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Michael Dige wins PSC Annual Club Championships
The second day dawned brightly over the thirty six hole
layout of the Royal Thai Navy’s newly reorganised courses at Sattahip,
and amongst the players who arrived early at the splendid new clubhouse
there was an air of nervous expectation, for after their efforts of the
first day all had hopes of a great and memorable performance on the second
day. Golf being golf, a few people ‘had’ to shoot the round of a
lifetime, whilst others would be able to regale their friends with the
tales of if only’s and what if’s over the cheap beer in the clubhouse.
 Pattaya
Sports Club Golf Champion Michael Dige was truly “super” during the
club championships.
Two brave decisions by the PSC Golf chairman, Steve
Donovan, were to set up the struggle for the championship. Firstly, to
take the championship to the newly reorganised course, and the super new
clubhouse, and the second to change the club champion from the net winner
to the gross winner, and this second decision was to set up so nail biting
a finish that if televised it would have been one of the finishes of the
year.
In the meantime, what would normally have been the
highlight of the year was unfolding in the net competition, usually the
club champ, as overnight Gerhard Schultz had the lead on a superb net 63
from Terry Summers on net 64, and a real dustup was expected. On the
second day, Gerhard shot a one over par 73, but the tension got to Terry,
so a net 136 was good enough to secure the net win for Gerhard Schulze,
whilst Terry had to be content with first day net, nevertheless a fine
round. Second day net was won on count back by Anders Pederson with a net
72 on count back from others.
 PSC
Ladies Champion Usa Chaiyosit played two fine rounds to win. (File Photo)
Meanwhile the real competition was hotting up as the
‘real’ golfers got down to business, all vying to be the first winner
of the accolade of actually being the ‘best’ golfer in PSC land, not
just the best and luckiest on the day net, but the No 1, money on the
table, no strokes, I’m the best, no amateur in Pattaya can beat me.
It seemed after the first day it should be down to the
last group to provide the winner, with Stefan Anderson, a 4 handicapper
leading the charge, but closely behind him were those tough and good
golfers, 5 handicappers Steve Mascari, ever a really good golfer, and
Michael Dige of the short putter, but not short of fighting spirit. Making
up the last four was Rick Sharp, as a 10 handicapper probably playing as
tough as he could. But who knows, with so many fine golfers, could glory
beckon for a once in a lifetime round? Alas no, but ‘oh’ so close.
 PSC
net winner Gerhard Schultz shot a two round score of net 136 to earn the
spoils of victory.
After the competition had ended the new Club Champ,
Michael Dige, in a state of euphoria, described blow for blow how he had
triumphed. Essentially he said the final round started out as Stefan’s
to win, but mistakes early on by Stefan and a 7 on a par three by Steve
meant at the 16th Stefan and Mike were both level. On the 17th Mike had a
par whilst Stefan had a bogie, and on the last hole both made par, leaving
Mike the champ by one shot. Magnus Johansson came from nowhere to win
second on count back.
Michael had 28 putts for the day; at the end the reason
PSC has a new but worthy club champ.
The Club Championships are not put on without an
incredible amount of hard work and the golf chairman would particularly
like to thank Sattahip, despite the buffet, for their whole hearted
support, and Bernie Tuppin and Dave (The Admiral) Richardson for long
hours and late nights.
Near pins: S4 Terry Summers, S7 Anders Pederson, E2
Geoff Couch, E5 Steve Donovan, N3 Patrick Redmond, N6 Dougie Powell, W3
George Meigh, and W8 Jeff McLaury.
Men’s long drives: E4 Jonas Herfert and N4 Anders
Pedersen.
Women’s long drives: S9 Usa Chaiyosit and W4 Aree Arp.
Long putts: S9 Magnus Johansson, E9 Ricky Furgeson, N9
Dougie Powell and W9 Andy Spence.
