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Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa
Koh Larn Classic Tomorrow
by Peter Cummins
It is that time of the year again, when the annual
‘pilgrimage’ of the Bangkok Hash House Harriers and Harriets (HHH),
descend onto the Royal Varuna Yacht Club for this, the Twelfth Pattaya
Marriott Resort and Spa (formerly the Royal Garden Resort) Koh Larn Classic.
It guarantees a great event and a lot of fun when the Royal Varuna Yacht
Club sailors and the Bangkok Hashers combine their sailing and running
skills for the racing, enjoy a great buffet courtesy of the Pattaya Marriott
Resort and air their somewhat dubious vaudeville talents for the show on the
Varuna balcony afterwards. The Royal Thai Navy Band ‘Rockers’ and, of
course, HHH ‘Supremo’ Francesco Felipo Noriega, will add their usual
entertaining touch.
Joining principal sponsor, the Pattaya Marriott Resort
and Spa again this year, are Schenker International and Technilink who
always support the Bangkok Hash House Harriers - and, of course Harriets -
who come to Pattaya to join the Classic and the fun and hold an out-station
run. Varunian Alberto Cassio is also “pitching in” with a barrel of
beer!
David Wales and Gilbert Leemann, the organizers of the
Classic, pointed out that it is really a race of “three legs” (like, the
Varunians provide the sails and the Hashers provide the legs). The first is
a race starting off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, sailing north to round Koh
Chun (Lighthouse Island) in the middle of Pattaya Bay, thence west across to
round Koh Larn, leaving the runner/crew at the south-west end of the island,
at Samae Beach. The finishing time of this leg is the start time for the
runner.
Then the runner takes over, vying for the Karl Schmidt
trophy for the “fleetest feet”. The hashers then rejoin their L & M
(Lord and Master) and the third leg, a race back east across the Gulf, to a
Royal Varuna finish.
Royal Varuna sailing secretary and web-master supremo,
Richard Van Den Heuvel announced that the Thirteenth Pattaya Marriott Resort
is open to all Multihull classes, including Nacra Square 16s, recognized by
Varuna. There will be a pre-race briefing at the Club at 10.00 and it is
expected that the first race will sail off at 12.00 (wind permitting, of
course).
Richard counsels all sailors to be early for selection of
runner/crew. “Be at Varuna in good time,” he advises, “for there will
be a rush for runners. If you are late, the choice is greatly narrowed; it
may only be the ugly ones left”.
When entrepreneur John Stall designed the Koh Larn
Classic, it became the third such, joining the exulted company of the Hong
Kong Four Peaks Race, a 36-hour endurance test of sailing 76 nautical miles,
20 miles of overland running and scaling four peaks, first organized by Hong
Kong’s Aberdeen Boat Club, in 1985. John will be conspicuously absent this
year, busy preparing for the first-ever Koh Samui Regatta, to be held at the
end of April.
The other is the Australian Three Peaks Race, a most
gruelling test of man and machine around the island state of Tasmania which,
for the slower yachts - and, runners - can be a four-day marathon. Initiated
in 1988, one run alone in the 1998 event, took an incredible 18 hours, when
a team was lost in the fog and rain of one of Tasmania’s formidable
mountain ranges. Fortunately, the Koh Larn Classic is much more
“user-friendly” than either of these, as participants in previous events
readily bear witness.
With the Pattaya City fathers determined to clean up the “waste-plagued
islands of Koh Sichang and Koh Larn”, the Classic is, indeed, good news.
There cannot be any more environmentally-friendly pursuits than yacht racing
and running, both of which rely on the inherent gifts of nature, for
mobility and performance.
Peter Alfthan becomes eighth winner of the Classroom Charity Classic
Peter Alfthan literally took on all comers when he
claimed the Overall Championship of the 8th Classroom Charity Classic. It
would have been easy pickin’s to stage a burglary in Pattaya on Friday as
almost every tourist and resident of our fair city was at Green Valley that
day, or so it seemed. But while several came close, Peter’s consistent
play mastered the field, the weather and the always-tough Peter Thompson
layout with his 41 points.
Tom Breslin and Nirand Phimwong produced strong 40-point
efforts but were left in a count back as they garnered 1st and 2nd in A
Flight respectively. Nirand, who is the general manager at the Green
Valley/St Andrews 2000 complex, had better luck in copping the Low Gross
Award with a score of 75 and by winning the Long Putt held on the 18th hole.
