14th to 23rd November 2002

Quantity suffered in 2002, as several fancied racing boats got stuck in the yard, and the Bali bombing incident undoubtedly affected some skippers' decisions to compete in the region. However, a varied and sporty fleet of racers, cruisers and the more sedate 'classics' launched up the west coast of Malaysia, stopping in Pangkor for a change from Lumut, then battling through thunderstorms on the passage to Penang - these inclement conditions leading to some serious damage from lighting strikes and squalls.

The weather returned to normal or the race to Langkawi, to be followed by a total lack of wind for the first time of the harbour race days. The Regatta was rescued on the final day by enough wind to complete the races. As usual, the social scene was even livelier than the racing; the participants enjoyed the beach party in Pangkor, the elegance of the E&O Hotel in Penang, and the resort settings in Langkawi, where the boats inaugurated the extended marina at Royal Langkawi Yacht Club.

Regatta Patron His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor, graced the opening and closing dinners and presented the overall prizes, ably assisted by the host Commodore and Chairman of the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, Tunku Abdullah.