Results
Men’s:
Club Champion: Michael Dige, 158
1st runner-up: Magnus Johansson, 159 c/b
2nd runner-up: Stefan Anderson, 159
Ladies
Winner: Usa Chaiyosit, 170
1st runner-up: Kuan Sadar Ngamsangr, 185
Net winners:
Overall: Gerhard Schultz, 136 net
Monday: Terry Summers, 64
Tuesday: Anders Pederson, 72
A Flight
1st: Jeff McLaury, 141
2nd: Ray Carter, 145
3rd: David Claas, 148
B Flight
1st: Ebrahim, 147
2nd: Jim Montgomery, 149
3rd: George Meigh, 149
C Flight
1st: Pid Ovegren, 144
2nd: David Hughes, 146
3rd: Kenny Chung, 147 c/b
Rysers take pole position in Shenanigans Fool’s Scramble
By Mike Franklin
Steve and Toy Ryser returned a gross 73, and a net
62.8, to be clear winners in the Shenanigans ‘Fools’ Scramble on
Tuesday April 2nd at Eastern Star Resort.
On a hot and windy day, conditions were not that easy
and only seven of the fourteen pairs teeing off were able to produce net
scores under par, even with the luxury of five ‘Shenanigans’ (Mulligans)
for each player to use.
No fault of the course though, which is in excellent
shape and with more maintenance under way to improve drainage from some of
the bunkers.
 Mike
Franklin (left) awards top prize to Toy and Steve Ryser for their win in
the Shenanigans Fool’s Scramble.
As one would expect, the inseparable Jackson/Bruce pair
were keenly in the hunt but fell short with a creditable net 65.6 to take
the runners-up spot.
Ray and Im Woodruffe expressed their usual surprise at
being in the frame although coming a very close third, with a net 66.2.
Harry Riley and partner Saranya, enjoying one of those
‘Weekend for Four’ draw prizes at Eastern Star, claimed two of the
technical prizes - Ya with the near pin on #4, and Harry with the longest
putt on #18.
Alex Wood, Clive Bruce and the fast improving Kim
Fletcher were nearest the pin on the other par threes, and Ray Woodruffe
was surprised again having the longest putt on #9. Part of Kim’s
improving scores in recent social rounds, we believe, may be due to
medical advice he is taking between shots, from a newly found
‘celebrity’ playing partner.
At the prize giving back at Shenanigans, newcomers were
welcomed, notably Neil Sandilands, Raymond Suter, Brian Brizzell, Mark
Muehr, Alex Wood, Paul & David Dobbs, Glen Tyler, Berni Brandenburger,
Martin Jones and a welcome back to Alan and Tehn Jones.
In summary, it was just another very friendly
Shenanigans Golf day.
Next outing is on Tuesday 16th April for a normal pairs
scramble. Sign-up in pairs please at Shenanigans and don’t forget to
sign-up early for the Funhill Cup which is at Plutaluang on Friday April
26th. Entry Forms available at the bar at Shenanigans.
Shenanigans ‘Funhill Cup’ close to having a full crew
by Mike Franklin
The combination of Shenanigans Funhill Cup popularity
and the rush to enjoy the new facilities at Plutaluang Navy Golf Course
have resulted in a quicker than usual sign-up for this year’s tournament
on Friday April 26th. By the end of the first week of April, more than
half the 120-limit field had signed up.
The popular South and East Nines provide the challenge
for this traditional ‘Funhill’ Pairs Scramble with a shotgun start at
10 a.m.
The B.1300 entry fee per player includes: green fee,
caddy fee, Shenanigans ‘Funhill 2002’ shirt, Shenanigans Carvery from
4 p.m. (wear the Funhill 2002 shirt), prize giving and lucky draw at
Shenanigans 6 p.m., with Happy Hour 4-7.30 p.m. Heineken and a snack will
be served on the course during the round by Shenanigans very friendly
staff.
