Malaysia - 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.