Third Place A Flight came down to a count back between
Brian Wilkerson and Derek Reading, with the former’s back nine 20 besting
Derek’s 19.
Peter Loom, who by the account of his fellow Scandi’s
had not been on form lately, came good when it counted and topped B Flight
with his 39 point effort. Always tournament tough Gerhard Schulze took the B
silver and Tony Cox weathered a four way count back over Anders Farstad,
Maurice Bowman and Harald Gruber to take the B bronze.
The ladies, not to be outdone, produced a worthy champion
in Lamun Handley as she bettered her handicap with 37 points.
The Rabbit Division, reserved for handicaps between 28
and 36, was won by Tor Elgvin. John Emmerson received a free ride as his
three partners, Joe Mooneyham, Bob Patterson and Khun Nirand amassed 113
points between them to win their four ball the team prize.
The field which exhibited patience and cooperation during
a long day was treated to complimentary food stands complete with that
favorite: ice cold beverages. Afterwards hosts Stan Fry and Pete Stonebridge
welcomed the field back to the Classroom A-Go-Go on Soi Pattayaland Two for
a large buffet, prize-giving, lucky draw and a free performance by Jerry
Hill, a much recorded American Country Western singer. It all made for a fun
evening.
Technical prizes: Near pin: No. 2 - Tony Cox; No. 9 - Ian
Edwards, No. 12 - Anders Hagar, No. 16 - Darren Smith. Long drive: Lady’s
- An Kaesavane; Men’s - John McHugh. Long first putt: Nirand Phimwong. Fun
contests: Closest to the student - Bill Hewitt; putt with a WALKING STICK -
John McHugh and Jan Walfridsson. Booby prize - Cliff Langley; Best dressed;
John Biangazzo; Worst dressed - Frank Sinclair
Team Prize: 108 points - Nirand Phimwong, Bob Patterson,
Joe Mooneyham and John Emmerson.
Competition prizes: Overall Champ - Peter Alfthan
(41pts.); Low gross - Nirand Phimwong (75); Ladies champ - Lamun Handley (37
pts.); A Flight: 1st - Tom Breslin (40pts.); 2nd - Nirand Phimwong (40
pts.); 3rd - Brian Wilkerson (39 pts.); B Flight: 1st - Peter Loom (39
pts.); 2nd - Gerhard Schulze (37 pts.); Tony Cox (36 pts.).
Badman and Robin
Pattaya Lawn Bowls Division One
Steve the Streak and Mackem John beat international duo
Bill Mad Dog Jones and Wonder Boy Robin from the Philippines who played for
the Dream Team in a nail biting match as mad dog Jones chased his screaming
bowls like a man possessed. Culminating in mad dog launching a classic
bottle of water over the wall. Next time the two teams play we will have the
riot police here.
In the other matches of the night Vodka Willy and Bad
Hand Ken from the team Chaplin Spam Heads lost a very well thought out match
by the team Tartan Bar Scots Willy and Diver Daz picking two shots up on the
last end.
Carlsberg Kids Dave the Rave and blond bomber Martin beat
the bottom of the league team the Cobblers in a one-way match.
In the last game of the night the Dutch duo Big Frank and
the Dark Destroyer beat Ned the Ted and Dancing Peter of the team Somtams.
Player of the Week: John Of The Likely Lads
Team of the Week: Tartan Bar
Match of the Week: Likely Lads v Dream Team
Results: Dream Team 12 v 16 Likely Lads, The Cobblers 9 v
26 Carlsberg Kids, Team Somtams 10 v 22 Windmills, Chaplin Spam H 10 v 11
Tartan Bar.
Suraphan takes over top spot
The Cafe Kronborg Monday Bowling League
Monday Feb. 3 saw had a good turnout of 26 players for
the Cafe Kronborg Monday Bowling League. Both top teams are also now back on
winning form.
Feb 10
200 bowler Ooy with 200
Feb. 3
200+ bowlers, from left: Tui 205, Bill 210 and Porn 199+ birthday.
Bill’s team beat Tue’s team 3-1, with Bill leading
the way with 210 and 576, helped by Porn, this week’s birthday girl, who
rolled 199, 541 and Tui 205.
Suraphan’s team beat La’s by 4-1, in the last match
Kran’s team won 3-1 against Mio’s.
Monday 10th. Feb. Change in the lead after 9 weeks on
top, Bill’s team had to surrender the Lead to Suraphan’s team, after
Suraphan’s team steamrolled Bill’s team 4-0, Bill missing his normal
support from Porn.
