Rebak Island, Langkawi | September 8, 2025 – The Rebak Island Social Regatta 2025 concluded yesterday in thrilling fashion, firmly establishing itself as a centerpiece of Langkawi’s burgeoning reputation as an international sailing hub. Running from September 4th to 7th, this year’s regatta featured not just one, but two major racing events that captivated seasoned competitors and young talents alike.
Hosted by the prestigious Rebak Island Resort & Marina, the regatta proudly carried its theme, “A New Wave of Unity,” reflecting its effort to bring together diverse talent while championing both tradition and innovation. With breathtaking Langkawi waters as its backdrop, the event marked another step forward in enhancing Malaysia’s status as a global sailing destination.
Two Events, One Vision
The 2025 edition of the Rebak Island Social Regatta introduced an exciting dual-racing format that brought even greater depth and visibility to the event.
Rebak Island Social Regatta – This signature competition continued with its ever-popular Monohull and Multihull categories, drawing elite sailors from across the world who displayed precision, skill, and sportsmanship in an exhilarating contest on Langkawi’s iconic waters.
Rebak Island Junior Regatta – For the first time in its history, the regatta introduced the Junior Regatta, a platform designed to uncover and nurture young sailing talent. This groundbreaking addition gave young sailors the opportunity to compete side by side with the larger international sailing community while captivating public interest through races hosted on Chenang Beach, marking an historic moment as the first publicly viewable sailing competition in Malaysia.
Together, these events reflect the organisers’ deep commitment to growing the sport of sailing while bridging the gap between seasoned pros and the next generation of champions.
Thrilling Results: Winners from Around the World
Both events delivered exhilarating competition, with sailors achieving outstanding results in their respective categories:
Rebak Island Social Regatta
Multihull Class Winners
- 1st Place: Dark Horse (New Zealand) – Skipper: Nigel Signal
- 2nd Place: Freedom (Dutch) – Skipper: Rudolf Heemskerk
- 3rd Place: Tri (Australia) – Skipper: Cameron Robinson
Monohull Class Winners
- 1st Place: Telaga Sail SAIL99/SSL (Malaysia) – Skipper: Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy
- 2nd Place: Kimi Kimi (New Zealand) – Skipper: James Duke
- 3rd Place: Niobe (Germany) – Skipper: Sven Kaiser
The regatta’s results underscored the global appeal of the event, with remarkable international representation among the podium finishers.
The Challenger Trophy: Celebrating the Best of the Best
One of the regatta’s standout moments was the awarding of the Challenger Trophy for the Second Rebak Island Social Regatta, a prestigious honor reserved for the best overall performance. The coveted trophy was claimed by the Malaysian team aboard Telaga Sail SAIL99/SSL, which delivered an exceptional showing in the Monohull category.
The skipper, Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy, and his team displayed immense skill and determination to secure the title, making Malaysia proud. The Challenger Trophy capped off a stellar regatta and reinforced Langkawi’s reputation as the home of world-class sailing talent.
Junior Regatta: A Game-Changer for Sailing’s Future
The debut of the Rebak Island Junior Regatta shined as a defining moment in this year’s program. Young participants competed with the same level of determination and enthusiasm as their senior counterparts, signalling the arrival of a new wave of talent in Malaysia’s sailing scene.
“This is more than an event—it’s a gathering that brings together the entire sailing community, bridging all ages and backgrounds on Langkawi Island.” remarked Hafiz Hashim, Cluster General Manager of Rebak Island Resort & Marina. “The introduction of the Junior Regatta represents a significant step in nurturing young sailing talent, offering aspiring sailors the opportunity to compete and gain invaluable exposure on an international stage.
This initiative not only supports the growth and development of the sport but also reinforces Langkawi’s status as a premier destination on the global sailing map. Furthermore, as a key driver for the tourism industry, the event creates new avenues for attracting visitors, particularly water sports enthusiasts, contributing to the growth of nautical tourism and solidifying Langkawi’s reputation as a world-class destination for maritime activities.”
Bridging Tradition and Progress
The Rebak Island Social Regatta 2025 stayed true to its core values of simplicity and inclusivity while continuing to innovate. The Junior Regatta represented a bold new direction for the event, alongside the enduring popularity of its Monohull and Multihull races.
MSA President Dato’ Hj. Mohd Rawi Bin Abdul Hamid commended the organizers on their efforts to broaden access to competitive sailing:“This year’s regatta is unique, as it marks the first-ever sailing event in Malaysia that was made accessible to the public. By hosting races at Chenang Beach, we’ve not only brought incredible sailing talent to our shores but also brought the beauty and thrill of the sport to spectators, igniting new passion for sailing in Malaysia.”
The Numbers Tell the Story
This year’s regatta attracted 25 yachts in the signature Social Regatta categories, alongside 94 vessels and 107 competitors across the Junior Regatta and other classes:
- Optimist A, B, C
- ILCA 4, 6, and 7
- INT420 and 470
- 29er, Bio Techno, and Race Board categories
Participants represented clubs and teams from nine Malaysian states, including Kedah, Sarawak, and Johor, while international teams hailed from Thailand, Sri Lanka, and other countries. Elite Malaysian sailors, including those from MSN Podium Squads and SSL Team Malaysia, were also in attendance, contributing to a highly competitive atmosphere.
Key Partners Make It Possible
The success of the Rebak Island Social Regatta was supported by the collaboration between several key partners and sponsors.
Host:
- Rebak Island Resort & Marina, under Tradewinds Corporation Bhd
Sponsors:
- Marine Supplies Asia
- YP Marine Sdn Bhd
- Anticimex Malaysia
Partners:
- Tourism Malaysia, Visit Malaysia Year 2026
- Minister of Youth & Sports
- Tourism Kedah, Visit Kedah Year 2025
- Langkawi Development Authority (LADA)
- Malaysia Sailing Association
- Kedah Sailing Association
A Legacy in the Making
Event Director Derrick Van Deventer concluded with an optimistic view of the regatta’s continued growth:
“The Rebak Island Social Regatta is not only a celebration of sailing excellence but a platform that unites the past, present, and future of the sport. With the Junior Regatta now a part of our program, we’re investing in young talent while maintaining the high standards of our traditional Monohull and Multihull races. This regatta has evolved into a world-class event, and we’re incredibly proud to play a role in shaping Langkawi’s legacy as a global sailing destination.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the 2025 edition sails into history, the Rebak Island Social Regatta continues to stand as a beacon for innovation, inspiration, and community within the international sailing world. With its strong foundations and bold new additions, the event promises even greater achievements in the coming years.
Langkawi isn’t just a destination—it’s becoming the heart of sailing excellence.
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