Defending champion Windsikher (second from right) and Uranus, the Royal Malaysian Navy teams competing at Port Klang for the Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta race. RAYMOND OOI/ The Star Reporter AFTAR SINGH
KLANG: It’s going to be tough for Windsikher to defend their title in the 27th edition of the Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta (RMSIR).
Apart from facing a strong challenge from their rivals in Class One, the Singapore team, led by skipper and owner Sarab Jeet Singh, will also have to put up with unpredictable wind conditions, weather and tide in the next seven days due to the monsoon season.
Windsikher’s closest rivals are expected to be F. Kinmonth and N. Burns’ EFG Mandrake, who finished second last year.
They must also keep an eye on Gordon Ketelbey’s Fujin – the Class Three winners last year.
The other Class One teams are Team Hollywood, Black Baza, Zanzibar and the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Uranus.
The RMSIR, with 28 boats competing in six different classes, sailed off from Port Klang Saturday.
The boats will head to the islands of Pangkor, Penang and Langkawi in an attempt to win the prestigious Raja Muda Cup.
The final awards ceremony will be held at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club in Kuah, Langkawi, on Nov 26.
Jeff Harris, the Commodore of the Royal Selangor Yacht Club (RSYC) and chairman of the RMSIR committee, has described the regatta as “a world-class race” known for its mix of sailing and social events.
“It’s always a delight to welcome everyone to the RMSIR ... we hope that this exciting event continues to bring the regional sailing community together.
“We’d like to wish all teams a safe voyage and wind in their sails,” said Harris.
THE RACE SCHEDULE
Monday: From Pangkor to Penang
Tuesday: Rickshaw races at Straits Quay, Tanjung Tokong, Penang
Wednesday: Inshore races in Penang Harbour
Thursday: From Penang to Kuah, Langkawi
Friday: Inshore races at Kuah Harbour, Langkawi
Nov 26: Final inshore races in Langkawi at Kuah Harbour.
