PORT KLANG (08 July 2020) – The Royal Selangor Yacht Club has announced that it will be proceeding with the 31st edition of the Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta which is set to run from 13 to 21 November 2020.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made a significant impact across the world with government restrictions being put in place in numerous countries to stem the spread of the virus. This has led to the cancellation of several international sailing races and regattas, leaving organisers of similar events the difficult task of how to proceed with activities amidst all this uncertainty.
Malaysia is now in the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) phase where the sports and recreation sector has reopened and members of the public are allowed to perform non-contact sports in indoor or outdoor facilities. Based on feedback RSYC has received from a discussion with local sailors, the regatta will be scaled down to a simplified format.
The 31st RMSIR is planned to have friendly passage and harbour races but will have limited social gatherings, to comply with government standard operating procedure (SOP). This year’s regatta will be open to sailing enthusiasts who are unlikely to be hampered by travel constraints – yachts from other countries are welcome if conditions permit.
“While the final details have yet to be decided, the RMSIR committee can confirm that there will not be any international race officer and jury due to travel restrictions. We will be working with an experienced Malaysia-based race officer and team for on-the-water organisation while RSYC staff will attend to land-based events,” said RMSIR Chairman Jeff Harris.
“The Notice of Race will be issued soon. We understand that these are uncertain times and are looking at reducing the entry fees for this simplified event. Since we have the flexibility to modify the procedure and format, we will adjust accordingly to any lifting or tightening of restrictions,” he added.
The RMSIR celebrated its 30th anniversary last year. It is organised annually by the RSYC, usually in association with the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and the Malaysia Sailing Association; assisted by the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) and Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).
Traditionally, the RMSIR takes a regular course along Malaysia’s west coast where participating boats push onwards from the start point at Port Klang and make their way – via the Straits of Malacca – to various anchorages and moorings at the islands of Pangkor, Penang and Langkawi in an attempt to win the prestigious Raja Muda Cup, among other prizes.
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 matchless experience.
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 fun social events and you have a regatta with everything.
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 breeze to a sea heaving with two metres of swell or higher and 30 knot squalls blowing off the coast. In other words, these northeast monsoon months bring conditions that are challenging enough even for seasoned sailors.
For more information, visit www.rmsir.com.
