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Pattaya Cricket teams missed the ‘Cut’ in Chiang Mai
Story and photos by Peter Cummins
Two Pattaya teams joined the fray at the 17th Chiang Mai International
Cricket Sixes: Kim Fletcher’s “Shenanigans Malakas” and Rob Roberts’
“The Living Dolls”. In spite - or, perhaps, because of - a great innings
by Kim who stayed at bat for the total match early in the week-long
“cricket fest”, and a solid ‘knock’ for 31 (retired) by Rob, both
teams were eliminated. But they will both be back next year.
 Kim:
cheers.
According to one of Kim’s team, who requested
anonymity, Kim’s bowling was not all that great! But, as Kim himself said,
“I have not played cricket for 20 years”. This correspondent was amazed
that he could bowl at all, as the thermometer hovered around 35C.
Rob Roberts noted that their team consisted of
“honorary Pattayans”. This “Pattaya Mail/Chiang Mai Mail” reporter
also observed that there was probably more ‘talent’ (to coin a phrase)
on stage at the South Pattaya strip go-go establishment of the same name -
which sponsored the team - than was apparent on the cricket pitch.
 Rob
Roberts: changing the chrome pole for a cricket bat.
The just-completed Cricket Sixes and the concomitant
Fifth Chiang Mai Sawasdee Cricket Cup, played out at the magnificent
106-year-old Chiengmai Gymkhana Club, was, indeed, a great success,
especially for the development of junior cricket in Thailand. It could be
stated that the real winners of the tournaments were, indeed, the Thai
school boys and girls. For, all proceeds from the tournament, including 10
per cent of the bar takings and several bonus features were donated to the
advancement of junior cricket in the Kingdom or, as the motto said,
“Building a future for Cricket in Thailand”, via the Chiang Mai Schools
Cricket Alliance (CMSCA), numbering some 20 schools.
 A
Chassies lady in action.
It was indeed a strange name for the winners of the
Premier Division, the Cup. The Yes No Wait Sorries team, scoring 68 runs
easily defeated their English compatriots (with a few co-opted cricketers
from elsewhere) The Vagrants, who scored a lowly 46, to take home the Cup
title.
In the second division, the BOWL, it was Aussie vs.
Aussie. Title-holders from last year - the Moonshine Warathais looked set to
win over the Aussie-Welsh combination the Marchwiel Outlaws. But it was not
to be. The Outlaws smashed a stunning 99 runs, for the loss of only one
wicket - the highest score of the week’s cricket.
The Outlaws, sponsored by popular umpire John Bell, are
on their way to England to play club cricket for a season or two. Skipper
Dean Morrison and Zak Pacey were in top batting form and, in fact, Dean was
awarded as the “Player of the Tournament”, excelling in both batting and
bowling.
But, in spite of former Test Cricketer Trevor
Chappell’s great effort for 32 ret., the Warathais, the Aussie lads from
Newcastle, were not in the event and lost by 44 runs, finishing with 55-4.
The Third Division, the PLATE was re-named the Joe
Carpenter Plate, in memory of consistent player for Darjeeling, Joe
Carpenter who had passed away just prior to this year’s Sixes.
Another first was created at this Year’s Sixes, when in
the Plate Final, England’s Ashwell Crusaders tied with Bangkok’s
Southerners, both scoring 76-2.
Other winners were the Bangkok Postels (mainly Aussies)
65 for no loss, defeating Halylt 61-3, in the SPOON Division.
The Chiang Mai Chassies knew what to do with their
chassies, maintaining their unbeaten record against the World Women Dixie
Belles, in the Women’s Challenge.
It was observed - of course, by the “Pattaya Mail”
impartial reporter - that the Belles had a few good ‘chassies’ amongst
them as well!
Some of the Thai juniors played a “hard-ball”
exhibition game and showed that the standard is becoming ever-higher as they
displayed some excellent batting, fielding and took some spectacular
catches. Even the tinies of them looked every centimetre a “cricketer”
with all the trappings befitting a test player.
