Everyone a winner at Papa Ray’s Turkey Day Scramble

Ray Matti, Mark Gorda, Mo Deverdenne and Be scrambled together a 55.4 to win the annual Papa Ray’s Turkey Day Scramble on November 22 at Pattaya Country Club. 140 golfers entered the team scramble event, and everyone who participated came out winners, especially the recipients of the money raised for charity.

The winning team (L to R) Mark Gorda, Ray Matti, Papa Ray, Mo Deverdenne and Be.

After the golf, the ever-popular Ray Roger’s Thanksgiving party took place in the beautiful setting of Papa Ray’s house on Siam C.C. Road near the lake. Along with the golfers there were many of Ray’s old friends and golfers’ partners, making a total of around 200 people to enjoy the feast.

Stalwart Bjarne Nielson, his family and staff of the Cafe Kronborg took charge of the catering, finishing off the immense task that Ray had been working on for many days.

When all were assembled, the presentation of prizes took place. The first prize was a collector’s beer kit, which had been donated by Ray to be raffled for charity - it was won by Gert Hansen who put it back in! The next name drawn was Andy Nesbitt who gratefully accepted the gift. The raffle raised 6,000 baht which will go to a charity of Ray’s choice.

Diamond (Go Home) Dave ably emceed the party and entertained all throughout. George Bennison, Dave Richardson, Gert Hansen and Derek Brook organised the event.

All went home with a large souvenir in the shape of a suitably monogrammed bath towel gifted by Ray.

Competition winners were:

Team 1 - Ray Matti, Mark Gorda, Mo Deverdenne and the irrepressible Be who, rumour has it, spends many hours on the range in preparation to receive another golf bag to add to her collection! (55.4)

2nd place went to the team led by Ray’s old mate Pete Galle with John Rewell, Darren Smith and Barry Kerr. (55.7)

3rd spot was taken by Claus Ernlund, Roy Capell, Martin Hanfelt and Anders Petersen. (57.8)

4th place was won by Ebrahim, Frank Polizotto, Bob Morrison and Ross Nicolson. (58.4)

Long putts: #9 Terry Dalton and #18 Claus Ernlund

Near pins: #5 Paul O’Mahoney, #7 and 12 Pete Galle, and #16 Peter Thompson

Long drive on hole 8 went to Darren Smith with a creditable 270 Yards smash!

Paties make it to grand final in Saigon

Newly attired in their ‘salmon pink’ playing shirts, proudly sponsored by Global Silverhawk Sante Fe, the Panther girls embarked on a tour to Saigon - or for the benefit of the politically correct amongst us - Ho Chi Minh City, and made it all the way to the grand final.

The four team tournament included hosting side, the Saigon Boas, the Singapore Wanderers, who had only just completed their league division in their home city, finishing top of the ladder, and long time friendly rivals the Corsette Corsairs.

Panties star La La facing the opposition

The Panties played a solid game in their first match of the day, against the Corsairs, and the Panties’ excellent defence ensured that they did not concede a try. Newcomer La La scored not one but two tries for the Panther-girls, with Skipper Burkey finalizing the score to 3-0.

The second match with the Singapore Wanderers was not so cruisy. The Wanderers proved to be a force to be reckoned with, and the Panties were left gasping at their speed and agility. Their playing of the dummy was superb and the Wanderers streaked ahead to score try after try. The Panties did not know whether to curse, to applaud or not do anything in order to conserve energy for the next match. Final score 7-0.

A tough draw for the Panties, as they were one of two teams who had to play back-to-back matches, the second against Saigon. This match was crucial to both teams as both were vying for a place in the grand final. The game began evenly with both teams defending well and making good ground in the first three touches. Just before half time, Saigon managed a successful loop to score the first try of the match. A healthy and positive pep talk at half time revived the Panties sagging spirits and their renewed enthusiasm and determination resulted in a quick try by another newcomer ‘Louie the fly’. La La cemented their position in the final with yet another try from her favourite wing position.

The Panties were unsure if winning to Saigon was such a good idea. Facing the Singapore team again was a daunting prospect. The final started well - for the first two minutes. The Panties’ defence lasted that long before the Singaporean well used but well carried out tactic of the dummy half caught the defence off side, enabling them to streak ahead to the try line before popping to a fellow player. Despite the Panties maintaining possession in the own half for most of play, the Wanderers managed to score four tries in the first half.