Shenanigans Funhill Cup trophy and prize will be
awarded for the best net team score, plus trophy and prize for 2nd, 3rd
& 4th team places. Shenanigans vouchers will be awarded for near pins,
straight drives, long drives, long putts & ‘nearest the Heineken
keg’, plus lucky draw with many prizes.
Players without a PSC/IPGC/CR handicap must show proof
of current lowest handicap at registration. Players not qualifying as
above will be required to play off scratch.
The team handicap allowance is 20% of combined.
Entry forms are available at Shenanigans on the golf
notice board and at the bar.
Entries accepted only with entry fee please, to Kim
Fletcher at Shenanigans Pattaya, or see me, Mike Franklin.
The heat is on - a new season is here
Pattaya Lawn Bowls Division One
Another Pattaya Lawn Bowls season has started, with all
the spills and thrills of the end of last season. Big Frank and Denis the
Menace of the Windmills showed no mercy against the newly promoted
Hasbeens; it’s no holds barred playing with Frank and Denis (that’s
before, during and after the game). The Buriram Stompers found out the
hard way what it’s like to play with the big boys in the first division.
Dancing Peter said he had something wrong with his eyes. Yes he did, they
were full of tears as the Mistyfied Hammers showed them a clean pair of
heels. The Carlsberg Kids and The Cobblers showed promising form as they
won their first matches.
Match of the week: The Cobblers V Cap in Hand.
Team of the week: Mistyfied Hammers.
Player of the week: Billy of The Cobblers.
Results: Carlsberg Kids 19 - Asylum (1) 12, Cap In Hand
13 - The Cobblers 18, Mistyfied Hammers 17 - Buriram Stompers 10, The
Hasbeens 10 - Windmills 28.
Pattaya Lawn Bowls
Division Two
Three new teams entered Division 2 this season, The
Chaplin Spam Heads played like the top team of Division 1, The Tartan Bar
just got beaten by The Teddy Bears, and The Double J’s got beat by the
team of the week.
Match of the week: Asylum 2 V Winchester.
Team of the week: Chaplin Spam Heads.
Player of the week: Eddy from Teddy Bears.
In last week’s Pattaya Mail it quoted Frank as the
winner of the Singles Club Championship, when it was in fact our very own
Steve (Mohamed, the steak) Lake. Sorry Steve.
Six team entries have already signed up for the Pattaya
“Lawn Bowls World Cup”, which will be played the weekend of April 20
and 21. More teams are welcome. Teams need just 4 players to represent
your country.
Results: Teddy Bears 22 - Tartan Bar 17, Winchester 11
- Asylum (2) 13, The Chaplin Spam Heads 27 - The Double J’s 11.
Singapore, India take lead at Asian-Pacific Laser Championships
Siri Chandler Challenges
by Peter Cummins
There was sensational competition for the first three
days of the Asian Pacific Laser and Radial Laser Championships, being held
off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in South Pattaya this week. A “battle
royal” between Australia and Singapore for supremacy in the Laser
Division had developed, while Indian ace Rajesh Chaudhary took over the
Radial Division on Day Three from erstwhile leader Singaporean Stanley Tan
Kheng Siong, with Siri Chandler lurking close in behind.
 Away
they go, off the start line for the Radials. Photo Peter Cummins
Whereas on the first two days, the bigger, stronger
Aussies began to dominate in the relatively heavy conditions, Tuesday
dawned with a light southerly, veering a little west, heavy cloudbanks
appeared and somewhat hazy conditions spelled the finish, at least for the
day, of strong winds.
“It is Siri Chandler weather,” said Principal Race
Officer Lawnin Crawford. How right he was but, unluckily or, so it
appeared to Siri and other light-weights sailing the smaller Radial rig,
the morning race for the Radials was alternated with the regular rig
event. It was light-weights to the fore, as Benedict Tan bolted away from
the then leaders of the Laser Division. With two great first placings to
end the day on 16 points, Ben regained the lead he held on Sunday, six
points ahead of Aussie Nicholas Skulander who finished the day with a
fourth and twelfth, for a total of 22 points.
