LANGKAWI: National sailor Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy’s dream of sailing using a ‘TP52 Series’ boat has been realised during the 2019 Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR).
Khairulnizam, who has already qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, joined the current leaders in the Premier Racing Class, Hollywood-Provezza which is skippered by experienced Australian Ray Roberts.
"This is my first time joining a sailing team by getting onboard Hollywood-Provezza. The experience is very good for me because the team has a really good boat.
"I really like this boat and I always wanted to get onboard, so I have been able to fulfill my dream right here at the Langkawi Regatta. So far, it has been a really good decision and I am very happy,” said Khairulnizam.
"This time round is an eye opener as there are a lot of differences with what I usually do in terms of sailing. Laser and big boats are quite different because for this sort of race the understanding, relationship, camaraderie and teamwork must be good among the crew and the team.
"If at all a mistake is made, then we fall behind. A lot has been learnt so far, about the beginning of the race, what goes into proper planning and making decisions.”
Apart from Khairulnizam, his younger sibling Khairunhanna also got onboard, and skipper Roberts said that both siblings have helped the team a lot especially in knowing the waters and conditions around Langkawi.
"Taking them onboard was definitely worthwhile as they are very good and professional in their conduct. They have been teaching us… so they constantly tell us what needs to be done and why. If forgotten, they will immediately remind us which is really good.
"It has been really good, there has been no animosity whatsoever. For me they seem to enjoy the conditions here around Langkawi as they are sailing and sailing makes us all happy,” he said.