It is a tribute to all the Panther girls, as well as the Panties’ supporters, that they rallied in the second half. This led to a try by guess who? - yes, La La, to make the first try against the Singapore Wanderers. In this half of the game, the Panties defended and attacked extremely well to maintain possession of the ball and keep the game in their own half. The defence was tight and strong - so strong that the Wanderers were only able to score one try in the second half.

The final score of 5-1 in no way reflects the calibre of rugby that was played by all the girls. As Skipper Burkey said, “We played the best game that we could. We did everything right. They just did it better.”

The Panties look forward to hosting the next tournament to be held in Pattaya in May.

World Boxing Council visits Pattaya this week

by Howard Reed

The WBC opens its 39th Annual Convention at the Ambassador City Hotel Sunday December 2. After stops in Bangkok and Chang Mai, Pattaya will be the host city for the first time.

The “official” convention begins on Sunday, but events actually got started in Bangkok last Monday when president of the WBC, Dr. Jose Sulaiman, along with the president and secretary general of the Asian Boxing Council Pol. Gen Kovid Bhakrdibhumi presented the “Shinning Golden Medal of Honor” to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great.

On Saturday, Royal Highness Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will be honored by the WBC and ABCO, by the presidents and early arriving governors at the Ambassador Hotel.

When the war broke out on September 11 it was feared that attendance might be down from previous years. It appears that most of those fears were for naught, as more then 450 referees, judges, promoters, boxing champions and boxing officials from around the world will make Pattaya home for the next week. WBC President Dr. Jose Sulaiman will preside over the five day meeting, which will have an impact on WBC boxing in the coming year.

The WBC is comprised of 10 affiliated Continental Federations, which stretch from the British Board of Control to the Oriental & Pacific Boxing, and encompass more than 150 nations. There will be a vote taken at this gathering to approve the Asian Boxing Council as the newest member, the organization’s 11th.

Most of the public hears about the WBC in regard to sanctioning world or regional championship fights, or through their rankings, which are released monthly. The WBC does much more than that. During the convention they will set the rules for the coming year, run clinics to bring officials up to date on rules, their interpretation of them and any new methods that may assist in the safety of boxers.

The WBC has been a leader in boxer safety, putting their money where their mouth is. They made the first donation to the UCLA Medical Center for research on how to improve safety.

All boxing organizations are known by the world champions that hold their world titles. The list of WBC Champions is the most impressive in the sport, with newly crowned heavyweight champ Lennox Lewis leading an impressive list that includes Roy Jones (175), Bernard Hopkins (160), Oscar DeLaHoya (154), Shane Mosley (147), and Kostya Tszyu (140). Two champions from the Kingdom of Thailand, Veeraphol Nakhonluang (118) and Pongsaklek Wonjorjkram (112), will receive special attention during the festivities. Usually a number of champions would appear at the social events of the convention, but with the situation in the world, injuries and upcoming title defenses, that number will be down this year. A likely visitor might be Kostya Tszyu who makes is home in Australia.

The convention officially opens Monday when, following a welcome by World Champion Nakhonluand, the Prime Minister of Thailand, Dr. Taksin Shinawatra will deliver the “official opening remarks.” The first workshops of the week will be held starting at 15:30 with world renowned trainers Emanuel Stewart and Jeff Fenech passing on secrets of the trade.

Stewart has trained some of the greatest fighters in history including Thomas “The Hit Man” Hearns and new Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis. Australian Fenech has made the successful transition from world champion boxer to world champion trainer.

Each convention day will begin at 9 a.m. with a general assembly, which anyone can attend, followed by workshops which are also open to the public, followed by the social events that mark any world wide gathering.

The convention will get nationwide TV coverage Wednesday evening when WBC President Dr. Jose Sulaiman leads the organization in a unique ceremony headed by Thailand’s Prime Minister Shinawatra to celebrate the 74th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand.

On Thursday at 3 p.m. there will be “live” boxing arranged by Channel 7 for all convention delegates. The preliminary arrangements call for a WBC World Championship Fight, a WBC International Championship fight and a pair of Muay Thai Championship fights. The rumor is that the fights will be held somewhere at the Ambassador City Complex with admission by registration to the convention, which is US$100 and includes all events.

