RMSIR 2025: THE NEXT FACTOR WINS RAJA MUDA CUP

LANGKAWI, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- The Next Factor from Malaysia clinched the Raja Muda Cup for the second consecutive year today, sealing victory in the 2025 Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta (RMSIR), a nine-day sailing challenge that began on Nov 14.

The Next Factor, skippered by Rolf Heemskerk, topped Class 1 with a narrow one-point margin over Hollywood Samurai, who finished with 19 penalty points, while Blitz placed third with 24 points. Heemskerk’s crew were also the reigning champions from last year’s edition.

Reflecting on their title defence, Heemskerk said the team never lost focus despite a slow start in the early stages of the regatta.

“We were not leading most of the race, but we kept fighting. Every race is a new race, and every second counts. 

“The secret recipe is simple hard work, a good crew, and having great fun at the same time,” he told reporters after the prize presentation ceremony today.

In Class 2, Shahtoosh captured the Jugra Challenge Cup, while Jolt won Class 3 to lift the Dato’ Abdul Aziz Ismail Challenge Trophy.

Kimikimi secured the Jeff Harris Challenge Trophy in Class 4, while Dash dominated Class 5 to take home the Pulau Langkawi Yacht Club Trophy.

The Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, graciously presented the trophy to the winners during the ceremony tonight.

A total of 23 teams competed in the 35th edition of the RMSIR, which featured offshore stages from Port Klang to Pulau Pangkor, Pulau Pangkor to Penang, and Penang to Langkawi, as well as inshore races in Penang and Langkawi.

The regatta was started by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, during his tenure as Raja Muda Selangor.

-- BERNAMA