Tunku Soraya Dakhlah binti Tunku Tan Sri Abdullah
Chairperson of the Royal Langkawi International Regatta and Rear Commodore of the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club. HOMME talks to Tunku Soraya about the Royal Langkawi International Regatta and her late father’s incredible legacy:
What made the Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR) so prestigious in South East Asia?
I believe that RLIR is one of the more prestigious regattas in the region thanks to the calibre of our competitors. We constantly attract some of the best sailors in the region and internationally and we have actively promoted youth sailing through all these years.
A regatta is a sailing sport competition, or in simpler terms, races on sailing yachts. Once an elite and expensive sport, how do you make it accessible to many without gender, age, or other limitations even in serious global competitions?
Whilst sailing has been known as an elite sport throughout the world due to the cost of big sailing yachts and the expense of travel, we are seeing in Malaysia, more and more home grown teams, particularly in the Sports class. The growth of sailing academies in Malaysia and regionally has greatly contributed to this and access to sailing now, racing in Lasers and Platus ensure that anyone with an interest can participate. This expansion means that learning to sail now is more about the will to learn than the cost.
What do you consider to be the ultimate prize in the RLIR?
It is hard to say there is an Ultimate Prize in RLIR. Each class has a major cup or trophy so there are a few. The ultimate prize in my opinion is participating, enjoying the comradery that exists in the sailing community which is why, after my fathers death we introduced the Tunku Abdullah Sportsmanship award which actively promotes this.
Your late great Father’s legacy is thriving 20 years later, which is a credit to you and your committee. How do you achieve this?
It has been wonderful for all of us at RLYC and RLIR to be able to continue my fathers legacy. His dream when he inaugurated the regatta 20 years ago was to promote sailing, not only in the beautiful waters of Langkawi, but also regionally. Thanks to our wonderful regatta and team and our volunteers both on and off the water, their commitment, and the commitment of the sailing community at large, we have been able continue. Of course none of it would be remotely possible without continued sponsorship which helps promote Malaysia as a sailing hub.
As the Regatta Chairperson, you have tremendous responsibility for seeing to it that everything gets done right, and in time for the event. When did you take over this role?
How long have I been in this role as the regatta Chairperson, I think it has been nearly 15 years already! Or 16!
Your first time on a sailing boat?
My first time sailing? I was little. Growing up in New Zealand gave greater access at that time. My late step father and his brother built a yacht and we sailed in that.
The most bizarre thing that happened in a RLIR?
The most bizarre thing? That is a tough one. I think bizarre is the wrong word, exciting things, many!
What is the thing that most angers you in a race/regatta?
I think what angers or annoys most competitors is poor sportsmanship. The sailing community is quite tight knit. We are all friends and I think that is the most noticeable thing about any regatta. The family that exists at the club, on the water, throughout the event.
RLIR goals for 2025?
Our goals for the future are to constantly expand, grow and promote the sport of sailing in Malaysia and Langkawi as a sailing destination to the world.
THANK YOU Tunku Soraya.
PHOTO CREDIT: Matt Wilson