Shenanigans Ladies Golf Majors

The Square Ring

by Howie Reed

There is no doubt now that Hashim Rahman was a “one punch wonder” when he defeated Lennox Lewis for the Heavyweight title. It is equally clear that with one punch, a crushing right, Lennox Lewis put quotes around “one punch wonder”. No one in boxing took Rahman seriously as a great fighter. Even less considered him good. He was and is and will always be a journeyman. As Andy Warhol said, “Everyone gets 15 minutes of fame.” “Has Ben” Rahman got more than that. Probably because Lewis has never captured the imagination of anyone that doesn’t know the words to “God Save The Queen”. For the title fight Lewis got 11 million dollars while Rahman collect 5. That’s according to papers filed with the Nevada Athletic Commission. But wait a minute, say the geniuses in the Rahman camp, “WE made a “secret deal” with Don King that would pay us 12 million.” That is rich. A secret deal with Don King ranks right up there with statements like “Of course you are my only Big Big Honey. I love you all my heart.”

For the Rahman camp this turn of events may be subtitled “Paybacks are a Bitch.” Rahman secretly took money from King and pulled out of a fight telling then promoter Cedric Khushner he was “hurt”. Then he decided that King was a better ticket so he jumped the Khushner ship, while under contract, for King. He wanted King and got him. He also made a brilliant move by NOT signing a 100 million dollar contract before the Lewis fight, “I’ll be worth a lot more after.” In the words of my favorite philosopher Mr. B. Bunny, “What a maroon.”

Lewis now looks forward to a 20 million dollar payday when he finally gets in the ring with Mike Tyson. The fight will probably take place in mid-April in either Las Vegas (MGM or Thomas & Mack) or somewhere else. “I’ve dreamed of fighting Mike Tyson,” said Lewis. Tyson, training for a January 17 fight with Ray Mercer that probably won’t happen said, “I want to congratulate Lennox Lewis on regaining the heavyweight championship. He said he wants me. Well I am really looking forward to it. It would be the biggest fight in boxing. You better start counting the days Lennox because I promise your days are numbered.” Many, including the Pattaya Mail, think that Tyson will have little trouble with the “basically boxing flawed” Champ. He just makes too many mistakes. Yet the early betting line has Lewis as a 3-1 favorite.

Notice that the name Don King has yet to appear in this part of the story. As of now he’s out of Tyson-Lewis. When Lewis didn’t sign before the Rahman fight and won, King was left standing on the sidelines. Maybe. But King introduced Gary Shaw, Lewis’s promoter in the USA, calling him my dear friend. There are those skeptics that think Shelly Finkle (Tyson advisor) had a deal in place with Lewis before the fight. Will we miss Don “Viagra Hair” King on this promotion? Nope. He’ll be there somehow.

WBO Chump Wladimir Klitschko chimed in, “Lennox said that he wants to fight Tyson. Should that not be worked out, I would happily put my belt up against his. I am ready for a duel with Lennox.” More likely, said sensible promoter Klaus-Peter Kohl, “I could imagine a bout between Klitschko and the winner of the WBA championship fight between Evander Holyfield and John Ruiz.” Why shouldn’t Wladimir Klitschko face the WBA champ and the winner will fight the winner of Lewis vs. Tyson? Wladimir’s December 1 fight against David Izon has been canceled because the “No Heart Chump” hurt his shoulder. Long way from his heart.

International boxing combined with Muay Thai. It’s a charity show to be held at the Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa on 2nd Road this evening at 7:30 p.m. The Pattaya Mail boxing writer, that would be “Moi”, will act as ring announcer for this combination of the various forms of boxing including boxing kateoys and a REALLY BIG variety show headlined by the Alcazar Cabaret Show.

With the WBC Convention in Pattaya, one of their traditions has been to hold a championship fight in conjunction with the meeting. It has been reported, by the WBC, that on Thursday December 6 at 3 p.m. there will be a WBC World Championship Fight, WBC International Championship fight, and two Muay Thai Championship fights put together by Channel 7. The events will be held at the Ambassador City. At press time the fighters’ names and records were not available.

The 6th TAGGS Invitation Golf Tournament

At Phoenix Golf Club, Friday 7th December 2001

Organised by TAGGS and the International Pattaya Golf Club (IPGC)

Format: Stableford. Maximum handicap Men 36, Ladies 40

Entry & Registration: Entry forms with entry fee should be handed in at The Haven, The Bunker (Roy Mitchell), Lewiinskis/Orchid (Steve Ross), Shenanigans (Kim Fletcher or Mike Franklin), or the Diana Driving Range (Richard Livingston).