There were two big signs outside the perimeter, one was
“Big 10 Champion” and the other “Big 10 Dimon Leaf (Thailand)/Standard
International Tobacco”. The purpose was any player who could hit the sign
would be accorded 10 runs (a first in international cricket), but more
importantly, each sponsor would donate Baht 4,000 to the advancement of
junior cricket. There were two “bulls eyes” - and junior cricket
received Baht 8,000.
The week was an outstanding success, with Tournament
Director Maurice Bromley and wife Renita running their usual excellent show;
Rick Davis recited his ongoing, witty commentary all day, interspersed with
much humour. His dulcet tones were ubiquitous.
No doubt, all will be back for the 18th Sixes in 2005. It gives them a
year to recover and gives Geoff Thompson time to produce a new programme -
as lively and readable as ever.
Three Sisters moves
into third place
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
Tien led Three Sisters to a four-point sweep over Cafe้ Ole. She
knocked down 512 pins and 668 with handicap and P.K. had a 523-pin count.
Somrak was best for Cafe้ Ole with a 514 series.
 Jack
& Tar team Aun, Mai and Morn.
Brother D remains in first place as they took three
points from Nam Tip. VFW Post 9876 remained in second place as they split
their series with Q Cars at two points each. Bill Key once again led his
team as he rolled a 211 game and 542 series.
Jack & Tar moved up to fourth place after taking all
four points from House of the Golden Coin. Cafe้ Kronborg took three
and one half points from an undermanned Alt Koelle team and made a move up
the ladder.
The bowlers are still trying to get used to bowling at PS Bowl after
years of bowling at Pattaya Bowl and the number of 200 games reflect this
and also the high handicaps after week five.
Week 5:
Team Standings
Points (Apr. 16)
Brother D. 17 -
3
3 - 1
VFW Post 9876 14 - 6 2 - 2
Three Sisters 13 -
7 4 - 0
Jack & Tar 10 -
10 4 - 0
Q Cars 9 -
11
2 - 2
House of the Golden Coin 9 - 11 0 - 4
Cafe้ Kronborg 8.5 - 11.5
3 .5 - .5
Nam Tip 8 -
12
1 - 3
Alt Koelle 6.5 - 13.5
.5 - 3.5
Cafe้ Ole 5 -
15 0
- 4
Pattaya Equestrian Top in Thailand
Pattaya resident, Mrs. Kymn Collins, has won the UEL
(United Equestrian League) Medium level dressage championship for
2003-2004. The UEL finals for dressage and show jumping were recently
held at the Horse Lover’s Club (located just outside of Bangkok) from
April 2-4, 2004.
 Kymn
Collins, winner of the UEL (United Equestrian League) Medium level
dressage championship for 2003-2004.
In dressage, riders competed in classes ranging from
Preliminary level all the way up to Medium level and Prix St. Georges. In
show jumping, riders competed in classes starting from 50 cm jumps all
the way to 130 cm jumps. It was an exciting weekend and hundreds of
competitors and spectators showed up to support the event.
Mrs. Collins is an instructor and trainer at the
Horseshoe Point International Riding School (located approximately 10 km
from Pattaya near the Siam Golf and Country Club). She and her Danish
Warmblood mount, Copper, have been competing in dressage competitions
nationally and internationally for several years. You can see this top
performing duo in action next month as the Horseshoe Point hosts The
President’s Cup and 2004 FEI World Jumping Challenge from May 5-9,
2004.
For further information please call 038-735-050 or email
[email protected].
Peacock Place Indoor Bowling and Snooker Leagues
In the mixed doubles bowls this week Gin’s unbeaten
record was firstly spoiled by Spotty Dog 12 - 6 and it continued downhill
with Yellowbirds hanging on to win 8 - 7, then Peacock taking advantage for
a 20 - 4 win.
Double Trouble came good to beat Spotty Dog 12 - 6 and
probably dash the latter’s hopes of the runners up spot. In the last match
Yellowbirds - David and Lek beat Double Trouble 12 - 6 and they now look
good for the league title.
The ladies were low on numbers due to Songkran holidays
but Nid beat Peacock Sue 6 - 4 in the only ladies game played.
In the snooker George is still up there with a big lead.