Thailand’s perennial Laser National Champion and
Olympic sailor Veerasit Puangnak, also finding the lighter conditions much
to his liking, scored two thirds, to move up to third place overall, on 24
points, just four ahead of Japan’s Youichi Lijima.
Rounding out the top 12 were: 5. Sandeep Srikant (IND,
30); 6. Richard Scarr (AUS, 34); 7. Manat Pothong (THA, 36); 8. Mitsuhiro
Okubo (JPN, 56); Nuttapol Sriyhitrun (THA, 66); 10. Shuo Kuo Liang (SIN,
67); 11. Stanley Chan Hian Gee (SIN, 69); and 12. Frank Teeuwen (THA, 73).
In Day Three of the smaller-rig event, the Laser
Radial, India’s Rajesh Choudhary, the tall, slim and extremely agile
sailor from the sub-continent, with a fifth and a fourth placing finished
on 17 points, thus taking over the leadership from Singapore’s Stanley
Tan Kheng Siong who finished 10th and ninth, for a total of 24 points,
equal with compatriot Leong Koh Seng and 10 points ahead of Thailand’s
Chulapong Chanyim. Then followed David Leung Kwok Tunh (Hong Kong, 36) and
Japan’s Noriaki Tanaka, 42, fifth and sixth, respectively.
The sensation of the day was Siri Chandler who,
delighted to find that the afternoon wind did not rise above about eight
knots, bolted home with two firsts, and although well down the ladder in
seventh place on 44 points, has served notice that, if “Siri weather”
continues, Watch Out one and all!
Even ‘Rookie Rockey’, Schuyler Rockey, probably the
youngest sailor out there, started to react to the lighter conditions,
finishing 11th and seventh in the two Day Three races, a great change from
his numerous capsizes and various other sundry disasters in the earlier
races of stronger winds.
Meantime, Siri Chandler’s dad, Albert T., having
organized this great event at very short notice, went back into the
“saddle” - so to speak - and is battling Aussie Laser man Paul Milsom
for superiority in the Laser Grand Master Division, trailing Paul by a
some 20 points at this stage.
In the Youth Division, Leong Koh Seng (SIN, 24) leads
David Leung Kwok Tung (HK ,36) and Mohd Romzi bin Muhamed (MAL, 44).
The Women’s Division saw Siri consolidate her grip,
after her day’s great performance, with Thailand’s Sinsupa Wannasut
(69), Myanmar’s Tin Thiri Aung (80) and Uganda’s Sarah Searle, (82),
second to fourth, respectively.
It is indicative of the closeness of the competition
when it is noted that five of the first six places in the both the Laser
and the Laser Radial Divisions are filled by five different countries out
of the nine entered in the championship.
Racing continued through to Saturday, April 13. Further
information on this and any other event organized by the Royal Varuna
Yacht Club can be found at site: http//:www.royal-varuna-yacht-club.com
First International Tibhar Table Tennis Training Center opens in Pattaya
Thwas Assilfa (Coach Tong), in cooperation with Tibhar,
recently opened the first table tennis school at the Mike Shopping Mall.
Coach Tong said that the school provides training for
many age groups with high standard coaching that enables the students to
become professional table tennis players if they want.
The school will also organize weekly tournaments every
Saturday called “Pattaya Table Tennis Mike Shopping Mall Tibhar Open”.
No advance application is needed - prospective players
can register on tournament days, every Saturday by 11.30 a.m.
The classifications are singles and doubles for men,
women, boys and girls not over 18 years, boys and girls not over 14 years,
boys and girls not over 10 years, and men over 40 years.
