LANGKAWI — The ATM Sailing Team’s decision to cut their race short to assist a capsized yacht during the Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR) 2025 has earned them the Tunku Abdullah Sportsmanship Award.
Representing Malaysia in the Racing class with their yacht Uranus, the team were the first to aid the Australian yacht Boreas after it capsized on the fourth day of the regatta on Friday.
Recounting the incident, which occurred around 11 am, ATM Sailing Team captain Hasani Izhar said his team were competing in the eighth round when they noticed Boreas overturn nearby.
“Upon seeing their yacht capsize, we discussed and unanimously decided to stop and abandon our race to assist Boreas. When we arrived, we provided immediate first aid to a crew member with a shoulder injury.
“We then transferred five other crew members and their belongings to Uranus. Additionally, we supplied ropes and contacted the Marine Police for emergency assistance and to initiate efforts to salvage the capsized yacht,” Hasani told Bernama after receiving the award at the RLIR 2025 closing ceremony last night.
Hasani added that after stabilising the yacht, some of his team members helped the Boreas crew pump water out from 4 pm to 8 pm.
“Although we were competing for points in the race, emergencies involving lives at sea are a responsibility we cannot ignore. We later learned this was the first instance of a yacht capsizing during RLIR’s history.
“Even though we didn’t win in the Racing class, we feel deeply honoured and proud to receive this meaningful award. It is the first time we have been recognised with such an award since our RLIR debut in 2006,” he said.
Karen Rowlands, 72, a Boreas crew member competing in the Multihull class, sustained head, shoulder, and thigh injuries. She was taken to Sultanah Maliha Hospital, Langkawi, for further treatment.
The Tunku Abdullah Sportsmanship Award is a special accolade presented to individuals or teams demonstrating exemplary sportsmanship, either at sea or onshore, during RLIR. The recipient is determined by votes cast by race participants. — January 26, 2025