Cup will launch new generation of 'superb Thai sailors'
As sailing enthusiasts digest the success of this year's regatta, the Phuket King's Cup has been hailed as a breeding ground for Thailand's next generation of world-class sailors.
“The exponential increase in taking to yachting and water sports by the Thai people is certainly a legacy of His Majesty the King, a skilled helmsman himself, and regattas such as this greatly encourage Thai sailors, and a new generation of superb Thai competitors,” organising committee president Kevin Whitcraft said.
New class ratings delivered exceptionally close racing at this year’s Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, which ended on Sunday. World-class competition saw epic confrontations in the headline IRC0 and IRC1 grand prix classes, as well as among the vast Bareboat Charter fleet and in the catamaran classes.
Beau Geste (Karl Kwok and the Brady Bunch) ran out winners in their IRC0 duel with HiFi (Neil Pryde), clinching their overall win with a bullet to start the final day. No surprises in IRC 1 where Island Fling took 1, 2 to finish at the top of the list by 4 points from a new and always improving EFG Mandrake boat.
The classic race continues to grow the sport of sailing in Thailand, encouraging people of all ages and especially youngsters into the sport.