For obtain more information contact DK-Jaava Sport,
tel. 038-775312, or email [email protected]
Kevin Mitch wins Three Sisters two weeks in a row
PSC Three Sisters Golf
On Monday, April Fools Day, Kevin Mitch again made
Three Sisters golfers look like fools as he posted another round of
incredible golf. Last week’s winner of the bragging rights can again
brag for anther week as he blasted his way past the field with 40 points.
 Kevin
Mitch can brag yet another week after winning the PSC Three Sisters golf
outing on Monday, April 1 at Siam Country Club.
Along with his new swing, Kevin made at least three extremely long putts
of approximately 25 feet or better. His playing partner and compatriot
Erle Kershaw was a distant second with 36 points. The rest of the field
bunched up close behind but could not break out, as the heat and humidity
got to most of the field.
Ted Smith, who arrived from California not too long ago
on his vacation, got tripped up by the rest of the field and his playing
partner, Russell Finch. Russell and Ted came in with identical scores of
30 points but Ted managed to win the bottom spot on count back. Russell
made sure as he poured over the scores.
Jim Boyd cards 43 Stableford points at Bangpra
PSC Golf From The Cafe Kronborg
Thursday 4 April -
Bangpra (Stableford)
With the star attraction of the year in Pattaya golf,
the ‘Club Championship’ out of the way, the return to the normal
relaxed atmosphere of the schedule was greeted by a return to a great golf
course Bangpra and some super scores.
 Jim
Boyd won the B flight with a great 43 points.
Playing with Mick O’Connor it was a pleasure to see
him produce a super 42 points, and sitting in the plush Bangpra clubhouse
taking in the scorecards, it was difficult to see anyone beating him. A
jubilant Ricky Ferguson, who brought in a score of 41 points had to be
told he was only, at best, in second place.
Recently returned from his holiday in Aussie & Kiwi
Land, Jim Boyd was last to hand his card in, and after weeks of being
upside down and playing poor golf, this dog had his day, with a great 43
points and a reminder to never count your chickens until they hatch.
A flight (0-20) winner was Ebrahim with 39 points, Pete
Stevens was second on 38 points, and Frank Sinclair third with 37 points.
B flight (21 up) winner was Jim Boyd with 43 points,
Mick O’Connor was second on 42 points, and Ricky Ferguson third with 41
points.
Near pins: #2 Mick O’Connor, #8 Eric Wandelle, #’s
12 & 17 Wayne Koch.
The “Doc” on the big dipper of golf
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday 1st April - Great
Lakes (Bogey)
1st: Dave Ball, plus 1
2nd: Lars Schackt, all square, cb9 plus 1
3rd: Klaus Schackt, all square, cb9 A/S, cb6 plus 1
4th: Einar Widness, all square, cb9 A/S, cb6 A/S
When the TAGGS heard that the Thailand PGA Open had
been held during the previous 4 days, they thought that they would find
the course in top condition. They were sadly mistaken, as those who had
watched it on television could have told them. The outlook from the first
tee was not promising, as it resembled a goat farm in Kazakhstan, which
those who have seen one can tell you is an extremely bleak sight. The
greens were not much better, having more drawings on them, to mark GUR,
than the Tate Gallery during a surrealist’s exhibition. What the pros
made of it was anyone’s guess.
In the event the scores reflected the conditions with
only the winner managing to beat “Old Man Par”. Klaus was pushed down
to third on a count back by brother Lars, making his last appearance until
next winter in Norway, with Einar rounding out the podium. The “Doc”
cleaned up in the twos with a nice chip in from the fringe to mark his
return to form.
Wednesday 3rd April -
Khao Kheow (Stableford)
1st: Stephen Beard, 45 points
2nd: Jeff McLaury, 41
3rd: Einar Widness, 39
4th: Mike Dabanovich, 37
5th: Klaus Schackt, 36
Chalk and cheese was the best way to describe the
difference between the beautifully prepared A and B courses at Khao Kheow
and the previous outing. Jeff McLaury followed up his good form in the PSC
Championship, in which he won the second division title, by firing 41
points, which on any other day would have seen off the rest of the field.
