Ready, Get Set, Sail! Pulau Duyong, Kuala Terengganu, will be the place to be come October 2011 as aspiring match race sailors battle it out at the Malaysian Match Racing Championship (MMRC).

Registration is now open for the Monsoon Cup qualifiers, which will take place at the purpose-built match racing venue, Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort & Spa from October 7-10.

The MMRC is the qualifying race that determines which team deserves the honour of representing Malaysia at the Monsoon Cup, the final and deciding leg of the World Match Racing Tour. Last year, 8 local teams took part in the MMRC, double the number of teams in 2006. This year, the number of qualifiers is expected to increase, particularly with the introduction of an intensive match racing clinic which will take place prior to the MMRC.

A new addition to this year’s programme, the first of its kind clinic aiming to educate the participants on match racing fundamentals and bring them up to speed on the latest techniques to elevate their match racing skills to the next level. Participants will have the rare chance of learning from internationally acclaimed coaches who will help them hone their skills and prepare them mentally and physically for the race.

Each participating team will feature five crew members who will sail the Foundation 36 (F-36) boats, the same used in the Monsoon Cup. The winners of the MMRC will have the opportunity to race with the best international yacht racers while representing Malaysia at the Monsoon Cup. The winning team stands to not only secure themselves with a coveted spot at the race but also stand a chance to win almost RM1.5 million in prize money.

About Malaysian Match Racing Championship (MMRC)
Back in 2006, the Monsoon Cup was the first race to have a series of qualifiers to encourage the participation of young, upcoming local sailors in the professional match race scene. Those qualifiers were the Malaysian Match Racing Championship (MMRC) and the Asian Match Racing Championship (AMRC).

From 4 teams at its inception in 2006, the Malaysian Match Racing Championship has now grown to have 13 local teams taking part in last year’s event.

The winner will be the sole Malaysian representative at the Monsoon Cup, the final and deciding leg of the World Match Racing Tour. It is a chance to compete with the world’s top match race sailors.

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