Hazwan determined to retain Malaysian Match Racing Championship
by Monsoon Cup 2010 on 26 Aug 2010
Hazwan Hazim and his Taring Pelangi team with the trophy for winning Malaysian Match Racing Championships 2009. Photo: Gareth Cooke/Subzero Images Gareth Cooke Subzero Images/Monsoon Cup
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Malaysian Match Racing Championship (MMRC) defending champion Hazwan Hazim Dermawan has a special reason to retain the title this October – as he will be representing his home state Perak this year.
This year’s MMRC will take place at Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort & Spa, home of the Monsoon Cup, from 20th – 23rd October 2010. It will be followed by the Asian Match Racing Championship (AMRC) from 26th – 29th October 2010.
25-year-old Hazwan, who was born in Ipoh, made the decision to move back to his home state after capturing last year’s crown while skippering Terengganu’s Taring Pelangi. Although it was a special moment for him, Hazwan said the joy would have been so much better if it was achieved while sailing for Perak.
'The biggest challenge thus far had been finding sponsors but I’m glad I managed to secure a sponsor from my home state of Perak this year' Hazwan will be racing under the team name of Silvermatch AC Law where AC Law represents a law firm from Perak, while Silver means Perak.'
'I am grateful to Taring Pelangi and Terengganu for all their help but and the end of the day, I’m a Perak boy and I want to race in the MMRC as a Perak representative. I am thankful to AC Law for making this happen for me and my team,' said Hazwan, who has competed in two previous MMRC and qualified for the Monsoon Cup on both occasions.
He added he has retained most of his crew from last year’s winning team with one exception. However, he feels the team will be stronger as they have experienced the thrill of winning a year ago.
'Winning last year has given us the extra confidence we need to do well this year. Although I have a new crew member, I’m confident we have what it takes to be among the front runners once again,' he said confidently.
Hazwan got his love of sailing from his father who was in the Malaysian Navy. As a young boy, Hazwan used to go to the naval docks to watch the boats everyday and one day saw some sailors racing out in the ocean. Once the sailing bug bit him, there was no turning back.
'It was back in 1995 when I first saw my first race. I knew there and then that was what I wanted to do,' recalled Hazwan, who finished seventh in the 2006 World Youth Sailing Championships.
'It has been 15 years but my enthusiasm for the sport has not diminished. I still get a big thrill competing and I’m determined to hold on to my title.'
The winners of the MMRC and AMRC will each earn a ticket to the Monsoon Cup which will be held from 30th November 30 to 5th December.
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