At the scoring table he found the “Doc” had shot an astounding gross
80, to record his best score in competition and return 45 points, to take
the day’s honours by four clear points. Einar, now playing very steady
golf on every occasion, led home the usual suspects, Dabber and Klaus, to
clinch third spot. Stephen attributed the score to having “a mind clear
of any extraneous thoughts for a change.”
The twos were shared between Serge Straeten, Mark Adair
and Jeff McLaury, with surprisingly the “Doc” unable to slip one in
during his great round.
Back at The Haven, Richard Livingston the resident PGA
professional welcomed back Derek Reaper from his overseas holiday.
Friday 5th April -
Phoenix (Monthly Medal)
Ladies
1st: Oradee Kaesavane, 78
2nd: Saranya Chaiyanont, 81
2nd Division
1st: Dan Maclean, 72
2nd: Mark Gorda, 74
3rd: Einar Widness, 75
1st Division
1st: Mike Dabanovich, 69
2nd: Mark Adair, 72
3rd: Harry Riley, 74
The Monthly Medal played as usual from the tips, blue
tees, proved to be a long haul for most of the competitors, with only
“Dabber” managing to better his handicap over a well prepared but
testing Lakes and Ocean courses.
The ladies section was led home by Oradee, who at last
managed to secure a place in the upcoming Gold and Silver Medal. Although
she was disappointed with her winning score, it was good enough to take
the division.
Big Dan easily led the second group to take his first
win at The Haven holding off “Gordo” in second and the seemingly
ever-present Einar.
“Dabber” continued with his stream of good scores
to record the best round overall and keep Mark and Harry well behind. It
was noticeable that the “Doc” did not figure in the final results
after his efforts on his previous outing, but he was 13 over after five
holes and then lost a ball to retire hurt. Life can be so cruel just when
you are thinking the game is sorted. His two playing partners were
unperturbed by his antics, as both finished on the winners’ rostrum.
Danny Omland, who took the proceeds by himself, won the
twos.
Back at The Haven, Richard welcomed back Danny Omland
and Bob Lindborg.
All in all a very good week for the eighty plus golfers
that played, with many seeing their handicaps reduced to the lowest levels
ever.
Lifetime best for Bill Jones at Bang Pakong
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
If one is prepared to set out earlier and travel just a
bit further than usual in the search for a golfing paradise, then the
magnificently prepared Riverside Country Club at Bang Pakong, on the
outskirts of Bangkok, is the answer. The Bunker Boys did just that on
Tuesday, 2nd April, for their weekly medal competition. Everything about
the course appeals, from the excellent caddies to the lushly manicured
fairways and the result was some spectacular golf.
In division one Bill Jones shot a lifetime best gross
to win with a net 65, a long way ahead of nearest rival Wilf Latham on 70
and Roy Mitchell, third, with 71.
Scores in division two were even more impressive with
Bangkok restaurateur, Nozaki Zaki shooting a tasty net 63! In second place
was Brian Ellis with 69 and trailing in third place was Gordon McKnight on
net 75.
In addition the Bunker Super Sawng award was shared by
Wilf Latham and Keith Hector, both of whom recorded excellent two’s on
their cards. After an absence of two years the returning Alan “Smiler”
Rides won the Bunker Banana Booby for his gallant nine-off-the-tee,
insisting all the while he would have parred the particular hole. Indeed,
there were no losers on a day when everything was memorable at Bang Pakong.
Jonsson & Jones are
Eastern Stars
A very dry and slightly fatigued Eastern Star was the
host to the Bunker Boys on Friday, 5th April, for their weekly Stableford
tourney. The course is usually well prepared but on this occasion many of
the greens were heavily sanded and unshaved and putting was something of a
lottery.
