THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

Top of the Gulf Regatta braces for biggest fleet yet at Ocean Marina Yacht club

Top of the Gulf Regatta braces for biggest fleet yet at Ocean Marina Yacht club

The Top of the Gulf Regatta is set to attract over 600 sailors from more than 30 countries to Pattaya to compete in Asia's largest regatta from May 3 to 7 at Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Jomtien, Pattaya in Chon Buri.

 

Over the years, the Top of the Gulf has proved a valuable training ground for sailing stars around the world, regularly attracting national, regional and world champions to compete in what has become a world-class sailing event.
The regatta also provides an international-standard competition format for Thai sailors. The experience has proved invaluable and has helped develop local stars such as Kerati Bualong (2012 Olympics competitor), Noppakao Poonpat (2010 World Optimist Champion, fourth place in 2012 29er Worlds) and Damrongsak Vongtim (2006-2008 Asian Games, Hobie Class gold medallist), to name just a few.
Over 250 sailing vessels will compete in 13 classes, ranging from Optimists to dinghies, beach catamarans, windsurfs, one-design Platus, keelboats and multihulls, making the regatta one of the most diverse such events in the region. 
 “This is the ninth edition of the event and like other regattas around the world, such as Antigua Sailing Week in the Caribbean or Cowes Week in the UK, it is an important driver for tourism. It has attracted repeat tourists and brought new tourists to the area, and increasing the popularity and awareness of the destination. The sport of sailing has seen considerable growth in Thailand in recent years, and the regatta provides an international platform for Thai sailors. Our commitment to support that growth and the Pattaya area remains strong,” said William Gasson, chairman of the Top of the Gulf Regatta.
At the youth level is the Thailand Optimist National Championships, which is supported by Sansiri PLC. Now in its 38th year, the Thailand Optimist National Championships is the second oldest annual sailing event in Thailand and continues to develop youth talent and introduce Thai youngsters to the sport.
“Sansiri’s aim is to construct a life not just a building. Our CSR campaigns focus on supporting children in three areas; sport, health, and education. These are the reasons why we are proud to support the future stars of Thailand’s sailing. We are happy to support their development in the sport,” said Khun Ob-oom Chutrakul, social director of Sansiri PLC.
The top racing yachts will be challenging for the Top of the Gulf Regatta Trophy. The one-design Platu Class will compete for the prestigious Coronation Cup, named after the first event in 1996 that coincided with the coronation date (May 5) of His Majesty the King and which this year celebrates a record fleet. The third trophy is awarded to the winner of Thailand Optimist National Championships – three iconic trophies in Thailand yachting.
 
 
 
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