Day One of Malaysian Qualifiers for Monsoon Cup

by Audrey Lakai Rurrum Communications on 25 Nov 2008 Competitors began racing today in the 2008 Malaysian Match Racing Championships in Pulau Duyung. The Malaysian Match Racing Championships serves as one of only two qualifying regattas in the lead up to the prestigious Monsoon Cup, to be contested in here next week.

Only one team can qualify from the Malaysian Match Racing Championships and with this in mind, the competitors were keen to hit the water. Teams were given the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the Foundation 36 yacht, the class that will be sailed at the Monsoon Cup, and adjust to the unique conditions that Pulau Duyong has to offer.

Conditions today were difficult, with a meagre five knots on offer and a strong outgoing tide. Competitors were challenged not only by the elements but also by their opposition.

The hype surrounding Nurul Ain Bt Md Isa was well justified as her Perak Sailing Team scorched to a three race lead over her all-male competition.

In the lead up to this event, Nurul has been tipped as the next Tiffany Koo, and as a former South-East Asian Games Gold Medallist her strong sailing experience has prepared her for this event.

However, at her first match racing regatta she certainly did not expect to be leading the regatta. Nurul said that good teamwork, good communication and group decision-making helped the Perak Sailing Team capitalise on the light conditions.

She hopes that the light conditions continue, but enjoys being able to sail in the Foundation 36 Yacht, from www.bakewell-white.com!Bakewell-White_Design an immense change from her 420 dinghy. If the conditions become difficult, Nurul says that communication between her team will be the key to their success.

Also performing well is Mohamad Razali Bin Mansor and his Navy 1 team.

A seasoned competitor at the Malaysian Match Racing Championships, Razali thanked the event organisers and put his good first day form down to his crew and their efforts. Within this competitive field, Razali hopes to continue his winning ways and eventually emerge as the victor.

Racing will continue at Pulau Duyong tomorrow commencing at 1000hrs. Following the completion of the Round Robin, the field will be narrowed to four in the quest to find Malaysia’s representative for the Monsoon Cup.

More news available at www.monsooncup.com.my Media proposing to cover the event can register here.