Pattaya 9 Ball Pool League
Joe Mooneyham throws water on Medal field
IPGC Golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday April 11
Green Valley -
White Tees
Monthly Medal
1 st Place A
Flight: Jack Grindvold, net 68
2nd Place A Flight: Gary
Blackburne, net 69
3rd Place A Flight: Klaus
Schackt, net 72
1st Place B Flight: Joe
Mooneyham, net 68 - Monthly Medal Winner
2nd Place B Flight: Dene Airey,
net 70
3rd Place B Flight: Ian
Halfpenny, net 73
1st Place C Flight: Toy
Theobald, net 74
2nd Place C Flight: Eddy Beilby,
net 75
3rd Place C Flight: Jez Lees,
net 77
Near Pin: #5 – Klaus Schackt
It is often said that those that cannot play, coach or
referee. It might also be said that those that cannot play, prognosticate
(somebody out there will hope that “prognosticate” is a dirty word).
Anyway, it was the week of The Masters (like The Open, it need not be
identified with its country of origin to separate it from the Scandinavian,
the British, the Qatar, the TQ, etc.) and Joe put a team of five into a
couple of pools where the prize was just a bit more than bragging rights.
 John
Emmerson presents Joe Mooneyham with the Monthly Medal tanker.
As he teed off Sunday for The Monthly Medal (like The
Masters, no qualifier required) Joe was leading in two pools. Despite the
preoccupation with what might occur in The Final Round in Augusta, Joe was
able to carry a count back victory over Joachim “Wacko Jacko” Grindvold
to go home with the silver gilded tanker that is the prize for excellence on
this day. Jack will join Joe in the year end Gold Medal competition, as do
all winners and numerical ties, to see who will succeed 2003’s winner, Joe
(not the same guy again… yep!), for the 2004 honor. I know you are
wondering how Joe did in the pools;well he won ‘em both. Nice 24 hours!
Returning to the subject of mere mortals, Gary Blackburne
reflected on a round where one shot saved would have put him in the count
back, but instead left him with only the second step on the A Flight podium
to the aforementioned Mr. Grindvold. Klaus Schackt rounded out the premier
Flight.
Dene Airey who asked that his handicap be reduced to 18
showed that his confidence was well placed as he shot net 70 to take second
in B Flight to the Medal winner. Good show Dene, nice to see good sportsman
being rewarded! Sugar Shack sidekick Ian Halfpenny followed Dene up the B
Flight steps to the bronze.
C Flight was won by the better looking of the Theobald
clan, Toy, and her net 74. Eddy Beilby was a slightly surprised second place
with net 75, while Jez Lees was plain shell shocked with his third place
score of net 77.
Monday April 12
St. Andrews 2000 - White Tees
Stableford
1 st Place A
Flight: Jeff North, 36 points
2nd Place A Flight: Gary
Blackburne, 34 points
1st Place B Flight: Oddvar
Rykke, 33 points
2nd Place B Flight: Frank
Pilkington, 30 points
Songkran week was upon us and several of the venues
decided to just cancel their fixtures rather than fight the water and the
exodus of farangs. Because Lewiinski’s has always been a half way house
for wayward souls, the Society chose to provide a distraction to those that
stayed behind. From across the street at Mulligan’s came Jeff North and
when he re-crossed that street he did so with a few Lewiinski’s Lucky
Bucks in his pocket as the result of taking first in A Flight.
Gary Blackburne, showing no ill effects of the one shot
disappointment of the day before, was second. Oddvar Rykke, a last minute
add via phone call, hopped to the front of B Flight with a humble 33 points
on the Desmond Muirhead designed beast. Frankie Pilkington showed off for
his Hong Kong friend, Ada Tse, by taking second in B.
Wednesday April 14
Century Banchang - White Tees
Stableford
1 st Place:
Paul Breen, 37 points
2nd Place: Mike Allidi, 35
points
3rd Place: Eddy Beilby, 33
points
With the majority of the Society’s core members away to
the UK or the States, Bintan or Khao Yai, the field was wide open. Aussie
Paul Breen jumped through the unprotected breach in the Society’s defenses
and snatched the gold on the day. Paul is considering setting up residence
here in Pattaya and the boys agreed to “roll over” so that he might feel
more comfortable in these environs.