Registration at Phoenix Golf Club from 08.30 -09.15 a.m., first tee time 09.30.

Rules & Handicaps: R&A and USGA Rules will apply. Plus, The Competition Local Rules. Handicaps will be from IPGC, and in the absence of which handicaps from PSC, Bangkok Golf Groups affiliated with the TGA, USGA or R&A, or any official USGA or R&A handicap. All Non-IPGC golfers will be required to show proof of current handicap with entry, or at registration.

Entry fee: B.1250 per player includes: green fee, caddy fee, sweep, top quality designer golf shirt, prizes: 1st, 2nd, in 3 divisions, winners plus runners ups in Rabbits (29-36) and Ladies Divisions, near pins in 3 divisions (0-15, 16-22, 23-40), long drive 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Rabbits, Ladies Divisions, and best gross, plus special seafood/ Euro-Thai buffet.

Prize giving at The Haven 6 p.m.

Bangkok shocks Havana 2 to 1

MBMG International Casuals League: Week 6

With the comments of the national press ringing in their ears that they would not be so effective on their travels, local Pattaya boys Havana F.C. sent a strong 16 man squad to Bangkok for their first away game of the season. However, the Bangkok experience did not prove to be enjoyable as Havana tasted league defeat for the first time this season, going down 2-1 to UNOCAL. Despite Havana leading at half time UNOCAL hit back in the second half with a cross from the right that somehow sneaked into the net and a winner with a few minutes to go.

With Paul Crouch and Kevin Pullen coming into the team after missing the Vikings victory, Havana made a very promising start to the game, putting a lot of pressure on their less experienced UNOCAL opponents. With Crouch and Ross Nicholson dominating midfield and John Parkin and the old fox Dale Farrington looking very dangerous up front it was no surprise that Havana took the lead after 20 minutes. A swift attack involving Parkin and Farrington lead to Nicholson pouncing onto a loose ball and firing in his second goal in his second appearance. As the half progressed the younger and fitter UNOCAL began to come more into the game and Havana were forced on the defensive for the rest of the half.

The second half began evenly, both sides sharing possession with out threatening to score until UNOCAL right winger Somsak sent in a speculative cross that Havana keeper Samath misjudged. Parkin had a great chance for Havana to regain their lead but, instead of taking his time he decided to hit it first time and the ball went well wide.

With Havana’s defence beginning to wilt in the heat of the day UNOCAL were able to find more space and with it more chances. With five minutes to go UNOCAL winger Somsak got behind the Havana defence and played in a dangerous low cross which was finished of by Anuroj. Havana tried to get back into the game but were unable to find an equaliser. Mark Taylor, showing a bit of frustration, earned himself a yellow card just before full time.

Elsewhere in the MBMG Casuals League, The Warbler maintained their 100% start to the season with a 5-2 win over MVI, stretching their lead at the top of the table. Havana remain in second place. The Brazilian Bull Head beat the German All Stars 1-0 and Vikings ran out 3-1 winners against Pattana.

Ed Trayling scores 73 at Rayong Green Valley

Unfortunately not on the golf course though!

Ed Trayling was celebrating his 73rd birthday with a ‘Social Pairs Scramble’ at Rayong Green Valley with a field of thirty-eight player friends. Although two days after Ed’s birthday date of November 19th, it was also rather timely for Ken Lill whose actual birthday was on the day of the competition, reaching an undisclosed age, but believed to be in the rather Super Senior category.

Birthday boys Ed Trayling & Ken Lill

Surprisingly, neither of these golfing stalwarts look or say they feel that old, which augers well for those who have yet to ease into the Super Senior ranks.

It was a windy and sunny Rayong winter day, with the Green Valley course looking as good as usual, except for maintenance work on a third of the greens.

The winning scores reflected the conditions, with best of the day coming from Graham Twyford and Nora Haugsjordet returning a net 68.8 off their combined handicap of 8.2.

Runners-up Ray and Keow Ryan were just a fifth of a shot behind with net 69 off their 9 handicap, with the Tidbys, Don and Ben, playing off 5 handicap coming third with net 71.

All received handsome trophies from Birthday Boy Ed, still exuberant from his earlier Pattaya Mail Channel TV interview with emcee Mike Franklin.

