Backdated News (Rivals for Langkawi Regatta 2007 as reported in The Star)

Tuesday February 6, 2007

TLDM confident of giving rivals a hard time

By LOGANATH VELLOO

 LANGKAWI: The Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) sailing team believe they are capable of challenging for top honours in the fifth edition of the Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR), which begins today. 

Although renowned for their prowess in the smaller “dinghy-sized” vessel competitions, the Navy boys made the bold move to sail into uncharted waters in the racing class last year in their newly-acquired yacht Zuhrah. 

Despite being wet behind the ears, the only all-Malaysian set-up in the competition came close to producing a major upset, finishing second in the overall standings. 

Along the way, Zuhrah also won one of the six races, pushing the vastly experienced Swedish outfit, Ericsson V060, into third place. 

All set: The Royal Malaysian Navy sailing team skipper Malik Sulaiman (right) and his crew getting their yacht Zuhal ready for today’s first race of the Royal Langkawi International Regatta. – K.E. OOI / THE STAR

TLDM are now wiser to the demands of the racing class competition and will be utilising Zuhrah’s identical 52-foot sister boat Zuhal for this year’s challenge. 

And team skipper Malik Sulaiman believes that his more experienced crew would once again give the big boys a run for their money. 

Despite the high optimism, Malik conceded that Zuhal would start as the underdogs. 

“Although we gave an encouraging performance last year, we are not the favourites to win. Our competitors are all seasoned campaigners, who have been competing in the South-East Asian waters consistently,” he said. 

“We have been unable to compete outside Malaysian waters in the racing category for the past 12 months but I have to admit that we are better prepared compared to last year’s challenge.” 

Two Australian-registered yachts are the early favourites for the Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy. 

Three-time winner Peter Ahern, who skipped last year’s competition after disbanding his Yo! outfit, returns to Langkawi with his new-look Yo!2 team. 

Defending champions Ulumulu-Quantum Racing, an Australian-Malaysian collaboration between team owners Ray Roberts and Troy Yaw, are also expected to be among the frontrunners. 

Besides Zuhal, Malaysia will also have another racing boat in the competition. Matahari, skippered by Royal Selangor Yacht Club’s Vincent Chan, are making their debut in the big boat category. 

Although the Malaysian Navy would start as the underdogs in the racing category, they will be the team to beat in the sports boat category. 

Since the regatta began in 2003, the Malaysian Navy have successfully kept a stranglehold on the sports boat overall title. 

Said Malik: “Our strong point has always been in the dinghy-sized boats, which we have been sailing in since we were young. 

“The Royal Malaysian Navy have a proud reputation to protect in the sports boat category and we will be going all out to maintain our winning streak.” 

This year, the Navy boys can breathe a little easier in the absence of their fiercest rivals, the Phuket-based Somtam Express. 

But the Malaysians will still need to work hard to defend the title as strong challenges can be expected from the MYCQ team from Queensland and entries from the Singapore and Thailand sailing squads.