RLIR 2025: Mata Hari Remains Optimistic Of Winning Title For Eighth Time

Team Mata Hari Optimistic of Securing Eighth Victory in Royal Langkawi International Regatta 2025

Team Mata Hari from Malaysia remains optimistic of accomplishing an eighth victory in the Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR) 2025 despite being ranked second overall in the IRC1 class.

Challenging Conditions

Vincent Chan’s Mata Hari is in second spot with 12 penalty points after seven laps of the race, behind Kazuki Kihara’s Team Char Chan of Japan in first position with six penalty points. Vincent said his team had faced a difficult situation since the first round on Tuesday with the wind conditions being too strong and the waves making it difficult for his crew to control the ship better as the Mata Hari was smaller than the Char Chan vessel.

"The sixth and seventh rounds of the race today were very challenging with strong wind and wave changes. Char Chan, which had the advantage, sailed very well and managed to finish both laps of the race in first place," Vincent said.

Undeterred Spirit

However, Vincent said his team has not given up hope yet and will try their best until the race is completely over. "I am very touched by the spirit shown by all Mata Hari crew who do not give up and fight for their best," he told Bernama today.

Retention of Championship

Vincent said his team will look to create an eighth win in the IRC1 class this year, thus retaining the championship won at last year’s RLIR.

Racing Class Update

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s The Next Factor team continued to defend their lead position in the Racing Class after collecting eight penalty points, thus leaving the other three challengers adrift. Hong Kong’s Team Blitz is in second place with 14 penalty points, followed by Thailand’s Team Vayu with 15 penalty points and Malaysia’s ATM Sailing Team in last place with 21 penalty points.

Third Day Results

RACING CLASS (AFTER SEVEN RACES) :

1. The Next Factor (MAS) – 8 penalty points
2. Blitz (HKG) – 14 penalty points
3. Vayu (THA) – 15 penalty points
4. ATM Sailing Team (MAS) – 21 penalty points

IRC1 CLASS (AFTER SEVEN RACES) :

1. Char Chan (JPN) – 6 penalty points
2. Mata Hari (MAS) – 12 penalty points
3. Team Jolt (SGP) – 17 penalty points
4. Uminoko (KGZ) – 30 penalty points
5. Red Rum One (SGP) – 30 penalty points
6. Sailing Dream (CHN) – 31 penalty points
7. Venture (NEU) – 34 penalty points
8. Kesini (SGP) – 43 penalty points
9. Team Malabar (MAS) – 50 penalty points

IRC2 CLASS (AFTER SIX RACES) :

1. Phoenix (DEN) – 6 penalty points
2. PDRM Sailing Team (MAS) – 10 penalty points
3. The Blue Angel (MAS) – 14 penalty points
4. Telaga Sail99 – UMT Racing Team (MAS) – 16 penalty points
5. VG Offshore (MAS) – 25 penalty points

SPORTBOATS CLASS (AFTER SEVEN RACES) :

1. RSYC Racing Team (MAS) – 6 penalty points
2. Navy 2 (MAS) – 12 penalty points
3. Navy 1 (MAS) – 16 penalty points
4. RSYC Sailing Team (MAS) – 24 penalty points

MULTIHULL CLASS (AFTER SIX RACES) :

1. Twin Sharks (THA) – 7 penalty points
2. Haruki (AUS) – 9 penalty points
3. WOW (GBR) – 11 penalty points
4. Boreas (AUS) – 20 penalty points
5. Trident (GBR) – 25 penalty points

CLUB CLASS (AFTER SIX RACES) :

1. Dash (MAS) – 5 penalty points
2. Wind of Change (NEU) – 11 penalty points
3. Suraya (AUS) – 14 penalty points
4. Marikh (MAS) – 18 penalty points
5. Onisama Sailing Racing (CHN) – 25 penalty points
6. Red Cap Sailing School (GBR) – 29 penalty points
7. Tofan (MAS) – 35 penalty points
8. Eveline (MAS) – 35 penalty points

Conclusion

Despite facing challenging conditions, Team Mata Hari remains optimistic of securing an eighth victory in the RLIR 2025. With their undeterred spirit and determination, the team is confident of retaining the championship won at last year’s event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the current ranking of Team Mata Hari in the IRC1 class?
A: Team Mata Hari is currently ranked second with 12 penalty points.

Q: What is the main challenge faced by Team Mata Hari in the competition?
A: The team is facing strong wind and wave changes, making it difficult to control the ship better.

Q: What is Team Mata Hari’s goal for the RLIR 2025?
A: The team aims to create an eighth win in the IRC1 class and retain the championship won at last year’s event.