Once he has set down some roots here, the boys will start
to plunder his pockets. Just kidding Paul, congrats! Steady Mike Allidi had
35 points and off his 5 handicap that means a gross 78. Eddy Beilby, with
his own clubs in tow, thanked Danny Dyke for the ride to Ban Chang by
beating him on a count back for third. I hope he bought Danny something nice
in the BC social district.
Friday April 16
Plutaluang - S & W - White Tees
Stableford
1 st Place:
Don Lehmer, 34 points
2nd Place: Paul Breen, 30 points
An field wracked by Songkran defections took on the often unforgiving
layout at Plutaluang. With the heat the lads were reticent to avail
themselves of the favorably priced libations of the course, which only
served to make the day even tougher. Don Lehmer was the toast of the day
with 34 points with Wednesday’s champ, Paul Breen , second.
Return to Phoenix
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday April 12
Phoenix
Stroke play
1st Division
1st: John Desmond, 70
2nd: John Larder, 71 cb9 33
3rd: Chang Suh, 71 cb9 37.5
4th: Richard Garland, 71 cb9 39
2nd Division
1st: Ole Stamnes, 69
2nd: Peter Emslie, 70
3rd: Jimmy Little, 71 cb9 33
4th: John Mabry, 71 cb9 33.5
After a hiatus over thirteen months the IPGC started their
return to Phoenix with The Haven’s only competition of the week due to the
Songkran festivities. To make the return a little more difficult, the
organiser determined the format would be stroke play over the Lakes and Ocean
courses.
In keeping with the pleasure of once again being able to
play a course that is both a pleasant drive to get to and one that has some of
the best views in the area, an abnormally large contingent of golfers,
considering the low season has well and truly started, set off in high
expectations of a good days golf.
They were not disappointed. The competitors found that the
course was in first class condition and certainly the greens and fairways were
in as good as any in the area, and now the price has been reduced for IPGC
competitions, it is also one of the best value for money courses to be found
on the schedule.
The first division was led home by John Desmond, who is at
last seeing some consistency returning to his game, with a very creditable 2
under even though he was still being bugged by the short stick’s tendency to
thwart his fine play from tee to green.
John Larder continued with his good form to squeeze out
second place on count back with an outstanding back nine of level par to
confound the efforts of Chang Suh and Richard Garland who both succumbed to
the effects of jet lag on the last nine, following their returns from
overseas.
There were huge celebrations following the presentation to
the second division winner Ole Stamnes, who after many months, maybe even
years, at last managed to secure his first win in Thailand. Subsequent to his
immediate telephone report of his success to his home town in Norway, we
understand that his local Mayor is considering granting him the freedom of the
village at a massive ceremony on his return.
Even Peter Emslie, who in true Scottish tradition, does not
like losing out when money is involved, was for once happy to take second
place in favour of Ole’s triumph. Jimmee Little slipped into third after a
count back from John Mabry by a mere half a shot over the back nine with an
excellent three under his handicap.
Before presenting the prizes Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA Professional, welcomed new member Dave Lane and also welcomed
back Malcolm Clare, Derek Reaper, Bob Van Mol, John Low, Chris Ferris, Richard
Garland, John Taylor, Des Regan, Phil Cleland, John Mabry, Rick Schramm and
Chang Suh.
The twos were shared between Richard Garland, Harry Riley,
Malcolm Clare and Trevor Schirmer, who had two.
Junior shows old hands how
IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral
With the arrival of Songkran many regular Bunker Boys
deserted the water sodden streets and antics of Pattaya for more peaceful
climes. But the hardy few remained to play the weekly medal round at
Plutaluang, South and East nines, on Monday, April 12.
It was a very hot day as the single division took to
the tee on a well presented course, but golfers and fairways alike were
sorely in need of water. It was to be a day to remember as first Pat
Murphy emphasized his improvement with a fine net 72, only one behind the
unchecked and unpredictable power of Paul “Houdini” Butler whose net
71 gave him second place.
