Bangkok--7 Oct--Vivaldi
The Phuket Dinghy Series has helped bring to the fore many young Thai sailing talents from sailing clubs in Phuket, Phang Nga and Songkhla over the last few years. It's a superb introduction to the world of competitive sailing, and serves to prepare young sailors for international competition. The second of three series events hosted in 2016 featured both Optimist and Laser dinghies racing whereby 6 races were completed in champagne condition at 3 Naval Area Command beach off the coast of Cape Panwa on Saturday and Sunday. The third series will take place at Bang Tao Beach from 26-27 November.
Yada Hasap was the winner of the Optimist sailors, with Bunyamin Klongsamut and Tanawan Malikee coming in the runner-up spot (all from NAC3SC). Theeraphong Tohkrathok of the Phuket Youth Sailing Club was fastest of the Laser fleet taking honors in Series 2. Aekkorn Naulplub of the NAC3SC finished second followed by Namsai Panich of the Songkhla Sailing Club.
The Phuket Dinghy Series has proven very effective as a feeder league for the future of Thai sailing. Many of the young sailors will hone their skills and eventually compete in full-size regattas – especially the Phuket King's Cup Regatta, of which the Dinghy Series serves as early precursor ahead of the main event. One of the most prestigious international sporting challenges in Southeast Asia, the Phuket King's Cup Regatta Under Royal Patronage, will celebrate its 30th Anniversary this year.
The Phuket King's Cup Regatta 2016 will be held off Kata Beach Resort & Spa, Phuket, from 3 - 10 December, 2016, hosting international racing classes across which over 150 boats and 1500+ sailors compete for one of sailing's most prestigious trophies. As the main race prepares to set sail for a landmark year, Phuket visitor numbers swell and make a large contribution to overall Thai tourism performance, boosting the tourism, hospitality and marine sports sectors and supporting the continuing growth of one of the world's most popular sailing destinations.
Sponsors of the Phuket King's Cup Regatta include Principal Host Sponsor Kata Group, and Strategic Partners: The Government Lottery Office (GLO), Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Co-Sponsors: Thavorn Palm Beach Resort, PTT, Central Pattana, Siam Winery & Montclair and Haadthip PCL. Media Partners includes Prestige, True 4 you, Madame Figaro, Luxury Society Asia, Phuket Gazette, Yachtstyle, Sea Yachting, The Guide Phuket, RL Magazine, One Coast, and Phuket Marine Guide.