Tue’s team won against Mio’s 3-1, and La’s team won
against Kran’s 3-1, here with Ooy rolling the only 200 game of the day for
La’s team.
The turnout of 24 players included two new faces on the day: Tan and Mai,
hope to see them again.
House of Golden Coin extends lead
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
Only one bowler showed up for the House of Golden Coin;
however, with Lada bowling over her average all three games it was enough to
take all four games from a poor showing by the Winchester Club.
VFW Post 9876 went 4 & 0 against Cafe Ole with good
solid team bowling.
Three sisters jumped out of the cellar with a 4 0 win
over Nice & Sleezy with Morn and Ooy each bowling around the 500 mark.
Jack Tar took 3.5 from Cafe Kronborg on some very close
games including one tie and one win by 3 pins.
La started with a 95 and it must have made her angry, as
the next two games were 211 and 193, as they split 2 & 2 with Domicil.
Over 200 bowlers for the day were: Mia 217, La 211, Ken 208 and Tue 200.
Diana Group Golf
Seniors & Ladies February Open
The next tournament, exclusively for Seniors (50-64),
Super Seniors (65+) & Ladies (any age) will be held at Pattaya Country
Club on Thursday February 27.
Program
* Booked tee-off times from 10 a.m.
* Format: Stableford (handicap qualifying)
* Transport leaves Diana Inn, 9 a.m. (B.100 return fare)
* Prize presentation & buffet at the Green Bottle 6
p.m.
* Trophy and prize for best score in each division
* Prize for runner-up in each division
* Technical hole prizes for near pins & long putts
* Sign-up at:
* The Green Bottle or
* Diana Group Driving Range
All Seniors, Super Seniors and Ladies welcome
P.S.C. Golf from Bobby Joes 60’s Bar
Friday February 14
Century Bang Chang
(Stableford)
What a great place to take your wife on Valentines Day, a
nice day out with Bobby Joes golfers including breakfast thrown in and an
evening meal. Very romantic and such good value, who could resist it?
Eddie
(left) & Joop presented by Ja
Well there were some ladies who could not resist it, but
the rest don’t know what they were missing; or do they? Such a fine slim
suave group of great golfers! Well, no, but nice chaps.
The players got to Bang Chang and out onto the course
without incident, now that is a cause for celebration, and were met by a
course in fine condition but wet from heavy recent rains. The greens in
particular were in good condition and the players all found this a course
they would like to play regularly.
Things went well for a long time but as the golfers
entered the back nine the storm clouds started to gather and the rain
started to fall; still, it was relatively light as the first group finished,
then the heavens opened and it lashed it down. Suffice to say as the
‘drowned rats’ finished, a big rush was made for the one hot shower, and
it was noticeable that one name had cleared up on all the pins on the back
nine.
Suffice to say we were all ‘forced’ to sit there and
drink cold beer until the rain eased, because the clubs had to go on top of
the mini bus, and this was a real hardship.
Rain over, it was back to Bobby Joes and some hot food,
and then onto the presentation where the noble winners, notably Eddie Rudkin
overall winner and Derek Brook who cleared up the technical prizes on the
back nine, were presented with a selection of Bobby Joes 60’s Bar mementos
by Bobby’s no 1 waitress Ja.
Presentation over most enjoyed a pleasant night at the
bar.
Winner: Eddie Rudkin.
Booby Prize: Joop Jasperre.
Near pins: #5 Kevin Dunne, #7 Paul Kraft, #13 and #15
Derek Brook.
Long putts: #9 Andy Evans and #18 Derek Brook.
Lucky draw: Cees Bosman & James Flanagan.
Brian Walker provides test for prize giving
Rising Sun Golf Society
The Rising Sun Golf Society regular Tuesday Green Valley
(11/2/03), Brian Walker provided a test for the prize giving by having 3
nearest the pins and a 2 at the 16th. He was gracious enough to except one
prize, the rest of his card we will not mention.
1st with 40 pts was Phil Fletcher, with a voluntary cut
to 18 as this was his third time on the podium. 2nd Rab McDonald had 35pts
playing off 10.
Thursday 13/2/03 at Natural Park Resort (a bit
expensive): Again Mr Fletcher was on the prize list, 2nd with 34pts off 18
hcp. He needs something cut, but I couldn’t possible say what.
1st with 37pts was an old regular, Roger Privett off 13
hcp. Again a headache with nearest the pin’s prizes had 3 two’s Roger,
Bill Campbell, Rab McDonald.
