Young Navy Officer Rasyidah Takes on Sailing Challenge at Raja Muda Regatta

KLANG, Nov 14 – A 23-year-old Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) officer is making her debut at the 36th Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta (RMSIR), taking on the challenge despite having only recently started sailing.

Sub-Lieutenant Rasyidah Abdul Razak is competing as a crew member aboard the Navy-owned yacht Uranus. Her passion for sailing encouraged her to volunteer for the prestigious event.

Rasyidah said she began learning the sport just a few months ago using a Laser-class boat. However, she saw the regatta as an opportunity to gain experience and represent the Navy.

She also welcomed the chance to join the crew, noting that it had been some time since female personnel served aboard the Navy’s sailing vessels.

Training Helped Her Prepare for First Race

Although excited about the opportunity, Rasyidah admitted feeling nervous before her first race.

She explained that handling a keelboat such as Uranus was very different from sailing a Laser-class boat.

To prepare, she learned about the yacht’s ropes, equipment positions and operating procedures. Training with experienced crew members also helped her understand how the vessel moves.

Rasyidah said she hopes the experience will help her assess her abilities and develop further in the sport.

For now, her main goal is to gain valuable experience. However, she remains open to taking on bigger challenges in sailing.

Uranus Team Targets a Podium Finish

Meanwhile, Uranus team captain Warrant Officer I Muhamad Firdaus Abdul Hamid said the team combines experienced sailors with newer members.

The mix is intended to strengthen its challenge in Class 1 while giving less-experienced crew members valuable exposure.

He said preparations began about a month before the competition. The team is aiming for a top-three finish in the passage race.

23 Teams Compete in 10-Day Regatta

The 36th RMSIR began on Nov 14 and will run for 10 days.

The race starts in Port Klang before heading towards Pulau Pangkor and Penang. It will conclude in Pulau Langkawi.

A total of 23 teams are competing across five different classes this year.

For Rasyidah, the event marks an important first step in her sailing journey. It also gives her an opportunity to learn from experienced sailors while taking on a new challenge at sea.

Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy