Extra splash for 20th edition of the Raja Muda

by RMSIR Event Media on 8 Sep 2009 To mark the 20th consecutive edition of this popular Malaysian event, the Royal Selangor Yacht Club is organizing some additional features. These will include a Reunion Dinner party at Port Klang on Thursday 12th November, to which all past winners of the Raja Muda Cup have been invited, together with past Chairmen and key members of the Organising Committees, Commodores of regional yacht clubs, and other notable yachting types who have contributed significantly to the event over the years.

Over 60 yachts have already expressed an interest in or have formally registered for the regatta with a good balance across all seven classes. Following the format of recent years, there will be four IRC classes, two non-IRC classes (one of which will be for classic-style yachts) and an OMR multihull class being assembled by Henry Kaye, the first winner of the Raja Muda Cup in 1990, and now prominent multi-hull sailor from Phuket.

Neil Pryde, Ray Roberts and Nick Burns/Fred Kinmonth are among other former Raja Muda Cup winners who are returning to try once more, and the Premier Cruising Class will include past Jugra Cup winners Peter Cremers (Shahtoosh) and Hans Rahmann (Yasooda), as will as the doyen of cruising, Dr Ian Nicolson (Intrigue). Other prominent regional sailors doing battle in their new TP52s are Geoff Hill (Strewth) Bill Bremner (Foxy Lady), and veteran campaigner Frank Pong (Boracay), who will be battling with Matt Allen’s Ichi Ban for the first time in this event. IRC Classes 3 & 4 will include almost all of the RSYC cruiser/racers who compete throughout the year, and who have been sneaking in some pre-regatta practice during the annual Merdeka Regatta from Port Klang to Pangkor. They will be joined by yachts from Thailand and Singapore. The non-IRC classes include such well established Raja Muders as Gavin Welman (Rascal), Simon Piff (Rainbow Dream), and a clutch of Classic yachts led by Eveline, Sirius 1935, Coup de Soleil (winner of the recent Singapore Classic Race), Langkawi Sailing School’s Kay Sira, Rolling Home and the newest Marigold.

After the Welcome Dinner on 13th November, the racing starts from Port Klang to Pangkor on 14th, on to Penang on the 16th, where there will be the usual Tri-Shaw Races, Harbour races and slap-up dinner party in the beautiful Khoo Kongsi clan house. Off again to Langkawi on the 19th and the final day’s racing in Bass Harbour and the Farewell Party and prize-giving at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club. The multi-hulls will join the regatta in Penang and try to cram in as many races as they can manage in Penang and Langkawi.

In spite of lean economic times, the enthusiasm for the Raja Muda seems undiminished and the 20th edition should turn out to be challenging and enjoyable as its predecessors have been.

(for more information visit the regatta web site www.rmsir.com)