Phuket King’s Cup Regatta 2006 to Celebrate 20th Year

Created by doina. Last modified on 2006-11-02 14:26:07
Topic: Rallies
Countries: Thailand

This year’s Phuket King’s Cup Regatta will see the celebration of 20 years of being Asia’s most prestigious yacht race. This year’s race will also celebrate His Majesty the King’s Royal Diamond Jubilee, the commemoration of his 60th year on the throne.

First held in 1987 to celebrate His Majesty the King's 60th birthday, the event has been held every year since during the first week of December. Under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, the regatta is organised by the Phuket King's Cup Regatta Organising Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket.

Khun Santi Kanchanabandhu, President of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organising Committee, said, “This year’s regatta is shaping up as a record year in the number of entries, and promises to be the most exciting to date. With recent accolades and our team of experts in place, we can guarantee racing at the highest international standards.”

Sailors from around the world will take part in the race, with 86 boats from 18 countries making up last year’s fleet. This year’s numbers should prove to be higher with considerable interest from China, with possibly as many as four boats entering. China is increasing its level of competitiveness with the next America Cup on the horizon.

The organisers originally decided that a sailing race was an appropriate way to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King, himself a competitive sailor. His Majesty the King represented Thailand at the fourth SEA Games in December, 1967, and won a gold medal.

The principal sponsor of the Regatta is Raimon Land PLC, who is joined by Kata Group, Chivas Brothers (UK), Royal Phuket Marina, Thai Beverages PLC, Thai Airways International PLC, Mom Tri’s Boathouse, Coutts Bank, Sunsail, Phuket Magazine, Phuket Gazette, and a host of local businesses which support the event.

During the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta every year a candle-lit ceremony is held on His Majesty’s birthday, and this year promises to be bigger and better for a number of reasons – His Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee, his 79th birthday and the 20th anniversary of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta.

The program includes 5 days of racing, from Monday 4th of December to Saturday 9th December, with a free day on Thursday 7th December. For more details of classes, to enter, or to view the week’s program, please visit www.kingscup.com