Worth mentioning: a special 3rd prize from the bar went
to Bernard Bailey with 33pts. See you all Tuesday GV, Thursday TBA, leave
11.00.
Hat trick for Remy
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
On Tuesday, 11th February, a fleet of cars delivered the
Bunker Boys up the highway to beautiful Bangprakong Riverside for their
weekly medal competition. The course is always immaculately turned out and
the lush fairways guaranteed perfect lies whilst the fast greens and canny
pin placements made for accurate putting. Unbelievably the day was still,
with the omnipresent breeze only getting up towards the end of the round.
It was a day when good scores were inevitable and in
division one Bert “Remy” Guy took the honours for the third competition
in a row giving him an excellent hat trick. He caressed and cajoled the ball
off the fairways and teased and tickled the ball with unnerving accuracy on
the greens. His third sub-par round in succession gave him a score of net 71
and he was followed into the clubhouse by Wilf Latham and Harry Cowling on
72.
In division two the scores were incredible with John
Preddy and Kevin Sheppard recording 69s to give them only a share of third
place. Saranya Chaiyanont’s net 66 could only make runner-up as newcomer
Beni Walthard, from Switzerland, betrayed his handicap of 35 to post a score
of 62! This was either the round of his life or an indication that his
alpine handicap had been prepared by the Swiss Navy and an avalanche in the
ratings will certainly follow.
Remy, Mr. Loy, Ian Phillips and Brian Wilkinson all shared the Bunker
Super Sawng award for their birdie twos and Mike Deverall’s high score of
the day was rewarded with the notorious Bunker Banana Booby.
Eddie Rudkin floats to the top
PSC Three Sisters Golf
The second Monday of the month brought Eddie Rudkin
floating to the top. Eddie, looking like he was floating, managed the course
with good drives and great putting. Coming in with 42 points, he had no
competitors. Eddie has held the bag before, but hasn’t been at the top in
recent memory.
Eddy
(the “ringer” from St. Andrews!) Rudkin stole the bragging rights with
42 points at SCC Monday 10 Feb.
Marvin
Smith, recently back from Florida, came in holding the bag.
Following up in second place was Erle Kershaw with 39
points. Erle tried but just could not make up the shots needed as Eddie
powered to the front. Fast Eddie and Paul Kraft were next in line with 37
points, but as with Erle, they could not catch up to the winner.
Khanthong Kristiansen tried getting a hold of the bag but did not have a
good enough grip on it, as the bag was ripped out of her reach by Marvin
Smith. Marvin, at 80 years old, showed the young lady just how to get a hold
of the bag and keep it, as he came in with 21 points to win the honors. At
80 years old he still hits a good ball and no doubt will get rid of the bag
next week.
P.S.C. Golf from
the Cafe Kronborg
Monday February 10
Century Chonburi
(Stroke)
The very pleasant and challenging Century Chonburi layout
was host to a stroke play competition in two flights, A flight (0 to 18) and
B flight (19 and above). The great value and good condition led to some good
scores in both flights.
Icelander Steindar Johansson took the A flight with a net
70. The second and third places were decided on count back, on net 71s, with
Jack Cunningham coming second and Kris Helgasson coming third. Canadian
Muren Moores came fourth with a net 72.
Mick
(Humpty Dumpty) O’Connor - Hero on Monday, took a fall on Thursday.
The
Admiral - Missing Before Action.
In the B flight Irishman Mick O’Connor shot a super
round to win with a net 66, ahead of John Cahill in second on net 69, and a
count back for third, on net 70,with Barry Kerr third and Harald Gruber
fourth.
Near pins: #4 Einer Johansson, #7 Nobody, #13 Jerry
Kurtz, and #17 Ebrahim.
Long putts: #9 Don Richardson and #18 Mike Wouldham.
Thursday February 13
Noble Place
(Stroke)
Stop press - The Admiral goes missing and this so upsets
Humpty Dumpty that he takes a great fall, totally lost, well read on and all
will be revealed.
The day started out as normal, meet at the Kronborg and
watch the holiday golfers scratch that part of their anatomy that they
don’t use in Pattaya, their brains, and await the regulars. Well so far so
good, but as the time crept towards 0815, still no Admiral. Now in all the
years we have been coming here, the Admiral has always turned up on
competition day, and despite a late getaway, a ‘No Show’ was entered and
the search parties sent out. Latest information was that after the Fernhill
match of the day before he was seen, how can we say, happy.