Annual visitor, Carl Matthews, a fine fifteen year old
prodigy playing off twelve, became the youngest ever Bunker Boy winner
with a smooth net 70, firing eight pars and birdying the toughest hole on
the course. It was a round he will remember for a long time. Paul Butler
scored the day’s only birdie two, thus winning the doubled-up Super
Sawng award and Mr. Loy’s eyes lit up when he noticed the Banana Booby
was missing at the presentation at the OK Corral later.
Mine host, Dennis, quickly got astride his bicycle and
returned, to Mr. Loy’s embarrassment, with a fine hand of fruit, and
justice was done as Mr. Loy’s net 86 was honoured in true Bunker Boy
style! It was a fine start to Songkran and the schoolboy had given the
masters a lesson in golf.
Takeshi takes
Phoenix to task
On Friday, April 16, the Bunker Boys made a welcome
return to Phoenix Golf Club after an absence of more than a year as a
result of the club’s pricing policy. The course is vastly improved and
the fairways are lush and afford excellent lies. The greens have a
consistent speed and there is no excuse for a poor card, unless one’s
game is really “off”.
The two divisions set out under a blazing sun on the
Lakes and Ocean nines and the day continued to be hot and humid as, in
division two, Larry Ball carded a score of 32 stableford points, nudging
Mr Loy’s 30 points out of second place. Jimmy Little played the back
nine well and his 36 points took the second flight prize.
Division one saw the better scores and Guy “Remy”
Bert’s 38 points seemed good enough to win but his efforts were shrouded
by those of Takeshi Hakozaki, who belied his handicap of 15 to post a
startling 42 points, with six pars and two birdies gracing his scorecard.
Surprisingly there were no birdie twos but that was
probably because the wind played too strong a role in the proceedings.
Andrew “Smiler” Rides ended his short stay with an embarrassing fourth
hole on the Lakes course, when he took three shots to pass the Ladies’
tee box. Caddies were swooning at the prospect of what might have been in
store but in the end the Bunker Boys’ Banana Booby was the only thing on
display!
Phoenix is very much part of the monthly golf scene
again and Takeshi San will certainly endorse that.
UK Club plays Aqua Golf
The UK Club of Pattaya held a men’s golf open
tournament with a difference at Great Lake Golf Course - Aqua Golf.
The competition was held at Great Lake Golf Course at the
beginning of April and as soon as they started they brought a tremendous
storm with them.
 (L
to R) Desmond Neil, Ron Hall and John Khan looking happy with their
trophies!
Undeterred and with a typical British stiff upper lip
they carried on to the end!
Snorkel and flippers safely in the boot of the car they
proceeded to Peacock Place overlooking the Mabprachan reservoir (which had
no rain at all!) where a welcome buffet was laid on and the presentation of
certificates and prizes were held.
The winner (and organiser!) was John Khan who also won
the prize for the longest drive.
Second place went to Chairman Ron Hall, along with the award for nearest
the pin, and the ‘girliest’ shot. Third place was won by Desmond Neil.
PSC Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday April 12
Bangprakong
Stableford
Monday took the boys from the Kronborg to the wonderful
greens and fairways of Bangprakong. It being the Songkran holidays the
course was packed so a 5.5-hour-round was on the cards.
 Mick
O’Connor
On this very hot day there were some very good scores.
Taking the A Flight, 0 to 16, was Ted Morris with a fine 44 points off his
9 handicap, Takeshi Hakozaki was second with 42 points and third was Bill
McDonald with 39 points.
B Flight, 17 up, brought the best score of the day when
Mick O’Connor carrying on his great run of form won with a terrific 46
points, ahead of in second Alan Currie with 39 points and Brian Noguer in
third with 36 points.
Thursday April 15
Pattaya Country Club
Stableford
What a hot day, that is the main memory of a draining
day walking around this open course and it came down to a battle of the
fittest. Well not exactly, as a cart definitely added a few points to the
score.
 Takeshi
Hakozaki
The course itself was in quite good condition on the
fairways, but as the scribe spent most of his time elsewhere it was bare
and hard. The greens were not bad but a little slow.
At this time of the year with the low season, a Songkran
Holiday and scorching hot weather, not surprisingly the turnout was sparse
in the extreme but this did not stop those present having a fine day out.
