LANGKAWI: Ray Roberts clinched an unprecedented seventh title in the racing class at the Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR) today.
Despite not competing in Langkawi for the past two years, Roberts' Hollywood-Provezza were just too strong for defending champions THA72.
The Australian took the title after securing nine points overall forcing THA72, led by Kevin Whitecraft, to settle for second.
"We did not compete (in RLIR) for a while because we were competing in other races," said Roberts, whose team had also featured experienced national sailors Khairunhanna and Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy.
"We had to get used to the conditions in Langkawi again. We did some training here and also had a boat which performed well.
"I also had a very good crew, all of them carried out their duties well. Khairulnizam and Khairunhanna were our secret weapons as they had a good understand about the conditions here."
With seven premier division titles in the bag, Roberts is in a class of his own at RLIR.
Australian Peter Ahern is the second most successful sailor in the race with five titles.
Marcus Blackmore, Neil Pryde, Duncan Hine, Don Whitcraft, Tom Whitcraft and Kevin Whitcraft all have one win each in the racing category.
Ray Roberts career victories in the racing category with previous teams
2011 - Evolution Racing
2010 - Evolution Racing
2009 - Quantum Racing
2008 - Quantum Racing
2007 - Ulumulu Quantum Racing
2006 - Ulumulu Quantum Racing (with Troy Yaw)
