King’s Cup prepares for Royal Patron’s 72nd birthday

by Peter Cummins

As preparations for the forthcoming Thirteenth Phuket King’s Cup Regatta - to be held from the fifth to the eleventh of December - intensify, the Organizing Committee, under the able direction of President Nigel Hardy, has announced that this year’s event will start from Krabi Province.

Driving hard off Koh Phi Phi at Twelfth Regatta: more to come this year. Photo Peter Cummins.

Seeking a new format which would be a special tribute to His Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej - the Regatta’s Royal Patron - on the occasion of his auspicious sixth-cycle, seventy-second birthday on 5 December, the committee reasoned that such a start, off the towering headlands of Krabi, would be a worthy nautical salutation to the King.

The original Phuket King’s Cup Regatta was inaugurated in December, 1987, as a tribute to H.M. the King to celebrate his fifth-cycle, 60th birthday and has been re-dedicated each year to the Royal Sailor.

The governor and the Krabi provincial authorities are actively supporting this year’s Krabi start and will provide all facilities and the necessary logistic support which the undertaking requires. Furthermore, it will not be a first Krabi Province start - having done so on previous occasions from Phi Phi Island, an integral appendage of Krabi.

Another factor favouring this year’s new starting sequence is that even more of the beauty of the Andaman Sea area will be exposed. With some of the region’s most spectacular scenery as a backdrop for the press and media coverage expected for the event, it will present a lasting glimpse of the marine magnificence of the Kingdom, as the "Amazing Thailand" promotional biennium draws to a close.

The opening race on Monday the 6th will be from Krabi across the Andaman Sea to Koh Phi Phi, after which the regatta format will then follow the time-honoured programme, with the anticipated 100-strong fleet racing back from Phi Phi to Kata Beach in the usually-exhilarating Andaman Sea Race. Then the rest of the event will be in-shore racing along Phuket’s coast.

Entries have already started coming in for the 1999 event, unprecedented at this early stage in any past regattas. Hong Kong Yacht Club Commodore David Kong’s "Hocux Pocux" and winner of last year’s Ocean Cruising Class Andreas Soriano III’s "Irmviren" out of the Philippines have registered and, no doubt, defending Racing Class champion Hong Kong’s Neil Pryde will be back to fight off Australian Peter Aherne’s "Yo!"

Obviously, the committee has found the right blend, with Phuket-based vice-presidents, David Ratcliffe, Andy Dowden and their cohorts, looking after on-shore and off-shore management, respectively.

Nigel Hardy: a firm, experienced hand on the helm of the Thirteenth Phuket King’s Cup. Photo Peter Cummins.

Nigel is also confident of the continuing support of last year’s principal sponsor, Iridium which, added to an already-confirmed input from QBE Marine Insurance, has set the 1999 regatta on a firm basis. The Kata Beach Resorts group, understandably, is happy to be the new, permanent "home".

Nigel has been quick to acknowledge the contribution of the Royal Meridien Yacht Club Hotel which had been the original - and continued for more than a decade - regatta venue on beautiful Nai Harn Bay. He pointed out that, although this has now changed, the regatta has come back, to a certain extent, to the ‘founder’: the Kata Beach Resort is contiguous to the magnificent Boathouse - designed, built and managed by regatta co-founder and perennial supporter, M. L. Tridosyuth Devakul who is still a loyal regatta supporter.

The Royal Thai Navy has provided major logistic and management support over the years while the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, the Phuket Yacht Club Association and the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand have provided personnel for administration and race management.

These are already guaranteed for 1999 and, after some years of contrary weather patterns in the Andaman Sea, it is expected that Mother Nature, too, will smile benignly this yea r - Thailand is, after all, the "Land of Smiles" and it will be His Majesty’s 72nd birthday celebration.

Interestingly enough, a recent letter from Barry Rose, Admiral of the Royal Cork Yacht Club - the world’s oldest - at County Cork, places Phuket in clear perspective: "Even though the (Phuket) King’s Cup is a comparatively new event," writes the Admiral, "its reputation has spread rapidly as being one of the top regattas in the world."

More recently, an accolade was forthcoming from Mark A. Pryke, President of the prestigious Hobie Cat International Association, who has been an active member of the Regatta’s international jury for the past five years: "The organization that goes into this event would be on a par with the biggest and best sailing events in the world." Mark should know, for he has officiated at most of them.

Above all, the regatta is dedicated to upholding the strictest standards of protection of Phuket’s beautiful and fragile environment - a plea oft heard around the waters of Phuket and one which is strongly reiterated by regatta co-founder, M. L. Tridhosyuth Devakul at successive rega ttas and which will, no doubt, be repeated this year. "Keep Phuket beautiful - SAIL", urges M. L. Tri.

See you in Phuket for the last Great Regatta of the millennium!

