While the limelight is on the international teams, Wicky Sundram is the man making the event possible.

Wicky, who is the general manager of the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, is pleased with the preparation of the regional renowned race and hopes sailing enthusiasts will be thrilled with the annual competition.

"We're confident of reaching our target of 45 teams. We're limiting the number of entries as we have introduced several regulations," Wicky, 40, said.

Among the new set of rules is teams are required to insure their boats and crew for the six-day event.

The race to the title and an all expense paid trip to Valencia is wide open as champions for the past three years, YO! are not competing.

"The owner of YO! sold his boat while the skipper Peter Ahern and his crew were not able to get another boat in time," said Wicky, who received an e-mail from Ahern last Friday.

It has been a rather stressful time for Wicky. However, Wicky, who is stationed in Langkawi while his family resides in KL, enjoys organising as it gives him an opportunity to learn and interact with the world's best.

"That's the reason why I don't sail. Otherwise, I will be spending more time in the water than getting my office work done," he said in jest.

On a serious note, Wicky is happy with the Sports Ministry and the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for their support.

"It is only logical to develop yachting as Malaysia is surrounded by water. We have good young sailors but more can be world class skippers," he added.

"And our PM's support towards the sport is timely as we hope more people pick up sailing." Wicky intends to send his six-year-old son Dhanesh for weekend yachting lessons at the Royal Selangor Yacht Club once he is the right age.

"The public should change their mindset as yachting is not for the upper class society. Owning a boat is expensive, but there are other affordable means getting into the scene," he added.