Harald
Gruber
Marcel
Wittwer
Nevertheless the other 40+ players set off for Noble
Place, always a long drag, and arrived there to find the course quiet and
generally in good condition. So off we went and I was playing with the big
winner of the Monday competition, Mick O’Connor, who incidentally had been
helping the Admiral entertain the day before, and he felt dreadful, just how
he played. He was heard to say ‘Never again’ and ‘Do you know I saw
myself on the tele and I looked just like Humpty Dumpty’. Well after
Monday we can say he played so bad Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
Meanwhile the rest of the players were having a great day
and producing some fine golf and some good scores. In the A flight (0 to 18)
the winner was Marcel Wittner with a fine net 65, second on net 69 was Johan
Reynissan who beat Ted Morris into third, also net 69, on count back. Fourth
net 70 was Ebrahim who beat Don Richardson and Einar Johansson on count
back.
In the B flight Harald Gruber won with a net 67 ahead of
Big Pete Galle in second on net 68 with Prostur Johansson in third net 69
and fourth was Cilia Bosman net 70.
Near pins: #B2 Prostor Johansson, #B5 Kristinn Helgasson,
#C6 Ted Morris, and #C8 Brian Holden.
Long putts: #B9 Brian Holden and #C9 David Simek.
A good week for the Doc
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday 10th
February
Pattaya Country Club
Stroke Play
1st Division
1st: Vance Millar, 68
2nd: Arthur Hancock, 70
3rd: Les Utting, 71
4th: Barry Winton, 72
2nd Division
1st: Mark Gorda, 65
2nd: Stephen Beard, 69
3rd: Igor Saktor, 71 cb9 37
4th: Chris John, 71 cb9 37.5
5th: Paul Taylor, 71 cb9 38
6th: Phil Utting, 71 cb9 40.5
Vance Millar took the opportunity to take his first win
and the first division, during his current visit, after “Mr Steady”
Arthur Hancock let things slide over the closing holes. Vance attributed his
good form to an early to bed regime encouraged by the imminent arrival of
the rest of the Millar family from Canada.
Les Utting and the reliable “Noddy” Winton, who as
always showed how golf should be played off a single figure handicap,
closely followed them.
The second division was won in a canter by “Guido”
Gorda, who left the rest of the pack gasping as he recorded his best score
for some considerable time and consigned “The Doc” to second after the
latter badly faded following a front nine that featured a gross a 39.
The minor placings were closely contested with Igor
Saktor, following a series of lessons with Richard, just getting the better
of the group on count back.
The twos were shared between Al Rolnik, Phil Utting and
Les Utting.
Back at The Haven Richard Livingston, the resident PGA
Professional, welcomed new members Ed Findlay, Rob Jennings and John Watt.
Wednesday 12th February
Khao Kheow
Stableford
1st Division
1st: Stephen Beard, 37 points
2nd: Chris Davisson, 36 cb9 17
3rd: Doug Campbell, 36 cb9 16
4th: Pete Murray, 34 cb9 18, cb6 12, cb3 7
5th: Barry Winton, 34 cb9 18, cb6 12, cb3 6
6th: Graham Johnson, 34 cb9 15
2nd Division
1st: Phil Utting, 38
2nd: Igor Saktor, 36
3rd: Paul Taylor, 35
4th: Mikael Anderson, 33
With the divisions split slightly differently from the
previous outing, “The Doc” found himself in the first division and after
fading even more spectacularly than the last time, still managed to sneak
his first win in a few months with a solid 14 points on the back nine.
Chris Davisson just edged out Doug Campbell for second
place by virtue of a marginally better back nine.
“Shaky” Pete Murray, Graham Johnson and “Noddy”
rounded out the podium after a close count back.
In the second division, Phil Utting also managed to keep
it together on the back nine after fading in the previous outing, and held
off the improving Igor who is now going for lessons every other day from the
resident guru.
Paul Taylor and Mikael Anderson completed the
prizewinners.
The twos were shared between Igor Saktor, Serge Straeten,
Graham Johnson and Chris Davisson with two.
Prior to the prize giving Richard welcomed back Samantha
Burke, Kevin Taylor, Brian Cole, Cliff Hornsby, Paul Eley, and Paul
Quodomine.
Friday found most of the TAGGS playing in the Classroom
Charity Classic.
