‘Subics’ Thrash Thai Sailors at Pranburi

Mark Haswell’s team from Subic Bay Yacht Club, Philippines, easily beat 16 Thai entries at the Second Princess Cup, sailed off the Phatra Marina and Yacht Club Pranburi. Nevertheless, in spite of the ‘drubbing’, yacht racing in the Kingdom gains generally and the Kidney Foundation of Thailand receives financial assistance from this yachting event, which is under the patronage of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.

Peter Cummins reports from Pranburi

Sailing the Platu keelboat sponsored by the Phatra Insurance Public Company, Mark Haswell from the Subic Bay Yacht Club, Philippines, made no concessions to a strong contingent of Thai sailors last weekend, winning by a big margin the Second Princess Cup Regatta.

Bangkok Airways Platu revels in the moderate conditions. Photo Peter Cummins.

Held off the Phatra Marina and Yacht Club, Pranburi in the Farr Platu 25 racing keelboat, the Princess Cup was the second big Platu event to be held this year. The Fourth Coronation Cup was held just one month before, with a similar end result except that, on that occasion, it was Warwick Downes’ Hong Kong team which came to Pranburi and thrashed the local sailors on their home waters. Mark had to accept sixth place then. (The Coronation Cup was published in a fully-illustrated report in "Pattaya Mail", issue 21 - 27 May, 1999).

There was a vast difference between the two events in terms of sailing conditions, with the Coronation Cup fleets contending with drifting conditions, 180-degree wind shifts and ferocious rain storms. The Princess Cup, on the contrary, was held in favourable light-to-moderate winds of up to 15 knots, clear skies and slight seas.

There was a major difference, too, in the format of the regattas, for the Princess Cup, under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, is dedicated solely to charity with all craft sponsored and all subsequent proceeds donated to the Kidney Foundation of Thailand of which the Princess is the Patroness.

The first race was a long-distance event from Pranburi north to Hua Hin, to finish off Princess Galyani’s palace, sailed in an off-shore westerly. Local knowledge was vital for this 27-km passage, as Jaray Tipsook and Viroj Nualkair chose the inner waters, to finish first and second respectively, leaving the visitors back in sixth place.

The short, precise courses set the following day by principal race officer Suwan Poopoksakul were much more to Haswell’s liking and he thrived on the tacking duels, covering tactics and fine spinnaker work his team displayed, winning three out of the four and consolidating his grip as the 1999 Princess Cup champion.

Thus, with a total of eight penalty points accumulated after four first places and two seconds in the six races counted out of the seven sailed, the ‘super-sonic Subics’ - comprising skipper Haswell, crew Mark Snowden and three Filipina ladies, Carol Pablo, Jill Novera and Evelyn Bacala - left the Thai challengers fighting out the minor places.

In second place, five behind on 13 points after two firsts, two seconds, a third and fourth, was the Bangroongraj Hospital entry, crewed by ‘home-town’ skipper Jaray Tipsook, with Koravic (Wikkie) Nualkair, Prajak Hormkong and Jakrapong Sapthavi - one member less than the winners. This group could not have been more ‘native’ to the Pranburi waters, even, than the Platu itself - the short-bodied Mackerel which is the under-water denizen of the Gulf and inspired the title Platu for the fleet based at the Pranburi Marina.

Third, on 20 points, was Sakda Vongtim (Krisda Vongtim, Attapol Kwangmaha, Suphakit Daung-ngem and Voravit Vorasan) racing one of the only two individually-sponsored yachts, that of Lalida Cheu-apai.

Then followed Royal Thai Navy’s first team skippered by South East Asian and Asian Games Gold Medallist Damrongsak Vongtim (Chayan Polpitaksiri, Thospol Jonjaitrong, and brothers Manop and Makk Sa-ngaunsat), fourth on 23 points.

Viroj Nualkair, the master-mind behind the development of the Phatra complex and the creation of the Platu - designed specifically for Thailand’s conditions - was fifth on 27 points helming the entry from the Pathum Rice Mill crewed by Rut Subniran, Nam Sukarom and Kittisak K.

The rest of the placings, listed by sponsor name and points were: the Ninth Company (39), Srimuang Market Ratburi (40), Bangkok Airways (43), Royal Thai Navy II (56), Sea Tours (58), Chonprathan Cement (61), Marisa and Maria Makanas (the second individual sponsorship, 66), Nitas Tassile Company Limited (skippered by Robert Brown, 66) and the Kanpai Company Limited (77), sixth to 17th, respectively.

This regatta is unique in Thailand, whereby the medium of yacht racing is dedicated to the advancement of the health and well-being of the Thai people, with all regatta revenues being donated to the Kidney Foundation of Thailand. It is appropriate to mention here another occasion where yacht-racing benefits the people, in this case the agricultural sector, when proceeds from the annual Phuket King’s Cup Regatta are donated to H.M. the King’s development projects, for the advancement of Thai workers in rural areas.

