There were 20 participants at the ISAF Clinic in Langkawi, Malaysia. The venue was the new National Sailing Centre. The centre accommodates 100 sailors and officials. It is modern and bigger and with more facilities than many in larger Western nations. The venue will be the host for the Optimists Asians in December 2009 and the Optimist Worlds in December 2010. As well as local Malay sailors, the centre is also a training establishment for other sailors from around the Asia Pacific Region. Outside the modern teaching facility, the wind was whistling, the sun was shining and the temperature a beautiful 30 deg C. We overlooked the magnificent Royal Langkawi Yacht Club. The Clinic was timed to be a lead in to The 6th KFC Langkawi Geopark International Regatta 2009.
As often happens, the group was slow to get involved early. However after introductions and a coffee break a few of the older and more experienced Race Officers started asking questions and making comments.The first set of class exercises set the pace for more involvement and by day's end even the younger and less experienced ones were getting involved. The group included an Indonesian, a Burmese, an Englishman and the balance from Malaysia including four from Royal Malaysian Navy. Despite it being a Clinic rather than Seminar, 13 elected to do the exam. Highest mark was 96 percent. The Clinic was conducted in English with a smattering of Bahasa Malay to fill in a couple of gaps. Race Management continues to improve in Malaysia and in the next couple of years we should see our first International Race Officer.
Best wishes
Mark Pryke IRO, IJ
ISAF Instructor
