22nd Royal Langkawi International Regatta, Ready to Set Sail from 19th to 24th January 2026
Langkawi, 15th Jan 2026 – The Southeast Asian regatta scene is once again ready to kick off with the return of Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR) from 19th to 24th January 2026. This is the 22nd edition of RLIR since its debut in 2003. The regatta aims to position Malaysia, and Langkawi in particular, as a prominent sailing destination while promoting sports tourism in the country.
This eagerly anticipated annual regatta at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club (RLYC) in Kuah, is expected to welcome 35 sailing yachts from all over the globe including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, China, Chinese Taipei, India, Australia and United Kingdom, with a total of more than 250 sailors participating.
Sailors will compete in 7 classes namely Racing, IRC 1, IRC 2, Multihull Racing, Multihull Cruising, Sports Boat and Club. The winner of each class will be awarded with the following prestigious trophies: Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy (Racing Class), LADA-IRC Challenge Trophy (IRC 1 Class), PSC-IRC 2 Challenge Trophy (IRC 2 Class), Langkawi Sports Trophy (Sports Boat Class), Malaysia Multihull Challenge Cup (Multihull Class), and RLYC Commodore’s Challenge Cup (Club Class).
In addition, individuals or teams who demonstrate high sportsmanship both at sea and on land throughout the RLIR have the opportunity to bring home the special Tunku Abdullah Sportsmanship Award. The winner of this award will be determined based on the highest number of votes from the competing participants.
RLIR graciously acknowledges the sponsors: Turkish Airlines, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Tourism Malaysia, Kedah State Government, ALJ Global Sdn Bhd, Malaysia International Boat Show ’26 Langkawi (MYBOS ’26), Tropicana Cenang Langkawi, Rainman Watermakers and Marine Supplies Asia. A heartfelt gratitude goes to the media partners: HOMME and Sea Yachting. Additionally, RLIR is pleased to announce that Turkish Airlines will be the official airline for RLIR 2026, and that Gatorade and Lipton Soda will be the official beverages.
RLIR is supported by the Malaysia Sailing Association (MSA), World Sailing and Aseanarean Bluewater Alliance.
