Tiger Challenge Trophy open to all IRC boats at regatta

Tiger Beer has ramped up its sponsorship of the annual Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta (RMSIR) scheduled to be held from Nov 18 to 26. Also, the Tiger Challenge Trophy for the best IRC Passage Race Performance category is introduced for the first time in this RMSIR edition, where all yachts can compete regardless of their classes.

Traditionally, there are seven divisions for participants to compete in, depending on the handicap of the boats. The trophy will be awarded to the IRC boat and skipper with the best offshore passage race performance, based on the lowest points score.

The offshore passage races are run from Port Klang to Pangkor, Pangkor to Penang and lastly, Penang to Langkawi, which is the last stop for the regatta. As the IRC is a handicap system that allocates a higher number to bigger and faster boats, this number is used to adjust the final elapsed time taken for the race. The challenge can be won by a smaller, slower boat that employs the best tactics during these long night races.

Tiger marketing manager Sean Koh said the new category was an exciting development for the regatta and the ‘David and Goliath’ element in the challenge resonates perfectly with the Tiger brand. “We believe that winners are not born but created out of sheer determination, passion, wit and intelligence. “This is why we are excited and honoured to present the Tiger Challenge Trophy, which allows for a fair fight amongst all the boats regardless of their sizes and it awards the boat and skipper with the best strategy. “Sailing and conquering the open sea requires courage and teamwork but most importantly the mindset of winning,” he said.

The new category’s exciting challenge is echoed by Royal Selangor Yacht Club general manager Malcolm Elliott, “The best part of the RMSIR, is that it is very much a participation sport — many of the yachts are happy to take applications from the public as crew members, and as we are the largest regatta in Malaysia, there is no better opportunity for people to come along, take part or simply join in with the festivities.” The RMSIR takes place over 240km consisting of three overnight passage races. Contestants will race from Port Klang-Pangkor-Penang-Langkawi, inclusive of a day of harbour racing in both Penang and Langkawi.
-thestar online.