The Royal Langkawi International Regatta is the brainchild of Y.A.M. Tunku Tan Sri Abdullah Tuanku Abdul Rahman, the Commodore and principal founder member of the RYLC. Inaugurated in 2003, the RLIR 2006 is a part of the Asian Regatta Calendar drawing regular boats as well as new participants who actively race in regional yacht circuits.

The RLIR 2006 consists of two main trophies - the Prime Minister's Challenge Trophy and the Commodore's Challenge Cup. The former is open to internationally registered yachts while club-registered cruisers compete in the latter category. Two other trophies - the Langkawi Sports Trophy and the Malaysian Multihull Challenge Cup - will be presented to winners of the Sports Boat and Multihull categories.

In RLIR 2005's event, the Peter Ahern-skippered Yo! emerged triumphant to claim the Prime Minister's Challenge Trophy for the third consecutive year while Lady M, under the guidance of David Kimpton, won the Commodore's Challenge Cup.

Y.A.M. Tunku Tan Sri Abdullah Tuanku Abdul Rahman said: "Now into its forth year, the RLIR 2006 is already carving its niche within this region's sailing circuit. As the competition heats up in this event, we will strive to achieve our objective of raising the Malaysian profile within the Asian Regatta Calendar and give home grown talents a suitable platform to establish themselves."

The RLIR 2006 is organized by Royal Langkawi Yacht Club and supported by the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board, Lembaga Pembangunan Langkawi (LADA) and the State of Kedah.