Juniors take center stage at Pattaya

The most recent training course for juniors, the 25th such to be held over the past decades at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club’s facilities at Kasetsin Beach, Pattaya Point, appropriately had 25 under-16-year-olds signed up and was, according to course director Linden Phanpho, "the most successful to date."

Peter Cummins reports

It was a ‘numbers game’ as 25 children, ranging in age from a tender eight years to a precocious 15, descended on an unsuspecting Royal Varuna Yacht Club recently to take part in a week-long sailing camp combined with the Twenty-fifth Optimist Training Course.

Next stop for the tiny craft? Pattaya Beach - all in a day’s saling. Photo Peter Cummins.

From Bangkok Patana, the International School of the Eastern Seaboard and the Kasetsart Demonstration School they gathered at the Varuna seafront at Pattaya Point for some intensive sailing theory and practice, safety at sea, international yacht racing rules and a myriad of other pieces of information and experience required before venturing out on the sea.

Royal Varuna junior sailing secretary Linden Phanpho, her trusty Brunhilde and some other Royal Varuna dads, moms and offspring gave their young charges a thorough induction into the vagaries of sea-lore and kept the juniors busy with such ‘extra-curricular’ activities as T-shirt painting, crafts, special games, barbecues and camp-fires.

What a week it was for the 25 children, with strong south-easterly winds early in the week, whereby the older, more experienced took on the vagaries of the Monsoons. Later, the winds dropped which suited the beginners whose first, faltering ‘steps’ soon became confident ‘strides’ as they, too, challenged the wind and the sea.

Royal Varuna sailors, junior and senior, gather around Mayor Pairat and Optimist winner Samantha (center) at the Pattaya Festival yacht race. Photo Peter Cummins.

By Saturday, a very confident 25 youngsters sailed all the way from Royal Varuna to South Pattaya, in a race to salute the 1999 Pattaya Festival (reported in "Pattaya Mail", 23 April, 1999.)

Top contenders little Samantha Hamilton, Sam Phanpho, Damien Paulhiac and Phroi Kovalevsky, finishing in that order, were honoured by Pattaya Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat, who distributed the trophies at the road-side tent set up in front of the Royal Garden Resorts, the sponsors of the Pattaya Festival Yacht Races.

The return journey from Pattaya Beach to Royal Varuna really tested the little sailors, as a reluctant wind faded and a strong flood tide made headway difficult. But, obviously, their new-found skills were not in vain, as almost all the 25-strong fleet returned at dusk, with canny Sam Phanpho reading the conditions right to lead the juniors home to Varuna.

The usual graduation race which accompanies each course, whereby the newly-qualified sailors vie for the Nobel Challenge Trophy, had to be called off on the Sunday when the wind simply disappeared.

Campers-cum-graduates pose with their rewards; back left are instructors Brunhilde and Linden and back center is the Nobel Prize donor, Anders Widen. Photo Peter Cummins.

Nevertheless, Nobel man, Anders Widen was there to present graduation certificates to the smiling, happy youngsters and last year’s "Nobel Laureate" Sam Phanpho was able to go back to school with his "Nobel Prize" still intact AND a big wink from the other Sam - little lady Samantha - who, rightly so, after her good performances, had her own eyes on the handsome silver trophy.

This camp and the twenty-fifth Optimist Training course were an "outstanding success", noted Linden when it was all over. "We now have a pool of very talented youngsters, ready to move up to bigger boats, national championships, and even regional and world events when the time is propitious," Linden added, with justifiable pride.

Classroom lifts challenge trophy for 1st time

On Sunday 16th May Ban Chang Sports Club had their biannual cricket trophy challenge against Classroom 1 Pattaya. This event always creates considerable interest and this time was no exception with both teams and their supporters turning out in force at the Oval off 3rd Road.

Ban Chang won the toss and decided to open the bowling, allowing Pattaya to achieve a total of 71 runs in the opening 12 overs. High scorers for Classroom were Rob with 21 and Bob M with 27 not out.

Classroom lifts challenge trophy for 1st time.

Ban Chang failed to meet this first innings target, scoring a meager 29 runs against Classroom’s accurate bowling and athletic fielding (well done Bob).

In the second innings Classroom extended their lead, scoring 61 runs behind Rob’s 28 not out.

This left Ban Chang an enormous target of 105 runs in the final 12 overs. Due to the Heineken injections, Ban Chang incredibly managed to dig in and come within only 7 runs of retaining the coveted challenge cup in a nail biting finish. Bang Chang scored 97 all out in the 2nd innings, with Mark getting 25, Ken 24 and Andy 21.

Well done Classroom on lifting the trophy for the first time since the challenge began. A special thanks to Scotty and the Classroom for once again a very entertaining day’s cricket, followed by an excellent BBQ enjoyed by the players and spectators alike at the Classroom later in the evening.

