Sailing Langkawi International Regatta: Quantum Racing – Jelik set for showdown

The near ideal sailing conditions ensured a thrilling time for participants of the Langkawi International Regatta as they completed the second last day of races yesterday.

In the Racing class, Quantum Racing from Australia — skippered by Ray Roberts — is set for a showdown with Frank Pong’s Jelik in what could be a repeat of last year’s finals.

Roberts and his crew are headed for a fourth straight win if they manage to ward off Jelik in the final two races at the Kuah Harbour today.

Jelik crossed the line faster than other boats in all the races but its low handicap meant it had to lose out to boats with higher handicaps.

Quantum Racing’s consistency has secured the team 11 points after eight races and the team is sitting pretty at the top of the group, with Jelik in second spot (15 points), Hi Fi from New Zealand third (17 points), Australian boat YO!2 fourth (23 points) and Malaysia’s Armed Forces team in their Zuhrah in last spot with 34 points.

In the Sportsboat Platu class, the Armed Forces’ Navy 1 skippered by Mohd Masyuri Rahmat is on level points with Singaporean SMU No 5.

However, SMU with Lim Zijie Christopher is topping the group as it finished first in four of the seven races completed so far compared to just three by the Malaysians.

Another local entry, Baby Tonga 99 Degrees E is also looking hot in the Premier Cruising class after having secured 14 points to trail another Malaysian entry Skandia.com Endeavour of Whitby.

The stage is now set for the 33 boats to face off in the final two races at the Kuah Harbour today. — SHARANJIT SINGH