Rather nice technical prizes went to Graham Wood for being nearest the pin on holes two and twelve; to Jack Gayer on hole sixteen, and to Mam Trayling on hole nine, who generously put the prize of a pair of binoculars into the lucky draw.

The longest first putt on the eighteenth, using the very silly bent putter provided, was nailed by Ebrahim who received a very special prize thought up by Ed which you take with water, and preferably not all at once!

The buffet supper and prize giving were back at Khun John’s Lakeside Restaurant on the far side of Lake Mabrachan, as the sun went down on what had been a fun day.

Prasan Boonsiri generally managed the proceedings, while his wife Khun Bird produced an excellent buffet.

The music was live and it was not long before the karaoke started with the inevitable rendition, and longer than usual arrangement, of ‘My Way’ from the host himself. Not to be outdone, Ken Lill’s version of ‘Unforgettable’ was indeed unforgettable.

All up, it was just another very good golfing day with some very nice people.

Rossie (The Rhino) roars at Burapha

Golf from Lewiinski’s / Orchid G.C. a member of the IPGC

Steve Ross roared on Friday 16th Nov. at Burapha G.C. shooting a gross 82, net 63 to easily capture first place. Stan Fry only finished second with a net 66, but Steve, who plays off 19 handicap (now 17) actually ended up losing bets within his four ball and couldn’t understand why, after putting together one of his career best rounds. He commented afterwards that you just can’t be sure of anything in golf!

Other Results:

Burapha 16th Nov

1st: Steve Ross, net 63
2nd: Stan Fry, net 66
3rd: Rick Sharp, net 67

Green Valley 18th Nov

A flight

1st: Pat Donnellan, 45 pts.
2nd: Peter Henshaw, 42pts.
3rd: Rick Sharp, 38 pts.

B flight

1st: Jack Shilton, 40 pts.
2nd: Svein Vistung, 36 pts.
3rd: Rusty Boysen, 36 pts.

Near pins: #2 D. Griffith, #9 Steve Mascari, #12, and #16, Graham Johnson
Treasure Hills 19th Nov (Joint Stableford)
1st: Steve Ross & Muffy Kerr, 66 Pts.

Pattaya C.C. 21st Nov

1st: Mark Gorda, 43 pts.
2nd: Joe Mooneyham, 38 pts.
3rd: Svend Berthelson, 37 pts.

Week of count backs leave Richard gasping for sustenance

TAGGS Golf from The Haven

Monday 19th November - Century Ban Chan (Bogey)

1st: Lamud Lindborg, 3 up
2nd: Moe Bertrand, 2 up
3rd: Oradee Kaesavane, 1 down (cb9 -1, cb6 +1)
4th: Harry Cranz, 1 down (cb9 -1, cb6 A/S, cb3 +2)
5th: Bob Lindborg, 1 down (cb9 -1, cb6 A/S, cb3 -2)

The very tight and difficult Ban Chan lay out proved to be a bunker too many for all the low handicappers. Although the course was in great shape and the greens playing fast and true, it did not help if you could not make the green in regulation. The day was won by the fast improving Lamud, who just edged out Moe, who is also running into a bit of form following his record score on the previous Friday. Oradee just took third after a series of count backs that left Richard Livingston, the resident PGA professional, gasping for sustenance. Back at The Haven, Richard welcomed back Rick Bevington and Tony Barritt.

Wednesday 21st November - Pattaya Country Club (Stroke Play)

1st: Klaus Schackt, 70 (cb9 35)
2nd: Harry Cranz, 70 (cb9 35.5)
3rd: Werner Kuhr, 71

Klaus reveled in the wide-open spaces of Pattaya Country Club, shooting a pair of forties on the front and back nines, to record his first win for a little while. Harry once again showed the benefit of constant practice but just missed out on the last hole. Newcomer, Werner played very steadily to grab third and final place on the podium. Prior to the prize giving, Richard welcomed new member, Werner Kuhr from Austria.

The twos pool, including the carry forward from Monday, was shared by Al Rolnik, Klaus Schackt and Harry Cranz. The ex-snowman, Malcolm Clare, now known as “Slush” continued to melt in the heat and was unable to repeat his previous week’s form, but no doubt this will be short lived as he prepares for the up-coming major competitions.

