Raja Muda introduces new TP52 division

by RMSIR Media on 19 Jul 2016 The number of Transpac 52 yachts in Asia has grown steadily over the last few years, paving the way for truly competitive racing for these Grand Prix racing yachts in the region.

This year’s Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta (RMSIR) will see the addition of a new TP52 division, with a brand new RMSIR TP52 Cup for the winner. The TP52 division will require the yachts to compete over four consecutive days – a day of harbour racing in Penang, the passage race from Penang to Langkawi, and two days of harbour racing in Langkawi.

TP52 owners can choose to compete solely in the very competitive four-day TP52 Division event, or participate in both the full IRC Class 1 racing and the TP52 Cup. In the IRC Class 1, all boats will start and race together but the TP52s will also be scored in the newly formed TP52 Division. This follows the format used recently for Samui Regatta 2016 and provides consistency to Southeast Asian yacht racing.

“We are aware that some owners do not wish to sail the longer, more complex passage races but do want to maximise the opportunities to compete against yachts of the same design and very similar IRC ratings. This new TP 52 Division is aimed specifically at meeting their needs, while providing variety of courses and locations,” said Royal Selangor Yacht Club Commodore and RMSIR chairman, Jeff Harris.

The aim will be to race two windward–leewards in Penang harbour, the Penang to Langkawi passage race that has seen good breezes and fast times in recent years, and two days of windward–leewards in Langkawi. Berths will be available at the recently refurbished Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, making logistics easier at that location.

The RMSIR committee welcomes feedback from TP52 owners regarding this new class, so that it can be tailored to their specific needs. A few TP52 owners have indicated their intention to participate at this early stage and the organisers are encouraging more to follow suit.

Registration for the 2016 RMSIR is now open. A Notice of Race has been issued and is available, along with more race information and other updates on the RMSIR website (www.rmsir.com).

RMSIR 2016 will start from Port Klang on 19 November and end with races and the awards ceremony in Langkawi on 26 November. The regatta is organised annually by the RSYC in association with the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC). Selangor Tourism, container port Westports Malaysia and Scotch whisky brand Old Pulteney are the event sponsors.

Known for its unpredictable winds, weather and tide, the RMSIR provides excitement for even the most experienced of sailors, along with an interesting challenge. Add to that a little bit of sightseeing and social events at every stop, and you have a regatta with everything.

This world-class event sees competitors complete passage races from Port Klang to Pulau Pangkor, Pangkor to Penang, and Penang to Langkawi, with inshore racing thrown into the mix at the last two stops. First prize overall is the Raja Muda Cup, and the Jugra Cup for the Premier Cruisers.

Race management for this year’s RMSIR has once again been placed in the capable hands of returning Race Officer, Jerry Rollin, with Bryan Willis also back to head the International Jury.

The RSYC will set up RMSIR race offices at the Straits Quay marina – which is managed by former RMSIR alumnus, John Ferguson – and the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club (RLYC). Berths are available at the recently refurbished RLYC, which now has a new 44-room boutique hotel.

The RMSIR was established in 1990 by the RSYC’s Royal Patron, the Sultan of Selangor HRH Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah (who was then Raja Muda Selangor) together with Dato’ Johan Ariff and Jonathon Muhiudeen.

Yachts competing in the regatta range from top class IRC1 racers to beautiful classic cruisers with long overhangs dating back over 100 years. Skippers and crew will have to cope with the unpredictable weather, changing tactics and heavy shipping traffic in the Straits of Malacca, all of which make the regatta a gruelling experience. The month of November typically marks the height of the northeast monsoon on Peninsular Malaysia where sailors can expect anything from glassy waters and light breezes, to 2m swells and 30kts squalls coming off the coast – challenging stuff for all competitors.

For further info please go to www.rmsir.com