawi have earned points toward the prestigious Sir Thomas Lipton Cup, further establishing their presence across renowned regattas such as the Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta, Phuket King’s Cup, and Singapore Regatta.
Acknowledgments
This milestone 21st RLIR owes its success to many, starting with Principle Race Officer Simon James, who expertly managed 5 days of racing with precision and professionalism. A special thanks go to the young and energetic volunteers from University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT),
who played a crucial role in manning the Start Boat, Mark Boats, and Pin Boats. Their enthusiasm and dedication ensure the bright future of regattas like this one.
We also extend gratitude to the media for their exceptional coverage, promoting the event far and wide, and, of course, to the skippers and crews who are the heart and soul of the regatta.
Thank you all for making Royal Langkawi International Regatta 2025 unforgettable. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year for the 22nd RLIR!
PHOTO CREDIT: Omar Shamsuddin
#HOMMExRLIR2025 #ProudMediaPartner #SailingExcellence
