WING FOIL EVENT SET TO TAKE FLIGHT FOR FIRST TIME AT LIRP 2026

ALOR SETAR, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- The Langkawi International Regatta Perdana (LIRP) 2026, which begins on Sunday (Feb 8), is set to be one of the first to introduce the 'Wing Foil’ category.

Regatta director Mohd Afendy Abdullah said the event's introduction is in line with developments in modern water sports, which are fast gaining international recognition.

"This is also an additional attraction to draw more spectators to the regatta. Wing Foil combines elements of surfing and windsurfing, as well as the use of a non-attached wing, thus offering a high-speed and dynamic race.

"Langkawi is one step ahead as it is among the earliest to include the Wing Foil category as an official event of the prestigious regatta this time,” he said in a statement today.

He added that the event has attracted an encouraging response, with 25 individuals confirming their participation, including Ghio Romain from France and American Paul Dickey.

"Langkawi waters are expected to experience consistent wind speeds of between 10 and 15 kilometres per hour early next week… just right for the Wing Foil event.

"We also hope that young national sailor Sharifah Nadiah Wafa Syed Mohd Thalal Wafa of Perlis can step up and challenge the others in this new category,” he said.

The 22nd edition of the LIRP, from Feb 8-12, will see 298 sailors from 10 countries competing in nine categories - Optimist, Laser Standard (ILCA 7), Laser Radial (ILCA 6), Laser 4.7 (ILCA 4), International 470, International 420, Windsurfing, 29er and Wing Foil.

-- BERNAMA