By Amin Ridzuan Ishak
PORT KLANG, Dec 11 — A total of 10 yachts are competing in the 31st Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta (RMSIR) that up-anchored and sailed from yesterday until December 18.
The nine-day race started at Port Klang and will end in Langkawi Island, Kedah.
RMSIR chairman Jeff Harris said although only local teams are taking part due to international travel restrictions, the excitement of Asia’s second oldest yacht race was still felt.
According to him, this is because the tournament is graced by the presence of Olympic sailor, Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy who will lead the Star Sailors League (SSL) team using the ship Meraki.
“We are happy that this tournament can be organised after it was cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said at the launch of the 31st RMSIR at the Royal Selangor Yacht Club here, yesterday.
The tournament was launched by state executive councillor for tourism Hee Loy Sian.
The four stops in this annual sailing event are Port Klang, Pangkor Island, Penang and Langkawi Island.
In addition to the Meraki, other ships competing in Class 1 are the Uranus and The Next Factor.
Ships in Class 2 are Insanity, Gloki D Acqua, Nijinsky and VG Offshore, while in Class 3 are Mars and Dash.
Candice 11 is the sole representative of Class 4.
RMSIR is Malaysia’s oldest keelboat sailing event since its inception in 1989, it is also considered one of the toughest and tactical in Asia.
It was inspired by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, together with Dato’ Johan Ariff and Jonathon Muhiudeen.
