LANGKAWI: An early warning of the Pabuk tropical storm hitting the island did not stop more than 50 sailors from turning up for the Royal International Regatta here.
The six-day race starts on Monday.
The regatta is expected to be keenly contested as defending champion for the Prime Minister’s Trophy, THA72, manned by Kevin Whitcraft and his father, Tom have returned.
Royal Langkawi Yacht Club (RLYC) general manager Tayfun Koksal said: "We have 35 newcomers while the rest are veterans.
“The sailors are from Australia, France, Denmark, Japan, Germany, Britain, Russia, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.
"They will be competing in seven classes — Racing, IRC 1, IRC 2, Sportsboat, Club Cruising, Multihull, Ocean Rover and White Sail,” said Tayfun.