Pattaya Mail PC Classic Royal Cliff Beach Resort International Regatta to sail 29 March 2003
The Pattaya Mail PC Classic Royal Cliff Beach Resort
International Regatta 2003, is scheduled to be sailed out off Asia’s
award-winning resort hotel, on Saturday, 29 March, 2003. This will be the
ninth sailing of this event, inaugurated in 1995, to celebrate the 60th
“retirement” birthday of the ‘PC’ in the title: Peter Cummins,
perennial Thailand-based yachting scribe for the national and the
international press. Peter has also been the resident special correspondent
for the Pattaya Mail, voted the Eastern Seaboard’s best English-language
newspaper for the past four years - and, itself, coming up for the Tenth
Anniversary.
Panga
Vathanakul, managing director of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort and Peter
Cummins plan to make this year’s regatta the biggest and the best ever.
This year’s sailing promises to be the biggest and best
to date for, with the Royal Thai Government lifting the erstwhile punitive
tax on yachts and the marine sector, generally, there has been a tremendous
revival of yachting and marine-related activities during 2002.
Just in the past few months, there have been numerous
highly-successful international regattas managed by the Royal Varuna Club:
the Australian Embassy’s Wooden Boat Regatta last November attracting some
70 entries, followed by the Varuna Cup, with upwards of 80 entries, held in
December. Both these events were sailed off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club,
situated in the bay adjacent to the Royal Cliff’s. Further south, in
Phuket, the sixteenth sailing of the annual regatta to celebrate H.M. the
King’s birthday - on this occasion, his seventy-fifth - has, as usual,
been highly acclaimed in the international press, radio and television
media.
The incredible - and unwavering - support of the Royal
Thai Navy and the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the national
authority, coupled to the management skills of the Kingdom’s largest and
most active yacht racing entity, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, have ensured
the success of these events and have, in turn, enshrined Thailand
permanently on the world yacht racing calendar of fixtures, as a most
desirable venue.
Now, from the vantage point of the spectacular waterfront
of the Royal Cliff, the organizers expect to present the marvellous panorama
of a record fleet competing right there for the large crowd of hotel guests,
visitors and Pattaya residents who come to watch the action, colour and
excitement of this event.
Panga Vathanakul, the charming managing director of the
Royal Cliff, views sailing and marine sports as a major panacea for
Pattaya’s erstwhile environment problems - now rapidly improving - and
places the resources of the five-star resort squarely behind the regatta.
So, too, does the Tourism Authority of Thailand which
views the promotion of all forms of marine sports as most beneficial to the
Kingdom as a whole. It is most timely, then, that the prime minister has
created a new Ministry of Tourism and Sports: yacht racing and
marine-related activities make an ideal marriage of tourism and sport. The
new minister, Sonthaya Khunpluem, strongly supports the regatta.
H.E. Chadej Insawang, former governor of Chonburi
Province, views the PC Classic as a major thrust in the image of a new
Pattaya - a city intent upon moving away from its seamier image, to one of a
family-oriented playground and water wonderland.
The Pattaya Mail also strongly supports the Regatta and,
the Pattaya Mail Publishing Company Managing Director Peter Malhotra looks
to marine events, particularly the Mail’s own race, as a very eco-friendly
pursuit, well suited to Pattaya’s ever-improving beaches and waterways.
Concomitant with the spectacular day on the water, the
Royal Varuna Yacht Club will be organizing a “gala dinner” at the
splendid Royal Cliff on Saturday night, 29 March. The gala promises to be a
marvellous shore-based equivalent of the marine events earlier in the day.
Royal Varuna, situated in the next bay south of the Royal
Cliff, has entered a 30-year lease agreement with the owners and will
shortly embark on a re-building programme, guaranteed to bring the club
facilities in line with the illustrious neighbour, making it one of the
region’s best yacht clubs. The gala is being staged to raise funds for the
building programme.
The Club was founded in July 1957 and, on the 26th of
April 1965, His Majesty the King, himself a Gold-medallist dinghy helmsman
(The Fourth South East Asian Peninsular Games, December 1967) graciously
bestowed Royal Patronage on Varuna.
The “Pattaya Mail PC Classic” is a great example of
co-operation and collaboration between the yacht racing sector, tourism, the
Pattaya Mail newspaper and the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, with the ultimate
winner of the event: Pattaya.
This year, changes to the format are intended to make the
event even more attractive and spectacular than previous ones - for
participants, organizers and spectators alike.
The gala dinner will be held in the Royal Cliff’s
beautiful Siam Ballroom, and promises to be one of the highlights of
Pattaya’s annual social calendar.
