Phuket King's Cup Regatta 2008

Created by val. Last modified on 2008-11-18 17:24:11
Topic: Rallies
Countries: Thailand

Bangkok, 18 November 2008

It will be of interest to Noonsite readers that this year there is an Ocean Rover class specially set up for visiting cruising yachts. The entry fee is half the normal entry fee.

Here is the full press release about the rally:-

Phuket King's Cup Regatta 2008 sets record for early entries line-up

PRESS RELEASE

Bangkok, 18 November 2008 – With just weeks before its official launch on December 1st, Asia’s biggest and most popular regatta, the Phuket King's Cup Regatta, now in its 22nd year, has attracted a record number of early entries with many registering on-line.

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.

Simon James the regatta’s Race Management Director said, "It’s especially fitting that this year when we’re experiencing a worldwide economic downturn that the regatta will be bigger, better and more spectacular than ever. The increase in the number of entries means that we will see some of the best and most closely contested racing in any yachting event. More entries of course mean more crews, more spectators and more yachting enthusiasts who will be in Phuket for this marvelous once a year maritime and social event."

The latest class entries include – Racing: 8, Premier: 7, IRC: 20, Sunsail One Design: 6, Bareboat: 17, Multihull: 10, Ocean Rover: 7, Firefly 850 Sport: 7, Sportsboats: 7, Classic: 3. The full entries list can be seen at: www.kingscup.com/index.cfm?ntid=943

Explaining that a number of entrant racing yachts are in transit to the Raja Muda in Malaysia and are expected to enter soon, the Race Management Director said that there is also a good increase in the number of Bareboat Charter Yachts bringing the total to 23 including the Sunsail One Design Class. More Corsair Multihulls are expected from Pattaya in addition to the three already registered. There are also additional Sportsboats expected with Platus from Pattaya and Somtam Express still to register, plus a number of IRC Class regulars including the Royal Thai Navy and La Samudra have now entered pushing to total up to 90 yachts.

Kevin Whitcraft president of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organizing Committee was also upbeat about what he described as "the likelihood of an outstanding event in the world of competition sailing." With each year, every aspect of the regatta takes a step forward in terms of management. The 2008 regatta will feature upgraded race equipment including several new markers, ground tackle, and pennants to enable a flexibility and efficiency of race course management. The total cost to update the race equipment is around 1 Million Baht.

Many racing courses have also been updated with adequate selection for the Race Officer to decide each day depending on the wind conditions.

And this year, Race Officer, Tony Denham will now be joined on the water by fellow Australian Ross Chisholm making his King's Cup Debut and replacing Regular Race Officer David Brookes who has had to withdraw from this year’s event because of business commitments.

Based in Darwin, Australia Ross has worked as Race Officer with many offshore keelboats as well as one design racing and was Race Director for the Petersville / Nissan Regatta in Melbourne Australia. Ross has been an International Race Officer for more than 12 years and has worked on many international and world championships while based in Melbourne.

International Media Contacts:

Joseph Henry (English) Mobile: +66 85 834 5557, Office: +66 2 319 1031 Ext 1195 Email: joseph.henry@vivaldipr.com

Araya Srisilpsophon (English) Mobile: +66 81 618 3802 Email araya.srisilpsophon@vivaldipr.com