HiFi among Asia's elite fleet at Top of the Gulf

More than 600 sailors in 300-plus craft from more than 30 countries will compete in 12 classes over four days at Asia’s largest multi-class regatta.

A record fleet is expected on the keelboat and multihull courses this year, with boats from Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Australia, and beyond.

“We expect over 70 boats on the keelboat and multihull course this year, with an increase in interest from Singapore, Hong Kong and Manila, particularly in the 40-foot keelboat range,” 

said William Gasson, chairman of the Regatta Organising Committee.

Asia’s 40-foot fleet continues to grow and top boats from around the region are heading to Thailand to test their skills at the ToG Regatta. Last year’s Phuket King’s Cup winner, Japan’s Karasu, skippered by Yasuo Nanamori, will be competing for the first time in Pattaya this year and will be up against KukuKERchu, the Kerr 40 from Singapore, Walalwala 2, a Sydney GTS 43 from Singapore, and the Mills 40 EFG Bank Mandrake from Hong Kong – all newcomers to the ToG. 

They will be up against Thailand teams Wan Marang (GP42) and Katsu (Swan 42), among others.

Add to the 40-footers the Singapore Kerr 32 Foxy Lady IV, skippered by Asian regatta veteran Bill Bremner, and the all-new, never-before-raced Soto 30, which will be making its worldwide debut at the regatta, and the Class is wide open.

The pedigree of sailors at the 2012 ToG is exceptional, with winners of all the major Asian regattas in the last 12 months taking part, as well as national and regional champions competing in the Optimist, dinghies and beach catamaran classes.

The Racing Class will again be competitive with Neil Pryde and his HiFi crew returning for another shot at the elusive class title – one of the few in the region he has yet to win.

The Sports Boats Class is set to grow with two new Shaw 6.5s launched recently and expected to join the fleet, together with Hong Kong newcomer the 25-foot Brace Brace.

The Prestigious Coronation Cup, competed for by the one-design Platu fleet, continues to attract attention from sailors in Asia and beyond. With 15 Platus already confirmed and more crews wanting to take part, the Class looks to be one of the biggest yet in the ToG’s eight-year history. Crews from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Thailand have already 

signed-up.