Winners of the lottery were two “forgotten” players
at the Bunker, both without a win for many months. In division one the
Icelandic Samurai, Kerry Jonsson, surged to the top with the day’s best
score of 38 points, just heading off the challenge of Bert “Remy” Guy,
who is now able to concentrate on his golf again since his soulmate Wilf
Latham has returned to England. Third was Bill Hewitt, shooting 36 points.
In division two out-of-form Len Jones discovered how to
win again and drove to victory with 36 points, two ahead of nearest
challenger Alan Alexander. In third place was Kristjan Jorsteinsson with
33 points.
The difficult greens prevented any player from
recording a two but the Bunker Banana Booby was hotly contested by Alan
Alexander, and his wayward drives, and “Smiler” Andy Rides with his
dismal score of 17 points. Well done, Smiler, two wins in a row!
For more smiles, check out http://www.thebunkerboys.com
A new era in yacht racing about to begin - Koh Samui Regatta
Story and photos by Peter Cummins
Now
equipped with spinnaker, the Nacra is a super-fast racing machine. Shown
here: Nacras launch off Royal Varuna beach recently.
It is all about to happen, the opening of a new era of
yacht racing in Thailand. With the Kingdom’s two major offshore regattas
- the Phuket King’s Cup in December, now entering its 16th year and the
Phang Nga Regatta, held over the Chinese New Year, in its fifth year -
clearly established on the international circuit, a “new kid on the
block” is about to join. The first Koh Samui Regatta, to be held from
the 28th of April until the fourth of May, is shaping up to be an ideal
event, with a similar format to the two in the south, combining inshore
and offshore racing, utilizing - and, exposing the beauty of - the
coastlines and adjacent islands in the respective areas.
 The
Malaysian sloop “Yo!” will be a prominent contender.
The spectacular islands of Koh Phangan and the smaller
islands of Koh Tae Nai, Koh Tae Nok, Koh Kong Ok and Hin Ang Wang, make
ideal - and beautiful - rounding ‘marks’ in the various courses which
will be sailed off Koh Samui itself, with start-finish lines set off
Chaweng Beach, one of Samui’s most spectacular and popular.
Actually, the forthcoming regatta, along with the Phang
Nga event, will add a new dimension to the already well-established Asian
Yachting Circuit, a series of four regional regattas, being aggressively
promoted by Proteus Sports Limited. These four events - the Raja Muda
International in Malaysia in November, the Phuket King’s Cup in Thailand
in December and the Singapore Straits Regatta in January, culminating in
the China Sea Race in Hong Kong in March, receive maximum media attention
and it is estimated by Andrew Owen, managing director of Proteus Sports,
that upwards of 140 million households view the best possible features of
these respective locations, under most favourable circumstances. The
impact on tourist potential in all four places is almost impossible to
estimate.
 Renowned
International Judge Mark Pryke (L) will add his prestige as principal race
officer for the new regatta.
Regatta manager Bill Gasson, four-time Phuket King’s
Cup Racing Class champion and runner-up at the Asian Circuit Championship
in 2000, pointed out that, at press time, there were already some 20
keelboats and multihulls, including the two Thai Navy Farr MRX yachts
entered for Koh Samui. With a consignment of Royal Varuna Yacht Club
multihulls (Nacras) being prepared to go to Samui, courtesy of a Royal
Thai Navy landing barge, there is a possible entry of more than 30 craft.
Of course, this will be a great boon to Samui where the
waters and winds at this time of the year are ideal and, according to
Gasson, “Will make spectacular racing and sailing conditions ... in this
part of the Gulf which has virtually been overlooked as a yacht-racing
venue.”
The
mighty “Stormvogel” approaches windward mark between two smaller craft
- next port Samui.
Formulating the embryo of a Samui Regatta idea almost
two years ago, Bill has solicited the experience of long-term Samui - and
former Pattaya - resident John Stall, Peter Plant and others and has
attracted the support and interest of the private sector, the hotel and
tourism industry and a host of private individuals who wish to promote
yacht racing at the resort island.
