The winds, which had been blowing at an average speed of 12 knots the past few days, were recorded at only five knots when the boats went out to sea yesterday morning – forcing the race to be postponed for four hours.

"It did improve slightly, but only after a four-hour wait. It was blowing at a speed of about six knots when we finally got the opening race under way," said Ahmad Zailani Bashah, chairman of the regatta's technical committee.

"The unfavourable conditions and the delayed start forced us to base the first day's results on just one race as we had to abandon the second race."

The delayed start clearly affected the concentration of five-time winner Ray Roberts, who came in second on the opening day with Evolution Racing.

Roberts, who is eager to land the Prime Minister’s Trophy for the sixth time, clocked 1'48:13 – 4:50 slower that Hi-Fi.

Hi Fi, skippered by New Zealander Neil Pryde clocked 1'43:23. Jelik 5, skippered by Tiffany Koo, was third in 1'48:41.