Friday 23rd November -Treasure Hill (Stableford)

1st: B.J. Smith, 39 pts
2nd: Klaus Schackt, 36 pts cb9 19
3rd: Oradee Kaesavane, 36 pts cb9 17
4th: Jeff McLaury, 36 pts cb9 16
5th: Stephen Beard, 35 pts

Treasure Hill off the white tees can be a daunting prospect for the higher handicappers, but B.J., at last starting to show the sort of form as a sportsman he once showed playing State Tennis in Australia, took it in his stride and walked away with the honours by a good margin. Klaus led the chasing pack and looks set to take another step towards the reduction of his handicap, which has been so long waited for by the rest of the TAGGS members. Jeff made the winners enclosure for the first time in many months, having at last found out the correct position for his hands at the top of the back swing. “On the club somewhere”. The “Doc” threatens a new beginning next week when he returns with a full set of teeth. The twos pool was won by John Clements, finally winning something off his “ridiculously low” (sic) handicap.

The Guru flays Sriracha

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker

On Tuesday, 20th November, the Bunker Boys, and the Guru in particular, enjoyed a medal play competition at Sriracha. Originally the competition was planned for beautiful Bangpra but the arrival of forty-plus Koreans just before tee off put paid to the best laid plans of the Bunker. Sriracha proved to be more accommodating and an equally stern test.

In division two the Guru, Mick Jones played his best round of the year to record an unblemished net 64, with Chris John second on net 70 and Peter MacKay third with 72.

In division one Geordie exile Bob Lindborg and Japan’s Yuzo Nishikawa both fired an excellent net 68, followed by Harry Cowling and Bill Jones on 70.

The Bunker Banana Booby once again went to the transport manager, John Preddy, for the confusion at the start of the day and the new Bunker “Super Sawng” award for a hole in two went to Bob Lindborg, who in return rang the bell for all thirty two golfers. Well done Bob, and thank you very much!

Len & Mr Loy head the field

On Friday, 23rd November, the Bunker Boys made the short trip to Phoenix Golf Club for their weekly Stableford competition, in perfect golfing weather. The course was full with golf groups but the late start did not deter the Bunker Boys.

In division one the recently returned Mr Loy fired an impressive 42 points, shaking off the last effects of his jet lag. Second was Paul “Houdini” Butler, another welcome returnee, with 37 points and third came Bill Hewitt with 34 points.

In division two, after a long absence from the podium, Len Jones managed to play consistently for a whole round and amass a score of 41 points, pipping Kevin “Man Friday” Wilson, on 37 points, and Peter MacKay in third with 36 points.

The new Bunker “Super Sawng” award was shared by Mr Loy, Wilf Latham and Paul Butler for their holes-in-two and the Banana Booby went to “Two Ronnies” Millward for his highest gross.

For more details regarding the Bunker Boys activities check out www.thebunkerboys.com

Herbie wins Three Sisters

On Monday, Herb Ishinaga finally scrambled his way to the top of the pile in the Pattaya Sports Club Three Sisters golf outing. Shooting a credible 43 points, Herb managed to hold off surging Alan Pearce, who came in with 41 points. Following close behind were Scott Williams and Doug Powell with 39 points.

Herbie Ishinaga tuned his game to win the bragging rites with a whopping 43 points at the SCC on Monday 19/11/01. Paul Craft happily came in last after a count back against Mike Reilly.

With the course drying out, and the ball running much better, the golfers are turning in much better scores than usual.

Holding up the bottom this week were the two big boys - Mike Riley and Paul Kraft. Both were tied at the bottom with 24 points. On count back, Paul managed to beat out Mike for the bottom spot. Mike might have had a bad hangover, but it’s hard to say what Paul’s excuse was. For sure Paul and Mike will not be at the bottom next week.

Principal sponsor BMW hopes 74 yachts for HM’s 74th birthday

15th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta

story and photos by Peter Cummins

Pattaya Mail special correspondent Peter Cummins has covered this great event since it was inaugurated in December 1987 to celebrate HH the King’s 60th birthday. This year, the old lad will be ‘on his toes’, so to speak, to photograph and report on the performance of strong teams entered from Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard.

Although not anything to do with yacht racing, nevertheless an award just presented to His Majesty earlier this week emphasizes the King’s dedication to ALL sports and the legions of men and women world-wide who partake therein.

The King accepted the “Gold Shining Symbol of World Leadership”, conferred upon His Majesty by the World Boxing Council, through the Council President, Dr. Jose Sulaiman, at the Klai Kangwol Palace last Monday, 26 November.