Café Kronborg wins PSC Fishing

Egon Nielsen battled with a 14 kilogram King Mackerel to take the honors in the Pattaya Sports Club promoted deep sea fishing tournament on May 16th. Egon was fishing on Captain Ting’s Bang Saray boat, along with Bjarne Nielsen, Sophon Pantuwet, and Panuthat Ruamsap, sponsored by the Café Kronborg.

Egon Nielsen with his winning 14 kilogram King Mackerel.

Leslie Emm, sponsored by the SGP Bar, placed second with a 4.1 kilogram Queen. His teammates included Middy Campbell, John Griffen, Cliff Delude, and Dan Swanstrom, the two last named gentlemen being from the U.S.S. Mobile Bay Naval Vessel fishing aboard Captain Dang’s boat.

The Bull Ring also attended, but will have to try again in next month’s tournament to try their luck. Selwyn Leightley, Jan Andersen, Blondie Robinson and Justin Robinson fished from Captain Jong’s boat. They did, however, contribute to 30 kilograms of fish caught during the competition.

The next tournament is scheduled on Sunday, June 13th. For additional information, please contact Carl Engel, the Fishing Committee Chairman at tel: 038-410-228, fax to 038-426-121 or Frank Collins at tel/fax: 038-723-511. Email at [email protected]

Ron’s Big Stick Works!

Ron Dennis’s McLaren-Mercedes Team scored a morale boosting 1-2 at the Spanish Grand prix last week. After some abysmal reliability, Dennis had been saying a few strong words to his organisation, who last year had almost a 100% finishing record.

From 1st and 3rd slots on the grid, the two Silver Arrows went straight to the front with Mika Hakkinen pulling away from David Coulthard, who in turn was pulling away from Jacques Villeneuve (BAR) in third after a brilliant start. Behind the Canadian came the Ferrari’s of Schumacher and Irvine, with the Prost of Jarno Trulli in 6th.

The positions remained static till the first round of pit stops, with Schumacher emerging from pit lane in front of Villeneuve to take 3rd on the road. With Coulthard having a very poor pit stop, Schumacher closed to within half a second of the McLaren, but Coulthard managed to draw away again despite Schumacher obviously trying very hard and getting out of shape on several occasions.

After the second round of pit stops, the race settled into the final sprint to the flag. Hakkinen drove carefully to ensure no indiscretion would stop a certain 1st place. Coulthard was watching his mirrors as they came up to lap cars, with Schumacher again getting close, but the Ferrari never came close enough and Coulthard consolidated his 2nd place. He was followed by the two Ferrari’s and then Ralf Schumacher (Williams) and Trulli for the last championship points. The World Championship standings are now M. Schumacher 30 points, Hakkinen 24, Irvine 21, Frentzen 13, Coulthard 12, R. Schumacher 9, Fisichella 7, Barichello 6.

The next round of the Championship will be in Canada on June 13th.

BAR, after their impressive showing in Spain will be hoping for even greater things in Canada from Villeneuve, the home town hero. Meanwhile, a certain Jean Todt who cares for a couple of red cars will be working out how to screw just a little more speed out of them for Schumacher and Irvine.

Knights Day

The Banglamung Barons and the Jomtien Knights held court on Sunday May 30 at the weekly Pattaya Sports Club softball game. As the Barons rested on their laurels, the Knights mounted their steeds and rode off to victory in both ends of the doubleheader.

The Knights came out with their sabers rattling and put up two in the first when Soupy Gai and C. F. (Fowl Ball) Macallen produced RBI singles.

The Barons answered with one in the second thanks to Gordon Lightfoot’s double to left.

Back to back triples by Mike (Mr. Ice) Berg and Vagabond Mike gave the Knights two more.

The Barons struck back with two in the third and three in the fourth due to the clutch hitting of Two Vowel Ian, Dick (The Stick) Cagg and Get Ready.

Going into the seventh, the Knights were down six to five when their offense consorted for seven big runs with Aloha Tom and Alan (Y. B.) Baa doing most of the damage.

The Barons were unable to recover and fell 12 to 6.

The nightcap brought the Barons out of exile and behind Aussie (Kingpin) Peter and Mahalo Ken, they tallied three in the first. But before they could get out of sight, the Knights came right back with three of their own to tie the score.

The Barons posted a goose egg in the top of the second while the Knights pushed home five.

When Copasetic Curt doubled home two for the Knights in the bottom of the fourth, it was all over but the whining as the Barons were out-dueled again 14 to 8.

Games are every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Pattaya School #7 on Sukhumvit Road just past Greenway driving range and Caltex gas station. Equipment is provided and refreshments are available. There’s shaded sitting for spectators so friends and family are always welcome. Everyone is invited to participate.

