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Gotcha Got It
Malaysia's Own Capture Raja Muda |
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Words
and photos by Ali Tasker
A It's unpredictable, it's frustrating, it's exhilarating...it's
the annual Raja Muda International Regatta. 
Again, an international flotilla of yachts owned and crewed
by an ensemble of rockstars, would-be rockstars, cruisers and
true-blue sailors made their way north through the Malacca Straits
during the 10th annual Raja Muda International Regatta this
past November 19-27, 1999. The regatta is part of the Asian
Regatta Series, of which the winner is awarded the coveted Sir
Thomas Lipton Perpetual Cup. Thus there are those who take the
racing very seriously; having their yachts and crew finely tuned,
playing the wind and the tides like a symphony orchestra. However,
many yachts and sailors are there for the pure fun and enjoyment
of the sailing and the apr�s sailing, for which the Raja Muda
is renowned. As expected, this year was no exception.
Good wind, bright sunshine and heavy rain followed the fleet
up the West Coast of Malaysia, from Port Klang to Langkawi.
For the sleek racing boats this format meant swift afternoon
passages, twilight sails, evening nightcaps on the beach and
a dry night's sleep. For the cruisers the story was slightly
different; the nights deepened, the heavy storms descended and
the finish line often became an illusion in the flashes of lightning
and driving rain.
Thus the Raja Muda was played out over three competitive and
challenging passage races and two triangle courses, with the
Malaysian yacht "Gotcha", owned and sailed by the Rahim brothers
in their bright orange shirts, taking the overall winner's cup.
Gotcha was closely followed by Neil Pryde's Sydney 46', "Hi-Fidelity",
and Keith Moore's "Pla Loma". The Cruising Class, which this
year saw 20 yachts competing, was topped by the X-41 "Monsoon
Blue", with "Diah Tantri" second, and "Matatahari" third. In
the Classic Division, with a number of ARC cruisers participating,
Malaysia again took the top prize with the 42ft "Eveline", followed
by the Indonesian Navy in their much admired training schooner,
"Kal Arsa", and from San Francisco came the competitive "Isobar".
The main winner though, is the regatta itself, which creates
so many memories, both on sea and land, with the unpredictable
winds and shallows, followed by the welcoming yacht clubs and
well organised parties. Mark the Millennium Raja Muda in your
diaries now - a regatta not to be missed: 17 - 26 November 2000
Memories of the last regatta of the 20th century
The "Sayonara" piper, serenading everyone with his tartan bagpipes
at Lumut.
Sailing a starboard tack to the start, just ahead of the port-laying
major players, who had to change course for 39 footer.
Skimming the mudbanks on the Lumut to Penang race, spinnaker
flying, at 9.5kts and only 0.6 under the keel.
The ever-elusive finishing line, and trying to define the fishing
lights and the committee boat.
An array of buckets lying out the stern of yachts in Penang,
keeping heavy-duty mooring buoys from thumping into the bow.
The revamped Penang City Bay View, and a little confusion in
room numbers, resulting in Chas showering in someone else's
room, a missing son and a deaf and comatose yachtie who was
oblivious to his TV at full volume at 1am in the morning, much
to the annoyance of his neighbours.
Sarong clad sailors, of all shapes and sizes at a wet but innovative
and enjoyable street party in Penang. (But please bring back
the colourful T-shirts)
The exciting start to the last race of the regatta, the Langkawi
Triangles, resulting in "Gotcha" being pushed out of the line
and "X-el" having her best start in months; just a shame she
was a few seconds early!
Radio checks and speculation as to whether "Foxy Lady" was foxy
or not.
"Sayonara's" huge yellow spinnaker.
The mispronunciation of "Die Swaene".
The red and white hibiscus flowered shirts of the "Switchblade"
crew in Langkawi.
The scarlet clad crew of "Kal Arsa".
Tall Paul's birthday surprise mayonnaise.
And finally, a very royal prize-giving presentation.
Gotcha Got It - Malaysia's Own Capture
Raja Muda
Singapore Sling
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