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You Could Be Sailing Langkawi's Friendly Waters
For most of us, Langkawi conjures up images of sun, sand, sea and eh, serenity. Yes, it's all of this, but also a lot more, as was confirmed on my last visit there. If we really want to take this alliteration further, sailing is the sport that will take Langkawi to a higher level of tourism. It's not only the winds, warm waters and weather that have got the sailors worked up into a frenzied tropical state, but also the proliferation of the yachting infrastructure on the island. This includes repair facilities, marinas, buoys and chandlers as well as copious amounts of duty free booze.There are hundreds of yachts moored around Langkawi and those in the know are starting to see the islands rivaling, or at least complimenting the well-established facilities and services of neighbouring Phuket.
There was probably one element missing in the equation and that was that very few little people knew of Langkawi's attributes at least until the recently competed Royal Langkawi International Sailing Regatta was held. The staging of the very successful regatta has now put Langkawi well and truly on the Asian sailing map. The fact that the yachties competed for the Prime Minister's Challenge Trophy probably helped in the pre-race publicity and the ability to lure some big sponsors to help fund the event. Another draw card the organisers pulled out was the presence of Bruno Peyron, the world's fastest man under sail. Maybe not a name that rolls off everyone's lips, but it was enough to make those present go weak at the knees. He was there to assess Langkawi for its suitability as a 'pit stop' in a round the world race planned for 2006. From his initial impressions, the news looks good for Langkawi. Royal Langkawi Yacht Club which commands a panoramic view over Bass Harbour near the ferry terminal in Kuah was the venue for this very sociable regatta. Perhaps there is some distinction between a race and regatta, and maybe it has got to do with the fun factor. There was a social event each evening where the day's events were re-lived around the bar (yachties fall into the same league at fishing folk on this score).
Most competitors and officials were somewhat shell-shocked for the first few days as they commented favourably upon the successful organisation, gathering and competing of the sixty or so yachts that managed to make it to Langkawi. The consensus at the end of the four days of racing was that in its inaugural year, the Regatta was already the considered second most successful of all the annual Asian sailing events.
Some impressive racing and cruising boats from across the region made the journey to Langkawi. Boats came from Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore as well as those currently moored in Malaysian waters but from many nations across the globe. They competed in seven classes with the main event, the Racing Class, attracting four of the region's best; Yo!, Hi-Fidelity, Luna Nuova and Jativa. The overall winner was Yo! skippered by Peter Ahern originally from Australia.
While much of the media attention focused on the Racing Class, there was just as much competition amongst vessels in the various cruising classes. Interest focused on several allwomen and all youth entries as well. One of the hottest local boats on the water was Gotcha Lagi skippered by Amir Zohri Rahim. Just being there was as important for some yachts as winning. One noted Expat scribe and sailing professional was jubilant on Day Two as his boat actually crossed the start line and finished the race. Day One was frustrating for his crew as the start officials moved off before their boat got anywhere near the start line. Large unyielding cruising yachts just aren't cut out for ocean racing! The action off the water was just as hectic with the opening by the Acting Prime Minister, dinners at the clubhouse, presentations and dinners at Sheraton Perdana Resort and Kampung Tok Senik Resort, some energetic evenings of dancing and lots of enthusiastic sampling of Langkawi's duty free refreshments.
For visitors, Langkawi offers an opportunity to hoist the mainsail, tighten the ropes and head to starboard around the 99 undisturbed islands in the sun. There are several options for budding sailors. Langkawi has several marinas - Royal Langkawi Yacht Club , Awana Porto Malai and Rebak Marina Resort Another big marina development is under construction at Pantai Kok near the Mutiara Burau Bay Beach Resort.
If you are keen to sail, ask around the marina and there maybe someone heading to sea or with some luck, off to Phuket and the islands of southern Thailand. Alternatively, it is now possible to bare boat charter using the world's leading yacht charter company; Sunsail. Sunsail has an office at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club and provide fully equipped yachts for immediate sailing. If the idea of a day's sailing or an evening sunset cruise takes your fancy select from the following operators that have a variety of vessels including monohulls, multihulls, ketches and motor yachts. Stardust Crystal Yacht Holidays, Dynamite Cruises and Langkawi Leisure CruisesEvents like the recent regatta confirm Langkawi as Malaysia's premier yachting destination.
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