Tippy’s takes darts title

As the 3rd season of the Friday Night Premier Darts League drew to a close, Tippy’s was crowned champions after losing only one match out of the 14 game season. Tippy’s also earned most tons and beer legs won.

Sports Corner beat Billy & Da by two beer legs to earn 1st runners-up.

The Scottish moved up to 6th place, not too bad Andy.

The league’s strongest team, "The Steady Bunker", ended the season with the wooden spoon after having won just their first and last games. Strangely enough, Mr. Roy did not play in either game.

Nobody beat the "Lowest High Out" recorded by Billy from Billy & Da, a 116.

Perfect 180s were shot by Nui and John from Billy & Da, Clive from the steady Bunker, and Pook from champion Tippy’s.

The first game of the new season is scheduled for June 11th.

Beard bags Vic Cross One Over Par Golf Tourney

PSC TAGGS... golf from the Hare House

Friday, May 28 - Siam Country Club (Stableford)

1st: Stephen Beard, 38 points
2nd: Gary Parkinson, 36 points
3rd: Jimmy Little, 35 points

The "Mad Hatters" from the Hare House went to Siam Country Club on Friday, May 28 to celebrate the Vic Cross One Over Par Golf Tournament. This is not to be confused with the Vic Cross Mexican Par Cup that was held last year at Siam. That was in honor of Vic’s seventy second birthday. This year was number 73, and sadly Vic will never be even par again.

Winning the Stableford competition was TAGGS Chairman Stephen Beard who shot an 86 off his 16 handicap that was good for 38 points. Stephen’s round included six pars and was capped with a birdie on the par 4 seventeenth hole. That birdie gave him four points and the cushion he needed to take first place.

The second spot on the leader board was grabbed by Gary Parkinson who earned 36 points when he shot a 79 off of seven. That was enough to edge out third place Jim Little with 35 points.

There were twenty four golfers in the field, with the top six all earning prizes. The final three on the podium were George Jackson with 33 points, Russell Finch and Paul Kraft with 32 points.

Happy Birthday Vic from all your buddies at the Hare House.

Wednesday, May 26 - Natural Park Hills (Two Man Scramble)

1st: Anders Karlsson & Gary Parkinson, Net 68.8
2nd: Gary Baxter & Eddie Henheffer, Net 71.0
3rd: Stephen Beard & George Jackson, Net 72.6

The Alternative Gentlemen’s Golf Society chooses the most difficult courses in the local area for playing its scramble competitions. The opportunity is there to match up the most forgiving of golf formats with courses that will challenge any format. TAGGS has a rota of three primary courses for the scrambles. Laem Chabang is an obvious choice, as is Bangpra. On Wednesday, May 26, the gang from the Hare House played the third course of the rota, Natural Park Hills.

Sweden’s Anders Karlsson, playing off 14, paired up with Queenland’s Gary Parkinson, playing off 7, and did battle with what is probably the toughest course on the Eastern Seaboard. They started off slow, taking bogeys on the first two holes. They then settled down and didn’t make another bogey until the par 5 fourteenth hole. They finished the day with four bogeys and three birdies en route to a one over par 73. With the handicap allowance of twenty percent of the team’s total handicap, that gave them a net score of 68.8 and first place in the competition.

In second place with a gross 77, net 71, was the Canadian team of Gary Baxter (13) and Eddie Henheffer (17). These guys started off real slow, taking a double bogey six on the first hole. Double bogeys are unusual in a scramble competition, but Natural Park Hills has more dips and curves than Mae West and if you manage to find a level lie on the fairway, one still has to contend with the undulating greens.

In third place, both playing off sixteen, were England’s Stephen Beard and George Jackson. They struggled on the front nine to a 41, and then settled down for a 38 on the back, giving them a gross 79, net 72.6.

Hannu Kemila putt, putt, putts to victory

PSC Pattaya Golf Society from the Bunker

It was not easy for the Bunker boys to make a score on the tricky layout at Century G.C. Ban Chang on Tuesday, May 25th.

The very fast, undulating greens were a putting nightmare as Hannu Kemila three putted nine greens in his gross round of 98, net 77 to give him a victory in Flight A.

Losing on a count back and in second place came Mike Larsen, who shot a gross 94, net 77.

Flight B was won by Bill Jones, who shot a tired looking gross 101, net 77. John Hopkins placed second with a net 80.

Near pins were won by Bill Jones on holes 5 and 7, Hannu on 12 and Roy (Not So Tigerish Today) Mitchell on hole 15.

Copyright 1998 Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
370/7-8 Pattaya Second Road, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260, Thailand 
Tel.66-38 411 240-1, 413 240-1, Fax:66-38 427 596; e-mail: [email protected]
Created by Andy Gombaz, assisted by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek.