LANGKAWI: The Mata Hari KL Registry team admit that the race for the IRC1 Class title at the Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR) is still wide open, though they believe that they are on the right course for a fifth straight title this time round.
In the second day of competition, Mata Hari KL Registry, who have experienced local sailor Jeremy Koo in their ranks, lead IRC1 Class after notching three wins with the latest being in Race 3 earlier today (Wednesday).
However they could not keep their winning momentum going when they finished second in Race 4 and third in Race 5, which were also held earlier today (Wednesday) with strong winds and waves.
"The title could be won by just about any other team because the other boats are sailing well,” said team skipper Vincent Chan. “Our main rival, the boat from Russia, MegaZip sailed well today and notched two victories.
"The team from Japan, Char Chan also sailed well compared to yesterday (Tuesday). So we expect a close and tough fight throughout the remainder of competition. We just hope that we can maintain some good sailing and defend our title.
"Our target has always been to defend the title for the fifth straight time in a row after emerging victorious last year.
"So far, we are on the right course but in sailing we have to take into account the weather conditions, and the many challenges and obstacles that can crop up, so we must achieve the best possible placing in order to remain at the top.”
After five races, including two races that were won by the team yesterday (Tuesday), Mata Hari KL Registry now lead the competition by five points overall, while Char Chan are second on eight points. MegaZip, skippered by Alexey Mashkin, are third on nine points.