RLIR 2016: Final Day Races Cancelled Due To Lack Of Winds

LANGKAWI, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- The climax of the 14th Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR) had to be cancelled Saturday due to the lack of winds.

RLIR participants competing in eight categories had to wait nearly four hours before the organisers announced the cancellation.

Wind speeds of between three to four knots forced the two races in each category to be held on the final day to be cancelled, as the minimum wind speed to hold a race is six knots.

However, the cancellation did not affect the position of Australia's team 'Alive' to win the the Racing Class category, taking home the Prime Minister's Challenge Trophy for the first time.

Alive, skippered by Duncan Hane, emerged champions after eight races yesterday, with the lowest overall point collection of 12.

Meanwhile, second place was won by 'Millenium Racing' (Australia), skippered by Ray Roberts with 13 points, and last year's champion, 'Oi!' (Australia) led by Peter Ahern finished third with 14 points.

Hane said his team had performed well during the meet, and they had enjoyed every moment of being on the legendary island.

"We survived with the best point collection. Whatever it is, we do not mind if the race did not take place, but at the same time, our team is ready to compete," he told reporters at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club.

Commenting on whether Alive will defend the title in next year's edition, Hane said: "I want to, but it may not be possible (to join RLIR next year) as we will be taking part in the Sydney Hobart race, and the dates of the two championships are quite close."

More than 300 sailors from 37 teams competed in the eight categories. RLIR 2016 FULL RESULTS:

Racing:

1. Alive (AUS) 12 points

2. Millenium Racing (AUS) 13 points

3. Oi! (AUS) 14 points

4. Ulumulu (MAS) 25 points

5. Jelik (HKG) 33 points

6. Trader (USA) 41 points

IRC 1:

1. Fujin (AUS) 9 points

2. Uranus (MAS) 15 points

3. Emagine (AUS) 18 points

4. Megazip (RUS) 23 points

5. Insanity (MAS) 35 points

IRC 2:

1. Mata Hari (MAS) 10 points

2. Phoenix (DEN) 12 points

3. Foreign Affair(AUS) 17 points

4. Fargo Ladies with Dad (THA) 30 points

5. Rekering Dream (SIN) 35 points

6. Old Pultency Blue Angel (MAS) 35 points

Sportsboats:

1. SMU (SIN) 11 points

2. Team RLYC (MAS) 12 points

3. ATM (MAS) 19 points

4. Phuket Youth Sailing Club Thailand (THA) 22 points

5. GAPIMA/PNS (MAS) 30 points

Multihull:

1. WOW (GBR) 6 points

2. Allegro (MAS) 11 points

3. IMAGE asia Nina (THA) 10 points

4. Manta Blu (MAS) 24 points

Club:

1. Sophia (NZL) 4 points

2. Lady Bubbly (AUS) 11 points

3. Delite (MAS) 12 points

4. Indulgence (MAS) 13 points

Ocean Rover:

1. Eveline (MAS) 5 points

2. My Toy (AUS) 7 points

White Sail:

1. Chantique (MAS) 4 points

2. VG Offshore (MAS) 9 points

3. Rascal (GBR) 13 points

4. Viva Layla (JPN) 15 points

5. Alakaluff (CHN) 19 points
-bernama.