More details will be announced soon. Meantime, any
enquiries can be obtained from the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, tel. 038-306290,
250116; fax: 038-250115; email: [email protected]; website:
www.Royal-Varuna-Yacht-Club.com
As has been the case over the past few years, besides the
major sponsors noted here, it is expected that the Eastern Seaboard private
sector will seek sponsorship, not only to promote their own companies but
also - and, particularly - to contribute to an event which brings credit and
good publicity to the region specifically and Thailand generally.
Enquiries should be directed to: Andrew Wood, General Manager, The Royal
Cliff Beach Resort. Tel: 038- 250241, fax: 038-250511; email: [email protected]
or Peter Malhotra, Managing Director, The Pattaya Mail Publishing Co., Ltd.
Tel: 038-411240-1, 413240-1; fax: 038-427596; email: [email protected]
24 Hour Mountain Bike Super Challenge 2003 to kick off in March
Veerachai Somchart
Another first in Thailand, Pro Bike Co., Ltd. and
Adventure Racing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. proudly presents the 24-Hour Mountain
Bike Super Challenge 2003 which will take place at Pong Din Dam Reservoir,
Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Chonburi, between March 1st at 3:00 p.m. and ends 24
hours later on March 2nd.
“This type of tournament has never taken place in
Thailand before and it promises to be very exciting,” stated Nathee
Chaisinthop, managing director of Pro Bike Company.
Nathee said the tournament would be full of thrills and
will attract mountain bikers from Japan, Singapore, China and many other
countries. The sport is very popular in the U.S. The tournament challengers
will have to ride their bikes around the reservoir that has the perimeter of
10 kilometers. Bikers will have to ride all through the night so the bikes
must have lights. Organizers will provide battery chargers in the pits for
the competitors.
Nathee said the racing track might look simple to the
professional bikers but not after they have ridden all day and night. The
fun part is when bikers approach their final rounds after a grueling 24 hour
endurance race.
At the pit stop, only 2 supporters of each biker are
allowed to provide help on bike repairs, food and drinks.
The tournament is divided into 4 categories: Open Male,
Open Female, Mixed (Male & Female) and Master.
The first 100 teams are applicable to register. The
winning teams will receive trophies from Sonthaya Khunpluem, Minister of
Tourism and Sports and cash prizes.
Applications are available via 02-6567734-5 or www.
adventureracingthailand.com or www.probike.co.th before February 25, 2003.
Saensukh municipality mayor opens a new boxing ring on Thepprasit Road
Boonlua Chatree
Somchai Khunpluem, the Saensukh municipality mayor,
officially opened a new boxing arena called Thepprasit Pattaya Stadium. Many
dignitaries attended the opening.
Thai
boxing every Friday at the Thepprasit Pattaya Stadium.
Promoters Songchai Ratanasuban and Sampan Pettrakul
announced that the new boxing venue will offer live broadcasting of the
boxing matches on UBC every Friday.
The first match was Mod EX Sema vs Thaweesap Sitsaengarun.
The second match was between Saddam Nida Factory and Yod Decha Prasob Chok.
The highlight of the event was the fight between
Lamnammoon S Sumalee vs Prabpramlek Sit Santad.
The two promoters said they opened the first official boxing ring with
live broadcasting on TV to provide the people of Pattaya and tourists with a
unique Thai boxing experience at an international standard.
Thailand Jet ski Championships to be held this coming weekend off the shores of Jomtien Beach
Songklod Kaewvisit
Jet Ski competitions will be held to find the nation’s
best riders to represent Thailand in the World Championships. The Thailand
Jet Ski Association and city officials announced the upcoming national
championships will be held off the shores of Jomtien Beach this coming
Saturday and Sunday.
Riders will gain accumulative points for the year’s
first round of 4 races. Thailand’s top riders including Jetrin Wattanasin,
Chawalit Kuechaoren and Nakorn Silachai will be on the water battling it out
for top rankings.
The racecourse will be set out in the same area as the
recent Kings Cup World Championship held last December. The riders with the
most points will compete in the next World Championships to be in the United
States later this year.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
As this was being prepared for press the situation of the
Mike Tyson-Cliff Etienne fight Sunday was in doubt. Aussie Jeff Feneck has
left the Tyson camp and trainer Freddie Roach is advising Tyson NOT to
fight. Feneck said to a Sydney newspaper, “Of the last six or seven days I
was there we trained twice. It drove me mad and I feel really sorry for the
guy ... I don’t believe that he’ll fight on the 22nd. I think we’ll
hear in the next couple of days that the fight won’t go ahead.”
