Twenty-five yachts, divided into six classes, are registered to take part in the 35th sailing of Malaysia’s oldest, longest and most prestigious regatta. And what a stellar cast of sailors there are as many past champions and some of the region’s premier sailors are set to race in Malaysia’s most illustrious sailing competition.
In Class 1 (Racing), Rolf Heemskerk is back to defend his title on The Next Factor (he also won in 2019). Other past winners of the Raja Muda Cup competing this year include four-time champion Sarab Jeet Singh’s Windshikher (2015-17 & 2022). Nick Burns skipping Blitz has also won the Raja Muda Cup four times (three on Mandrake in 2006, 2011 & 2018 & once on Witchcraft). And, of course, Ray Roberts won on Hollywood Boulevard back in 2003 and on Quantum Racing in 2007.
Also competing in Class 1 are the Malaysian Armed Forces’ Uranus, and Steve McConaghy’s syndicated AfterShock. Duncan Hines’ Alive was set to compete as well but was struck by lightning coming down from Langkawi though some of its crew have found spots on other boats.
Class 2 (Premier) sees four-time winner Shatoosh, skipped by James Caleem, back to defend its Jugra Cup title. It will be sailing against RSYC Commodore Ramasamay Menon Rama Rama VG.
Class 3 (IRC) has Matt Whittingham’s Insanity pitted against Lee Yi Min’s Jolt, a new J99; and Ian Amir‘s Malabar.
Class 4 is graced by the Raja Muda of Selangor himself, Tengku Amir Shah, who is sailing on Maduzi, which has sailed down from Thailand for the event. Also competing in this class are: Keith Garry’s Beaux Espirits; James Duke’s Kimi Kimi; Dennis Chan & Joon Ming’s Duan Duan; Steve Manning’s Black Baza; and Peter Jong’s Kesini.
Class 5 sees six boats that are very familiar with each other and the regatta: Ken Yap’s Millennium2; Azhar’s Dash; Moha Hafizulnaim’s Marikh; Azlan’s Red VG (formerly VG Offshore); Yuninori Kirihara’s Lucky Marlin and Keith Miller’s Sade 2, who is joined on board by Andrew McDermott and his crew, who last year brought the Corsair Trident down from Phuket.
Sinaran and Virgo (joining in Penang) will sail but not officially race in the regatta.
Simon James is back again as the Principal Race Officer and will make sure that all things run smoothly on the water while Malcolm Elliot will handle all the technical aspects of this complex event. Both fellows are indispensable when it comes to making this a well-run event.
This regatta is unique in that travels 260km up the west coast of Malaysia, sailing three offshore legs, interspersed with harbor racing and prize-giving dinners, at multiple venues along the course between Klang, Pangkor, Penang and Langkawi. This gives the crews plenty of opportunity to get together after racing and see different locations in the process. This is likely the reason why so many are keen to return to what many say is their favourite regatta in the region. In the regatta, sailors deal with unpredictable weather and challenging waters, which push them to become better at what they do.The opening dinner, attended by sponsors, VIP guests and sailors took place at the Club on the evening of Friday November 13th, with the Raja Muda and a number of other dignitaries in attendance (www.rmsir.com).
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