The regatta was raced in the Farr Platu 25, specifically designed and built for the Phatra Marina and Yacht Club and, since the first consignment of this lively craft arrived in Thailand some five years ago, fleets have rapidly spread to other countries of the region, as well as Europe. It is built to very strict standards and epitomizes the concept of "one-design" racing, the ultimate in yacht racing competitions.

These two great regattas have given a real boost to Platu racing in the Kingdom and augur well for the forthcoming Thirteenth Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, to be sailed from 5 - 11 December, to honour Regatta Royal Patron H.M. the King’s sixth cycle, seventy-second birthday.

With the six Platus based at Phuket’s Sunsail Yacht Charters already booked for this year, Mark, who won the Platu event at the 1998 King’s Cup, anticipates a fleet of up to perhaps even 15 for 1999. Platus can come to Phuket by sea, from the neighbouring base at Langkawi, Malaysia and a further shipment by road for the duration of the regatta from home base at Pranburi.

Mark is highly optimistic about the future of the Platu as the ideal regatta charter boat. "One comes in from cold northern waters to Thailand and, as we have just proved, can compete even with skilled local sailors. The Platu is strictly controlled and kept in top racing condition; the water is warm here and race management is highly professional," he pointed out last week at Pranburi.

"Yacht racing in Paradise is just 12 hours away from most world capitals," he added with obvious zest. "I shall be here as often as I can. Win or lose, Thailand is impossible to beat."

FOOTNOTE

During the weekend of the Princess Cup, a sign on the board in the race office at the Pranburi facilities really stirred the "Pattaya Mail" correspondent out of his usual lethargy.

It read something like: "Phatra is organizing a 10-day trip to the America’s Cup finals, round-trip air fare, accommodation, spectator boat, etc. for New Zealand 2000." What a great photo-op and ‘exclusive story’ line for this ever-alert - if, occasionally sluggish - PM yachting scribe!

Well, NZ 2000 is about US 1,200. THAT’s a SUPER BARGAIN, I thought and I signed up. My good friends at Pranburi were, of course, delighted. In no time we would have a full complement of the 25 or so required to go, to keep the price at the bargain basement level.

So I thought.

What my good friends meant in that last line was "for New Zealand (year) 2000.

The estimated REAL cost? US 3,500.

I think I shall invest in a new satellite dish and watch the whole show from the vantage point of my Pattaya balcony - of course, a Carlsberg, or whatever, close by.

More next time...

F1 Malaysia - the queue starts here!

After some weeks of intense negotiations we now have everything in place for the Malaysian Grand Prix at the new Sepang Circuit. The date is October 15th - 17th, with Qualifying on Saturday and the GP on Sunday the 17th.

Tickets are now available in Thailand through that well-known motoring enthusiast, Capt. Sittichoke of Eastern Marine Services (tel 608 660, fax 607 686, 01-843 0645).

He has all the Grandstands available, but tickets are selling out fast so I do suggest you make contact as soon as possible. The most expensive stand for the three days is $US 370, with most between $US 200 and 340. The stands are classified as Diamond, Crystal, Sapphire, Turquoise, Emerald, Jade, Ruby, Garnet, Topaz and Citrine (in descending order of cost) and are arranged in a "U" formation around the pits. On paper, it looks like a very clever way of maximising spectator viewing.

Capt. Sittichoke is also arranging plane tickets and hotels or can even arrange an air-conditioned coach or a self-drive caravan from Pattaya to Kuala Lumpur and return.

Now is the time to get the wallets out and make that commitment.

Capt. Sittichoke will keep the record of who is going from here, so we can stay in contact and get together down there for a great weekend. It has taken some time to get a suitable agent to handle this event for us local folk, but Capt. Sittichoke is a true enthusiast and regular 4x4 competitor in Asia. I look forward to meeting up with all the Pattaya people at the Grand Prix.

Dr. Iain Corness.

Hangin’ Ten

The Sattahip Sea and the Banglamung Bay rode the waves on Sunday afternoon, June 13 at the weekly Pattaya Sports Club softball game. As the tide ebbed and flowed, each team was able to chart a course to victory and split the doubleheader.

The Bay opened the scoring with one in the first, but quickly fell behind when the Sea put up two in the bottom half of the inning.

After a scoreless second, the Sea’s Jimmy (The Key) Lockhead smacked a three run homer to left in the bottom of the third.

The Bay tallied one each in the fourth and fifth with Vibrating Jay and Dial Tone Jim providing the punch. But the Key added another three run dinger in the fifth and the Bay was nearly drowned, thirteen to three.

The nightcap was tied at a deuce after two, but the Sea erupted with a tsunami of runs, scoring five in the third with Bill (The Thrill), C. F. (Fowl Ball) Macallen and Aloha Tom doing the damage.

The Bay scored two in the fourth on Copasetic Curt’s RBI double to right.

Down seven to four going into the bottom of the sixth, the Bay’s Serve and Folly Peter drove home two to make it a one run game.

