ISKANDAR PUTERI, Jan 26 — Malaysian skipper Hazwan Hazim Dermawan achieved a historical feat since Malaysia started hosting the Monsoon Cup 11 years ago, by winning a race in the Monsoon Cup Malaysia 2015/2016 at the Puteri Harbour Marina here today.
The 27-year old Johorean, sailing under HazOne Racing Team, stole a point from Keith Swinton from Black Swan Racing, after finishing 16 seconds ahead at the finish line.
This is the first time a Malaysian team scored a point since the inception of the Monsoon Cup, 11 years ago.
Although Hazwan started the race a little late, his team managed to pocket some winds and chase Swinton, a seasoned skipper from Australia, to finish the race with a comfortable margin.
“Working with a five-man crew was an advantage for us compared to other teams who are working with only four. It gave us an edge in terms of manpower,” he told reporters after his race today.
Hazwan said his team needed to work more on their start after encountering a few mistakes during the second and third races.
“A good start will contribute about 80 per cent to a win. Our aim is to steal as many points as we get after this first win,” said Hazwan.
His crew is made up of Muhammad Shaiful Bakhtiar as main trimmer, Hazairul Muhammad (pitman), Muhammad Azrul Affizie (trimmer) and Harrith Ammry Nassution Hairuddin (bowman).
Hazwan earlier almost beat five-time world champion Ian Williams during his second race but finished two seconds behind the British skipper.
He also lost against Phil Robertson from WAKA Racing team from New Zealand.
The former national sailor will go up against Johnie Berntsson of Berntsson Sailing Team from Sweden, Reuben Corbett of Corbett Racing Team from New Zealand and Bjorn Hansen of Nautiska Racing from Sweden tomorrow. — Bernama
