Langkawi Regatta spurs development of marine industry

by Bernama.com on 5 Oct 2009 The Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR) has spurred development of the maritime industry in the island resort, Royal Langkawi Yacht Club (RLYC) senior manager Abdul Rahman Mahani said.

He said the regatta which gathers 30-40 yachts from all over the world had created many business opportunities to Malaysian maritime industry players.

'Most yacht owners participating in RLIR took the oportunity to repair their yachts in Langkawi as it has several repair centres which offer a whole range of services.

'The low fees charged by RLYC also encouraged the foreigners to spend more time in Langkawi. Our fees are lower than those in Singapore, Philippines, Thailand and Hong Kong,' he told Bernama here on Sunday.

Abdul Rahman said since its inception in 2003, RLIR had strong support from government agencies and the private sector but added at least RM 1.5 million was needed to organise a bigger regatta.

'We hope more Malaysian corporations will become official sponsors as they can become icons of a world-class regatta.

'Malaysia can take the cue from the United States where a watch company has become the official sponsor of an international regatta,' he said.

The annual RLIR will be held from Jan 8-15 next year.

www.bernama.com