With two on and two out, Billy Blooper tripled to right scoring what proved to be the winning run, as the Bay floated home eight to seven.

Games are every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Pattaya School #7 on Sukhumvit Highway, just past Greenway driving range and Caltex gas station. Equipment is provided and refreshments are available. All are welcome.

Easy pickins at the Hare House?

PSC TAGGS... golf from the Hare House

Wednesday, June 9 - Natural Park Hills (Pairs Better Ball)

1st: John Moore & Dougie Powell, Net 68
2nd: Malcolm Clare & George Jackson, Net 71
3rd: Mark Gorda & Derek Reaper, Net 72

The gang from the Hare House must be a glutton for punishment. Two weeks ago they played a two-man scramble at Natural Park Hills and only two teams broke par. On Wednesday, June 9 they returned to Natural Park Hills for a Pairs Better Ball and again only two teams broke par.

Welshman Dougie Powell paired up with American John Moore on a very windy day and won the contest with a net score of 68. John is a charter member of the Pattaya Sports Club and has probably won a hundred competitions over the years out of the Cafe’ Kronborg. But on Wednesday he took home his first TAGGS Knotted Putter trophy and it was an honor for the gentlemen of the Hare House to toast his win and drink away his sweep.

In second place with a net 71 was the English team of Malcolm "The Snowman" Clare and George "Thunderball" Jackson. Malcolm’s nickname comes from his propensity for putting just enough "snowmen" on his scorecard to keep his handicap in the thirties when everyone in Pattaya knows he should be playing off twenty-four. George has a new nickname. George appealed to the better nature of his fellow golfers for a change from "One Ball" when it was made apparent to him that his old moniker was hurting him with the ladies down at the corner of Soi Post Office and Beach Road. With the new handle, George should do just fine.

There were three teams with an even par score of 72 and Mark Gorda and Derek Reaper claimed the final spot on the podium in a count back. After a miserable start of net 40 on the front, the Canadian duo charged home with a net 32 on the back to blow by "Pin Eye" et al.

Friday, June 11 - Great Lake Country Club (Stableford)

1st: Dougie Powell, 41 points
2nd: Mike Parsons, 40 points
3rd: Paul Kraft, 38 points

Welshman Dougie Powell led a strong field of twenty-four golfers at Great Lake on Friday, June 11, and won the Stableford competition with a very impressive 41 points. This was Dougie’s second win of the week after teaming up with John Moore and taking the Pairs Better Ball on Wednesday.

The Welsh must be tired of hearing about the Canadians doing so well in the TAGGS competitions. In second place was another Taffy with yet another impressive score. Mike Parsons had 40 points on a course he knows very well, shooting 45 on each nine for twenty points a side. His efforts won him a free green fee at Great Lake, but seeing as he is a member of that club, he might want to trade it in for a Fobe’ golf shirt or a free bar fine at the establishment of his choice.

In third place with 38 points was one more member of the Shakey Pete’s Quartet. Paul Kraft played both tournaments this week with John Moore, Dougie Powell, and Dene Mundy. They all did very well and after finding the pickins so easy at the Hare House, they will certainly be back for more.

Berra’s turn to make it a double at Great Lake and Natural Park Resort

Pattaya Sports Club Golf from the Café Kronborg

Great Lake - Monday 7th June (Stableford)

Cool breezy weather gave the small field a good opportunity to return good scores. Philippe made a good start to the week with 37 Stableford points - best of the day

Winner: Philippe Berra, 37 points, Net 68
2nd: Joe Smiley, 36 points

Natural Park Resort - Thursday 10th June (Stroke)

This course, as always in fine condition, gave the opportunity for good scoring. Philippe Berra was first again with net 73, winning on count-back from Joe Smiley, runner-up for the second time this week.

Winner: Philippe Berra, Net 73 C/B
2nd: Joe Smiley, Net 73
3rd: Dave Richardson, Net 75

PSC Golf in June

June continues on Sunday the 20th with Lewiinski’s playing Stableford at Great Lake, and on Monday the 21st with a Stableford competition from PSC Golf from the Café Kronborg playing at Khao Kheow, and the PSC Splinter Group from the Green Bottle playing stroke at Laem Chabang.

On Tuesday June 22nd, PSC Pattaya Golf Society from the Bunker play medal at Century Rayong, while the Smokers from Lewinski’s go to Laem Chabang for Stableford.

On Wednesday the 23rd there are visits to Bangpra from the Green Bottle playing Stableford, or a two-man scramble at Natural Park Resort from Hare House.

On Thursday 24th June, PSC Golf Café Kronborg goes to Pattaya Country Club for the monthly Kronborg Medal Mug, and on Friday the 25th the Splinter Group go to Green Valley for their monthly Diana Group Medal, while Hare House stay local at Siam Country Club for stroke play.

The June and July Schedules can be seen at the PSC Golf Venues, at Delaney’s, in Pattaya Mail and at our Web Site at www.pattayasports.org.

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.