Fernandez receiving a warm welcome home from Tengku Amir Shah and other RSYC members upon his return from his remarkable 32-month solo sea voyage on his boat Destiny 12 in October. — Photos from Royal Selangor Yacht Club Facebook page
SAILING is a highly important activity in Selangor, given that the ancestors of the state’s royal family were prolific Bugis adventurers and seafarers.
Recently, Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah completed the 35th Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta (RMSIR).
The regatta, which is the second oldest in Asia, was conceptualised and initiated by Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah in 1989, when he was still the Crown Prince.
Sultan Sharafuddin, an avid sailor as well as patron and life commodore of the Royal Selangor Yacht Club (RSYC), made history two decades ago by circumnavigating the world in 22 months on his yacht SY Jugra.
Recently, another RSYC member also made headlines when he sailed around the world in 32 months on his boat Destiny 12.
Upon his return two months ago, Fabian Fernandez was welcomed with much pomp and revelry by Tengku Amir Shah and other RSYC members.
Fernandez left Malaysian waters on Feb 6, 2023, and returned on Oct 11 this year, making him the fourth Malaysian to successfully circumnavigate the world.
The 54-year-old took on the challenge due to “a mix of curiosity, challenge and a deep love for the sea”.
Tengku Amir Shah and his crew onboard the Maduzi during the 35th RMSIR. — Photo from Selangor Royal Office Facebook page
“I knew this wasn’t going to be just another voyage as it had to be something unique and meaningful.
“I also planned and executed everything myself, which makes this feat the greatest achievement of my life,” he said.
He added that accomplishing the circumnavigation at 54 is proof that age is not a barrier and that dreams do not come with an expiry date.
“Completing this journey is not just about sailing around the world – it’s about showing that with determination, resilience and faith in yourself, you can rise above doubt and make the impossible possible.”
He noted, however, that his round-the-world sojourn, which covered a total distance of 35,000 nautical miles, came with many challenges.
The most difficult part was sailing around the Cape of Good Hope, which has a reputation as one of the world’s most treacherous ocean crossings, and through the Mozambique Channel.
“The seas there are unpredictable, with strong currents, storms and fierce winds converging.
“It demanded every bit of planning, seamanship and mental strength I had,” he recalled.
“Making it through successfully was both a relief and one of the most defining moments of the entire circumnavigation.”
Navigating squalls at sea also tested his limits as the skies would turn black, the winds would shift direction and he would be hit with driving rain and “confused seas” all of a sudden.
Fernandez: ‘Completing this journey is not just about sailing around the world – it’s about showing that with determination, resilience and faith in yourself, you can rise above doubt and make the impossible possible.’
“It pushes you physically because you’re constantly trimming sails and steering, but also mentally because you know there’s no escape,” he added.
Now that he is back home, Fernandez – a former marine engineer and plantation manager – wants to start a company to provide training, motivation and personal development to help people of all ages and backgrounds discover their potential through discipline and clarity.
He also plans to launch social media channels to share insights and stories from his seafaring adventure, aiming at inspiring others to face their fears and pursue bold, ambitious goals.
