Raja Muda 2020 - what might have been!
by Guy Nowell 22 Nov 2020 09:31 GMT
Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta © Guy Nowell
Yesterday, Saturday 21st, should have been closing night at the Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta 2020 - a full scale slap-up party after racing from Port Klang to Pangkor to Penang and then Langkawi, with three days of cans racing thrown in for good measure. Today I should be nursing a hangover the size of Gunung Machinchang, but then that C-19 thing got in the way, and like so many other events this year, the Raja Muda never got any further than the pontoons.
Think of what we all missed... the hospitality of the Royal Selangor Yacht Club, the curious charm of the Seaview Resort at Pangkor, the Khoo Kongsi in Penang, and the fabulous limestone scenery racetrack of Langkawi. The first Raja Muda that I attended was in 2003, sailing with the fleet on all the passage races. Intrigue from Klang to Pangkor, Hollywood Boulevard onwards to Penang, and Pla Loma for the hard yards to Langkawi. 2003 was also the first time I shared a boat with the unique, incorrigible and much-lamented Capt Marty; and now he is departed, too.
This little bit of nostalgia is dedicated to all those who have sailed, sweated, parked, cursed, laughed, got drenched, got fried, and ultimately finished (let alone won!) a Raja Muda over the last 30 years. As soon as medical restrictions allow, let's get back on the horse.
Your Royal Highness, Datos and Datins, Ladies and Gentlemen, Sailors All: the 31st Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta should be starting on Friday 12 November 2021. Please mark your diaries.