In 2003, sandwiched between the maturing Phang Nga Bay Regatta (PNBR) and the fledgling Koh Samui Regatta (KSR), RLIR registered 60 entries for its first event, making it (regionally) second only to the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta in numbers. A quick scan through the 2003 register reveals a whole host of names that will be recognised by anyone familiar with the yachting scene in Phuket. Those were the dark days when Thailand, and Phuket in particular, seemed intent on sending yachting dollars to be spent in neighbouring Malaysia.

Since 2003, RNLIR numbers have only once exceeded the mid-30s, while the organisers have tried to find a slot in the calendar that would appeal to the top regional racing yachts. At the same time, two new regattas – Phuket Raceweek and Top of the Gulf Regatta – popped up to dilute the potential participant numbers.

Finally, this year – while total entries racked up a modest 36 – the folks in Langkawi got what they’ve been striving to achieve. Amidst moans and groans from the Phuket mob about the new dates (only four days after New Year – not much hangover recovery time there), RLIR pulled in nine top racing yachts – three more than the famed Phuket King’s Cup Regatta could achieve in its 20th (and biggest ever) year!

Well-known racing yacht owners, including Hong Kong multi-millionaire Frank Pong, Neil Pryde, Ray Roberts, Peter Ahern, Chris Meads and Ben Copley, battled it out for the coveted Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy – won by Ray Roberts’ Quantum Racing for the third year running.

The glittering stars aside, the entry list still demonstrates the affection Thailand’s sailing community has for Langkawi – an affection due in large part to the warm welcome visiting yachts receive from the authorities on arrival and the island’s duty free status.

Out of the 36 yachts racing, 10 were from Thailand – nine from Phuket and one all the way from Pattaya. Even more impressive were the results. With racing over six classes, four first places went to Phuket-based boats.

Neils Degenkolw’s Phoenix took IRC first, Scott Duncanson’s Raimon Land Somtam Express got top slot in Sports Boat, Roger Kingdon on Moto Inzi led the Firefly One Design class home, while Bob Brindley on X-Catriot showed this writer a thing or two, taking first in Premier Multihull.

2008 was the fourth time IMAGE asia, publishers of Shop WINDOW on Lifestyle, have made the trip down to Langkawi for a week awayfrom computers and deadlines. We’ve had our glimpse of the glory, taking the Commodore’s Challenge Trophy, the RLIR prize for coming out top of the cruising yachts, in 2006. This year it was not to be. Watching X-Catriot zip away into the distance each day, yet still battling hard for second place, IMAGE asia Ceberus had to settle for a third – out of three.

But we’ll be back to try again next year. A relaxing 20+ hour sail down and back – out of reach of cellphone signals – great parties, well-managed, competitive-yet-fun racing, robust post-race banter in the yacht club bar, an absence of traffic and a ban on calls from the office – these are the things that make Langkawi Regatta irresistible. And, of course, there’s always the chance we’ll grab the limelight again.