“The world can exhale now,” he wrote with sarcasm
dripping like water from the 5th floor of any economy hotel’s water faucet
during the high seasons in the Kingdom. Michael Brodie (34-1) said he’s
going to fight Naseem Hamed (36-1) on June 7th in England. The story was
confirmed by promoter Barry Hearn in Las Vegas to take in the Shane Mosley
(38-2) - Raul Marquez (34-2) fight and get HBO to sign on the dotted line to
carry the fight in the USA. Done deal.
Mosley-Marquez, the fight? No contest. No, I mean no
contest. Two “unintentional” head butt’s resulted in a couple of cut
eyelids on Marquez. Third round. Fight over. No contest. The Brodie -Naseen
bout will be in the 14,000 seat MEN Arena.
If the return of Naseem isn’t enough good news for the
“Pint of Lager, luv” set then how about this? Olympic super heavyweight
gold medallist Audley Harrison scored a fourth round TKO over veteran Rob
Calloway in London last Saturday night. I almost gagged, which would make
many happy, when I typed “veteran”. Old warhorse would have been better.
Harrison continues to fight, make money and impress no one. Sorry boys.
Marco Antonio Berrera, the undisputed featherweight king,
is having a problem setting up his next contest. He wanted to fight WBC
super feather champ Oscar Larios. Slight problem. WBC head honcho, the good
Dr. Jose’ Sulaiman, hates Berrera. As my late Dad would say, “Like the
devil hates holy water.” It’s possible that this dislike is overstated,
but the good Dr. Jose’ Sulaiman has said, “Don’t mention his name in
my presence.” If Larios does step in the ring with MAB he’ll be stripped
of his WBC title. “It has been decided.” With that intriguing fight down
the hole of the little house with the half moon on the door, Larios gets
Shigeru Nakazato on April 25. Berrera probably gets former champ Kevin
Kelly. Ho Hum.
Continuing on the “Ranking Organizations are God”
theme, when I first gained the assignment to do this column for the Mail,
the most patient editor said, “I don’t know much about boxing. I do know
that all the ranking organizations are confusing. They make no sense.”
Nothing has changed since that day as I answered, “Join the club”. The
best way to explain how the various ranking organizations work, except the
IBF, is that they do what they want, when they want and to whom they want.
The WBC suspended Indonesia at its convention of December of 2001 in Pattaya.
They did so with a “wink and a nod”. They did this in light of a number
of deaths in the ring. They quietly lifted the ban and last week anther
fighter died of injuries in a ring in Indonesia. “Way to go Dr. Jose”.
One of the top fighters in Thailand is Yodsanan
3K-Battery. He’s the WBA super featherweight champ. The #1 challenger is
Joel Casamayor. They won’t meet. Yodsanan’s people contacted the Square
Ring with the following question: “Yodsanan 3K-Battery is WBA super
featherweight titleholder. In case the #1 ranked Joel Casamayor feel
unwillingly to challenge the crown, can WBA order Yodsanan to make a
mandatory defense with #2 Julien Lorcy?” The answer? You bet. Why? Cause
they can. Actually this might be a good thing because there is no way on
God’s Green Earth that Joel Casamayor is going to fight a Thai World
Champion in the Land of Smiles. Using my best Dana Carvey voice
impersonating George Bush the I, “No sir. Not going to happen. No way.”
In the Land Down Under, IBF Pan Pacific champion Danny
Green (14-0, 14 KO) is a name that must be reckoned with. So far, as a 14-0
record indicates, so good. He’s on a collision course with a piece of
offal called Anthony Mundine (17-1) who sits at #2, how fitting, of the WBA
table. “The cocky Mundine was awful against Sullivan. I thought the whole
thing was hilarious. There’s Mundine bragging all the time about being the
world’s supreme athlete and you have a welterweight outworking him in
close and pushing him through the ropes. Sullivan didn’t have the punching
power to hurt Mundine. But if I had him on the ropes I’d smash him.”
Young Mr. Green doesn’t lack for confidence.
On behalf of a couple of women’s boxing champions I
contacted a promoter in Bangkok in the hopes of lining up fights for them in
Thailand. The ladies all have skill, can fight and are easy on the eyes. I
got the following reply: “Regarding female fighters, we cannot do their
fights here in Thailand. Females are not allowed to get on the ring based on
our original boxing tradition. Please kindly understand.” Seems to me that
I announced a charity card in Pattaya in December of 2001 with lady boxers.
Maybe not. My old lying eyes were at it again. How about them apples?
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