The prestigious award, rarely offered, was bestowed upon His Majesty, “For the inspiration he has given the people of Thailand and the Kingdom’s sportsmen and sportswomen...and his leadership over 56 years has enabled Thailand to forge ahead in all fields of development,” Dr Sulaiman announced at the ceremony.”

Regatta ‘set to sail’

It is all ‘go’ for the Fifteenth Phuket King’s Cup Regatta which begins on Sunday, 2 December, with the Opening Ceremony to be held at the host hotel, the Kata Beach Resort.

Since it was established in 1987, to celebrate His Majesty the King’s fifth-cycle, sixtieth birthday, the now-famous Phuket Week has gone well beyond being solely a yachting event. It has, over the years, become an annual celebration of a life - the exuberance of those who love the great outdoors and the unfettered freedom of the seas, using only Nature’s forces - the wind and the water.

Principal sponsor BMW, supporting the Regatta for the first time, is becoming a major force in Asian sports, having just finished the first venture into the international golfing scene, the highly-successful BMW Asian Open played out at the Westin Resort Ta Shee, Taiwan.

BMW - as well as the other sponsors, in fact - certainly regards yacht racing as a clean, environmentally-friendly pursuit which ideally fits the BMW image of producing emission-free automobiles in the future, through harnessing hydrogen power - the sun and water.

Regatta Week Programme

Regatta racing will start on Monday, 3 December, with the first event, “The Southern Islands Race”, sponsored by the newly-upgraded Evason Phuket, the splendid resort which joins the Regatta for the second time.

Thereafter, Racing off West Coast Phuket continues on Tuesday, 4 December sponsored by long-time Regatta supporters, the House of Kangaroo Europe AS and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

On Wednesday, 5 December, Mom Tri’s Boathouse and QBE Insurance have the honour of jointly sponsoring the racing, also along Phuket’s West Coast, to celebrate the seventy-fourth birthday of H.M. the King, the Regatta Royal Patron. As is customary, the Boathouse will hold the beautiful and touching candle-lit ceremony on Kata Beach in front of the hotel, just after sunset, to be co-ordinated with simultaneous nation-wide ceremonies to honour the beloved Monarch.

Thursday, the sixth, is the usually-much-welcomed “lay day”, when teams can have a well-earned rest, “lick their wounds”, so to speak and fix or replace worn or broken gear.

Hong Kong’s “Bugis” grapple with a near breach

The rest will swap the Gulf course for the Golf course and will repair to the Blue Canyon for a little golf and a lot of refreshments. The evening will feature one of the social highlights of the week, the glittering Sponsor’s Dinner, held at the Boathouse Restaurant, right on Kata Beach.

Of course, the “lay day” is also kept in reserve, at the behest of the committee, in the event that any cancelled races need to be re-sailed. It rarely happens, but it is always a possibility.

In fact, this correspondent was in Phuket last weekend to cover the Allen and Overy Asian Sailing Challenge 2001, organized by Sunsail. There was an ominous wind pattern: a 12-14 knot northeasterly early morning, then fading, fading, fading after mid-day, to zero by 5.00 in the afternoon.

Although this has certainly happened during some past regattas, nevertheless, Regatta principles from Phuket who certainly monitor day-to-day conditions, pointed out that last weekend was exceptional, representing a temporary hiatus in three weeks of “cracking” winds, as one sage said it.

Racing will resume on Friday, the seventh, with “The Andaman Sea Race” - which is the ‘Blue Riband’ event of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta and, as such, has always been the principal sponsor’s signature race. Whereas up until the thirteenth regatta in 1999, the Andaman Sea Race was a long-distance event from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi and return, since then, it has been sailed off Phuket.

This year’s BMW Andaman Sea Race will consist of approximately 40 nautical miles (n.m.) for the faster Racing, Cruising One and Premier Cruising Classes and some 32 n.m. for the Cruising, Cruising Two, Classic and Ocean Multihull Classes. The course, with a variation for the two divisions, will comprise a windward leg, then south to round Koh Racha Yai, east to Koh Hi and finish off Kata Beach, after passing south of Koh Kaeo Noi.

Some of the most beautiful islands in the Andaman Sea are featured on the course and the Andaman Sea classic is always a spectacular event.

The evening’s programme will feature an awards ceremony, presided over by Karsten Engel, President of BMW (Thailand) or his representative, followed by a splendid beach party at the Evason Phuket.

