The 21st edition of the Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR), held from January 20-25, 2025, brought together some of the most competitive sailing teams in the region. With ten races set against the breathtaking Langkawi Archipelago, sailors faced everything from light breezes to gusts reaching 25 knots. Among the standout performances in the IRC 1 Division were CHAR CHAN and MATA HARI, both sailing with UK Sailmakers inventories, showcasing speed, strategy, and consistency throughout the regatta.

CHAR CHAN Claims Victory in IRC 1
Skippered by Kazuki Kihara, CHAR CHAN emerged victorious in the highly competitive IRC 1 Division, securing the LADA-IRC 1 Challenge Trophy. Racing with an X-Drive Carbon and Matrix Spinnaker sail inventory from UK Sailmakers Japan, CHAR CHAN demonstrated superior boat speed and tactical execution. The team won seven of the ten races, and managed to hold off fierce competition, finishing seven points ahead of local favorite MATA HARI.


CHAR CHAN won the IRC 1 Division at the 2025 Royal Langkawi International Regatta. Photos © Andy Leong Photography Studio.
MATA HARI Takes Second with UK Sailmakers Hong Kong Sails
Hot on CHAR CHAN’s heels, Vincent Chan’s MATA HARI claimed second place in the division, also powered by UK Sailmakers technology. Sporting a Titanium sail inventory paired with Matrix Spinnakers from UK Sailmakers Hong Kong, MATA HARI delivered a strong performance throughout the regatta. Despite putting up a relentless fight, they were ultimately edged out by CHAR CHAN in a thrilling battle that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

A Regatta to Remember
The 2025 RLIR once again lived up to its reputation as one of Asia’s premier regattas. With 35 boats from nine countries and over 270 participants in attendance. The shifting conditions tested teams’ adaptability, while protests and tactical duels added another layer of intensity to the competition.
Beyond the racing, the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship was evident, with acts such as ATM Sailing Team assisting BOREAS after a mid-race capsize. These moments, alongside the thrilling battles on the water, are what make RLIR such a cherished event in the sailing calendar.
Congratulations to CHAR CHAN and MATA HARI for their outstanding performances, and a special acknowledgment to UK Sailmakers Japan and UK Sailmakers Hong Kong for providing the cutting-edge sails that helped power these teams to success.


CHAR CHAN at the 2025 Royal Langkawi International Regatta. Photos © Andy Leong Photography Studio.