Support in cash and kind has been quickly forthcoming,
with such companies as Coconut Land and House, Red Bull and other
co-sponsors joining perennial regatta supporters QBE Insurance, Bangkok
Airways, Art Asia Press and Singha. A number of the resorts on Samui are
offering rooms for the duration of the regatta and will also ensure a
vigorous social programme for which all the events on the Asian Yachting
Circuit are justly famous.
The entry sheet is already reading as a “who’s
who” in yacht racing in the Asian-Pacific region, with winners and
high-placed entries from recent Asian regattas, particularly the last
Phuket King’s Cup: Graffiti, Hocux Pocux, Big Buzzard, Octopussy, Luna
Nova and Stormvogel are among the leading keelboat contenders. Cedar Swan,
Vivachi, Manta Ray and Treasure Trove will form the basis of the ocean
multihull class.
Royal Varuna Yacht Club in South Pattaya is already
mooting some of the leading multihull skippers - particularly the new
Nacra fleet sailors - to transfer south, at least temporarily, their
ongoing competition for supremacy off the Jomtien-Pattaya shore.
Further information regarding the regatta can be found
by searching the web-site: www.samuiregatta.com or email [email protected];
[email protected]
Asian
Yachting Circuit champion, Hong Kong’s Neil Pryde in action at the 2001
King’s Cup Regatta.
Rotary Club of Pattaya to host charity golf tournament
The Rotary Club of Pattaya will host a charity golf
tournament on May 3 as part of the club’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
President of the Rotary Club of Pattaya, Kamnod
Sophonwasu announced the upcoming event will be held at Siam Country Club.
Proceeds raised from the tournament will be used for the various projects
currently under the Rotary Club banner, such as helping the
underprivileged, drug rehabilitation, the aged and scholarship funds for
the city’s children.
The Rotary Club of Pattaya’s 30th anniversary also
coincides with Bichai Rattakul’s election to the position of president
of Rotary International for the year 2002-2003. Bichai is the first Thai
national in the history of Rotary to hold this esteemed position.
The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 11
a.m. on Friday, May 3 with teams of 5 players. Entry fees are 10,000 baht
per team or 2,000 baht per player, and include green fees, caddy fees a
buffet and many prizes.
The top prizes include special trophies in honor of
Bichai Rattakul, president of Rotary International 2002-2003, plus the
Governor’s Trophy from Chadej Insawang, who is also the district
governor for Rotary International District 3340.
Those interesting playing in the charity golf
tournament can contact Wiwat Sirichartchai on 038 426 857, 01 640 0311,
Jin Srisikorn 038 221 134, 01 521 3870 or Surin Ruengrung 038 421 111, 01
946 266.
Pattaya Windsurfing Association prepares for the 2nd DTAC Windsurfing Cup
Trials for the 2nd DTAC Windsurfing Cup are set to
begin this coming April 16 and will continue throughout the year,
culminating in the championships on November 30th.
Plans for the upcoming competition were set out at a
meeting of the board of directors of the Pattaya Windsurfing Association,
led by the association’s president and head of the Chonburi Athletics
Association, Wittaya Khunpluem, representatives from DTAC and Pattaya’s
mayor.
The windsurfing competition, supported by DTAC and
Pattaya City, will be separated into four categories and will take place
off Jomtien Beach.
Wittaya said that sporting competitions such as these
are primarily aimed at young athletes, helping them to develop their
skills in the sport and in the community, as well as discouraging illegal
substance abuse.
Wittaya Khunpluem added that the main even will take
place between November 25-30 this year after 6 months of competition
racing to determine a point qualifying system, which will also count
towards entering the world championship set to be run between December
4-17 in Pattaya this year, providing an opportunity for Thai athletes to
compete on the world stage against international champions.
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