Bangkok--9 May--Francom Asia The Raimon Land-sponsored platu-class racing yacht The Lofts Southshore sailed brilliantly to win the royally sponsored HM The King’s Platu Coronation Cup held during the prestigious Top of the Gulf Regatta. One of Asia’s leading upscale marine events, the regatta - also sponsored by Raimon Land - was a major success this year, attracting the biggest field ever in its history at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Pattaya from May 2-5. The Lofts Southshore, skippered by Scott Duncanson, finally cruised to victory after an exciting battle in the gulf with a number of close competitors. With good winds assuring competitive racing amongst the fleet, Mr Duncanson sailed a strategic race to clinch victory on the final day of the regatta. The field also vied for the Top of the Gulf Regatta Trophy and the Optimist National Championship for young sailors, which saw an encouraging 126 entries, the largest of any comparable event in the region, which is a great sign for the competition and Asia’s up and coming sailing talent. Raimon Land Chief Executive Officer, Mr Nigel Cornick, said he was proud to see the sea-green colours of The Lofts Southshore collect the trophy. “This event is always held in high regard by those who take their sailing seriously so it was great to see Scott Duncanson and his team collect the Platu Coronation Cup, made even more satisfying as it is sponsored by His Majesty The King, who is a very keen sailor,” Mr Cornick said. “There is a great outdoors lifestyle to be had in this part of Thailand and sailing is certainly one sport that can be enjoyed in Pattaya, and Raimon Land will continue to be a key supporter of these active events as we plan more future developments in the city. “However, the most encouraging part of the weekend was to see so many youngsters from around the region and world race competitively — and showing superb sportsmanship I might add — in the Optimist class races. I would like to think they will be skippering more yachts we hope to sponsor in the future.” The promising mix of young people and experienced hands make the Top of the Gulf Regatta one of the highest profile events of its kind in Southeast Asia, attracting more than 500 sailors manning a fleet of more than 250 vessels. It was rounded of by a fantastic gala dinner hosted by Raimon Land at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club PRESS ENQUIRIES : Walaiklao Kumwong Raimon Land Public Relations C/O Francom Asia Tel: 02 233 4338 or 39 Fax: 02 236 8030 E-mail: [email protected] Kwanrudee Maneewongwatthana Senior Vice President Communications Raimon Land PLC 22nd Floor, The Millennia Tower 62 Langsuan Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel : +66 (0) 2651-9600 to 4 Fax : +66 (0) 2651-9614 E-mail : [email protected]