All events on Saturday, the final day, are sponsored by the Kata Beach Resort and will comprise Olympic courses off Kata, for all classes, the prize presentations and the Royal Awards Ceremony and Closing Party, presided over by H.M. the King’s Personal Representative, M.L. Usni Pramoj.

Strong teams from Pattaya-Sattahip

Two full Thai Navy teams have entered in the Farr MRX-40 racing craft and there will be a Royal Varuna Yacht Club contingent, racing the “Emerald Blue”, skippered by Robert England. Another local entry will be four-time Racing Class champion Bill Gasson, sailing his sloop “Big Buzzard” up from Singapore.

1999 Performance Cruising Class champion Viroj Nualkair will be back with his all-Thai team, to challenge again on his Farr MX “Octopussy” and perennial Sriracha sailor, Radab Kanjanavanit will again try to take away the Ocean Multihull award, helming “Cedar Swan”.

Another Pattaya sailor, David Bell, 2000 champion of his class last year, has performed very well in the just-completed Raja Muda and Singapore Straits Regattas and called the Pattaya Mail from Kuala Lumpur late last week contending that, on present performance, they are “well placed as top contenders for the Phuket King’s Cup” title again.

Updated information on the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is available: Website www.kingscup.com tel. +66 (0) 76 282198-9 fax +66(0)76 282198. Contact person: Khun Walapa

“Doctor” Beard to celebrate birthday with annual major

“Dr” Stephen Beard will celebrate his birthday on Friday, December 7 with the annual TAGGS Invitation Stableford Golf Tournament. The golfing part of the event will take place on the Mountain & Ocean courses at Phoenix Country Club, with the prize giving ceremony and birthday bash back at The Haven on Soi 13 afterwards.

The 1250 baht entry fee includes trophies for winners & runners up in 1st (0-15), 2nd (16-22), 3rd (23-28) Divisions, Rabbits (29-36), and Ladies (0-40), as well as technical prizes for near pins in 3 divisions (0-15, 16-22, 23-40), long drives in, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Divisions, Rabbits & Ladies, lowest gross, green fee, caddy fee, golf shirt, and sweep, plus free special seafood/Thai/Euro buffet at The Haven.

Sign up by entry form, available from The Haven, The Bunker, Lewiinski’s, Shenanigans, and The Diana Driving Range. Details and entry form also appear on page 41.

Downhill Berra and Again Galle win the week

PSC Golf from Cafe Kronborg

Monday the 19th of November saw 39 duffers at Pattaya Country Club for a stroke competition. The competition was divided into two flights: A flight was 0-19 and B flight, 20 and up.

Steady Magnus Johansson took A flight honours with a net 73, Philipe (downhill) Berra finished 2nd with net 75, and Lennart Belander came 3rd with net 75, along with Harry Cowling 4th on count back.

B flight was won by Pete Galle (69), 2nd was Martin Hanfelt (69), 3rd young Frank (again!) Sinclair (75) and 4th John Swanson (76).

Near pins were: Bob (Cowboy) Morrison on hole 5, Les (Farmer) Philips at no. 7, Wayne (PC) Koch hole 12 and Bill Hewitt at the 16th.

Long putts went to Herb Schwitermann at no. 9 and Pete (again) Galle at no. 18.

Tight race at the top

Cafe Kronborg Tuesday Bowling League

After 11 weeks, and starting the second round robin series, it’s really starting to heat up at the top of the Cafe Kronborg Tuesday Bowling League, after Mio’s team beat Kran’s team 3-1 and Nual’s team won against Jeed’s team 3-1. It was the first win for Nual in 6 weeks. Somrak’s team won against Otto’s 3-1, in a very close match.

From left: Udom 211, Somrak 209

The high scores of the week were rolled by Udom (211) and Somrak (209).

The usual high scorers, like Kran and Mio, could not find the form this week. Tue did not get any 200 strings, but still maintains a very good handicap of -8.

Team standings after 20 Nov

	Won	Lost
Kran Jeed Mio Somrak Otto Nual	26 25.5 24.5 21 18 17	18 18.5 19.5 23 26 27

Updated every Friday
Copyright 2001  Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
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Tel. 66-38 411 240-1, 413 240-1, Fax: 66-38 427 596

Updated by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek, assisted by Boonsiri Suansuk.
E-Mail: [email protected]