DAKHLAH Soraya, Tunku (MALAYSIA

As Chairperson of Royal Langkawi International Regatta, Y.M. Tunku Soraya Dakhlah binti Tunku Tan Sri Abdullah enjoys sailing and often participates in the regatta that her father inaugurated. She works closely with the Langkawi Government to position the island as a key marine destination in Asia.

TO Liz (HONG KONG)

To grew up in Sai Kung and followed her captain father’s footsteps by obtaining her pleasure yacht captain license at 18. With 10 years of experience in various sectors of the yachting industry, both onboard and ashore, she participated in the launch of brokerage YPI operations in Asia with a deep understanding of Asian clients’ needs.

KOO Tiffany (HONG KONG)

Malaysia-born Tiffany, with her very experienced brother cum mentor (and at times racing rival) Jeremy, won the Malaysian match racing championships. In recent years, she has focused her attention on training Chinese sailors and has successfully competed with them in many editions of the China Cup International Regatta. She is also the Asian representative for sailing wear brand SLAM in Asia.

LAU Carmen (HONG KONG)

With over 15 years of experience in diverse yachting disciplines focusing on yachts over 30 meters, Lau started her yacht management company in 2013 after working for Benetti Asia. In 2017, she joined Camper & Nicholsons Asia as managing director and board director, providing bespoke comprehensive yacht charter, management and brokerage services to Asian customers around the globe.

LEE Lai San (HONG KONG)

Popularly known as “San San”, she became a national hero and an inspiration for Asian sailors after winning the windsurfing gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Lee became a recipient of the “Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award” and the Bronze Bauhinia Star Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements in the international sports scene.

XU LiJia (CHINA)

Trained as a swimmer, “Golden Lily” began racing Optimists at the age of 10, then moved on to the Laser Radial class and won the World Title
in 2006. At the London Olympics in 2012, she won a gold medal in the same class and was voted ISAF Rolex Sailor of the Year.

ZHANG Xiaodong (CHINA)

The current President of the China Yachting Association, Zhang is a Chinese sailor who won the Silver Medal in Women’s Windsurfer in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Her appointment is welcomed by the sailing community in China, which has grown significantly in recent years.

SEERY Patti (INDONESIA)

Thirty years after she first moved to Indonesia, Seery has built two Indonesian phinisis, the 50m Silolona and Si Datu Bura, which have set the standard for five star cruising in Asia. An expert on Indonesian art and textiles, as well as New Guinea’s tribes, Seery’s commitment to the region is exceptional.