King’s Cup to set sail today

The event, which will end on December 10, will host 12 keelboats, multihulls and more than 1,000 sailors, who will compete for one of sailing’s most prestigious trophies, bestowed by HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Also held here between December 4-7 and 9 is the 5th International Dinghy Classes, which features Optimist, Laser Radial, Laser 4.7, Laser Standard and 420.
Earlier, the Phuket Dinghy Series wrapped up at Bang Tao Beach off the west coast of Phuket, with Optimist and Laser sailors from clubs in Phuket, Phang Nga and Songkhla competing ahead of the main regatta.

Twelve classes of sail boats will compete in keelboats and multihulls. Five boats have been confirmed to test sailing skills in the IRC Zero class in the Andaman waters. Two boats to watch in the class are Thailand’s TP52-designed THA72, skippered by Kevin Whitcraft, president of the organising committee, and Australia-based Team Hollywood with experienced Ray Roberts at the helm.

The remaining classes comprise IRC 1, IRC 2, Premier, Firefly 850 Sport, Pulse 600, Platu One Design, Multihull Racing, Multihull Cruising, Open Charter, Bareboat Charter A and Cruising.

“The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta has been the pinnacle of international regatta in Asia. This year, the regatta is organised to commemorate the passing away of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej or King Rama IX and honour His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, King Rama X,” Whitcraft said.

“We will see young Thai sailors competing in international Dinghy Class; Bam Kamolwan Chanyim and Keratin Bulling, the first Thai Laser sailor who participated in the Rio Olympics,” he added.

The practice race for International Dinghy Classes, Keelboats and Multihulls was held on Sunday. 

The opening ceremony of the 30th edition under the theme “Heritage of Passion” took place at the Kata Beach Resort and Spa, where sailors and organising committee members joined an 89-second silence in honour of His Majesty King Bhumibol.

All boats sail off Kata Bay today for the start of the first race. According to Wanchaii Sakudomchai, director-general of the Thai Meteorological Department, there will be heavy rain in lower South and strong winds in the Gulf of Thailand.

On December 9, there will be a sail pass ceremony off Kata Bay in honour of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun.

The opening ceremony of the 30th edition took place Sunday evening at the Kata Beach Resort and Spa, where all participating sailors and organising committee members took part in an 89-second silence to commemorate the passing away of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

All boats sail off Kata Bay on Monday for the start of the first race. However, according to Wanchaii Sakudomchai, director-general of the Thai Meteorological Department, the weather warning announcement has already been made and it is expected to see heavy rain in lower South and strong wind waves in the Gulf of Thailand.

During December 4 and 5, the active low pressure over Sumatra’s head and the strong Northeast Monsoon across the Gulf and the South of Thailand lead to torrential rain much of southern provinces. It is possible that the first two-day races of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta will be affected by heavy rain, strong winds and big waves.

The Phuket King’s Cup 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 Royal Thai Navy, Yacht Racing Association of Thailand and the Province of Phuket.

EVENT PROGRAME
Saturday, December 3
10.00-16.00: Registration/Measurement Kata Beach Resort and Spa
15.00-19.00: Media Center Open

Sunday, December 4
10.00-16.00: Registration/Measurement
10.00-19.00: Media Center Open
13.00: Practice Race
15.30: Press Briefing Orientation
16.30: Skippers briefing
18.30: Opening Ceremony and Dinner Reception at Kata Beach Resort & Spa; Prize presentation to Phuket Dinghy Series by Government Lottery Office

Monday, December 5
08.30: Press Boat Departure
09.00-19.00: Media Center Open
09.00: Keelboat and Multihull Racing Day 1
11.00: International Dinghy Class Day 1
15.00-16.00: Daily Press Briefing, Media Centre

Tuesday, December 6
08.30: Press Boat Departure
09.00-19.00: Media Center Open
09.00: Keelboat and Multihull Racing Day 2
11.00: International Dinghy Class Day 2
15.00-16.00: Daily Press Briefing, Media Centre
18.00: Prize presentation and Dinner Reception by CPN and Headship at Centara Grand Beach Resort

Wednesday, December 7
08.30: Press Boat Departure
09.00-19.00: Media Center Open
09.00: Keelboat and Multihull Racing Day 3
11.00: International Dinghy Class Day 3
15.00-16.00: Daily Press Briefing, Media Centre
18.30: Prize presentation and Dinner Reception by TCEB and TAT at Katathani Phuet Beach Resort

Thursday, December 8 (Reserve Day)
10.00-17.00) Media Center Open

Friday, December 9
08.00: Press Boat Departure
08.30 Sail Pass
09.00-19.00: Media Center Opening
09.30: Keelboat and Multihull Racing Day 4
11.00: International Dinghy Class (Last Day)
15.00-16.00: Daily Press Briefing
18.00: Prize presentation for International Dinghy Class and Dinner Reception by Government Lottery Office at Phuket Orchid Resort and Spa

Saturday, December 10 Royal Prize Giving Ceremony
08.30: Press Boat Departure
09.00: Keelboat and Multihull Racing Day 5 (Kata Group Race Day)
09.00-19.00: Media Center Open
15.00-16.00: Daily Press Briefing
17.00-17.45: Rehearsal Royal Awards Ceremony (no entry after 17.45)
18.00: Royal Awards Ceremony Commence, Kanda Hall, Kata Beach Resort and Spa
19.30: Dinner Reception (BYO) by Kata Group Resorts Thailand
20.00: Prize presentation by Kata Group Resorts Thailand