Ted
Morris
The winner of the day was Takeshi Hakozaki with 38 points ahead of in
second Han Colley with 37 points. In third was Mike Gerrard with 35 points
on countback ahead of Stefan Hodge.
PSC Golf from Bobby Joe’s 60s Bar
Friday April 16
Khao Kheow
Stableford
And the heat goes on. Not too bad on this day as most of the
‘Goldies’ took carts, still it is tough and the sales of bottled water must
have risen dramatically.
 Bobby
with technical winners.
The B & C Courses are holding up fairly well, but off the
centre of the fairway the ground is hard and brown and very difficult to play
off. The greens are grassy as the course tries to leave more grass on to protect
it.
So another tough day in Paradise, but the few golfers who
braved the heat were rewarded with a fine course and plenty of balls in the
water as the balls ran and ran on the fairway.
 Bobby
presents to Toy Theobald and Bob Benda.
Back in the clubhouse as parched throats were soothed with
the golden nectar, Rick Evans sat and waited as the scores came in, as he had
shot a fine round several shots ahead of the rest. But as it so often happens,
with the last card Toy Theobald came in with her best round for some time and
just pipped him.
Back at the ranch Bobby Joe was smoking up the Barbecue and
cooking up his special burgers which were enjoyed by all, and then the
presentation took place, after which we all awaited the happy hour.
Winner: Toy Theobald
Near Pins: Toy Theobald, Bob Benda (2), Derek Brook, Rick Evans
3 Sisters Golf
The April 12 brought out more golfers than
expected to our Monday Golf session. With the Holidays looming and golfers
calling whether we were playing or not, a crowd of more than thirty golfers
arrived to compete.
 Winner
Jerry Curtis and Mark Bridges holding the bag.
We had excellent scores for the day as the top was
rounded out by the more consistent golfers. Jerry Lien and Herb Schweiterman
both shot good games coming in with 38 points. Tim Holt and Chris John,
always near the top, slipped by and came in with 39 points each. Charging
past this group was old timer Paul Kraft with a score of 40 points for the
day. Paul still hits a long drive but can be erratic at times. Today his
driver worked and his putts stayed on line.
It was a good effort, but Jerry Curtis whose game comes
and goes like the weather was here for the day. His final score of 41 points
took the honors for the day. You can tell by his smiling face that he had a
good day. This was one of Jerry’s better scores and he can be proud of it.
Good shooting Jerry.
Vying for the cellar position were two new comers to the
group. Mark Bridges had his picture taken as the bag holder for the day.
Mark came in with a score of 24 which actually isn’t that bad. We have had
cellar positions in the low teens, and as I recall at least one single
figure was recorded. Slipping out early was a golfer by the name of P.J.
Ring. His card recorded a score of 23 but he was not there to have his
picture taken. Maybe next week!
Monday 18 was skipped as we have played in the PSC Club Championship.
The Royal Varuna Yacht Club: The 10th PC Classic, Part two
Peter
Cummins
In the “Pattaya Mail” of 09 April, 2004 (Vol. 12 #15,
p.47), we ran the first part of this story: how Royal Varuna was founded,
way back in 1957 and some of the subsequent history. This episode takes a
more personal glance at the Varuna Club and the evolution of the PC Classic.
It all began many years ago - in my particular case, in
the early 1960s.
 A
familiar sight on the Varuna head-land: lighting courtesy of Thomas
Frietzsche.
I was stewing in the Bangkok traffic when suddenly, on
the car ahead of me I saw a bright blue sticker with a white sail boat and
the motif in white bold relief which said “I’d rather be sailing.” At
that moment, as a hundred motorcycles, samlors an buses belching black
noxious exhaust fumes, roared off into the green light zone, I knew I would
MUCH RATHER BE SAILING. The alluring vision of a turquoise sea, a white
coast-line and the gentle lap of water against a hull, while a warm wind
caressed my body, was the very antithesis of the noise and chaos of New Road
at peak hour.
 HSH
Prince Bhisadej Rajani: the “father of sailing” in Thailand.
I pursued my dream to Pattaya a number of times and on
one of my ‘pilgrimages for peace’, I spotted my erstwhile friend from
the Bangkok traffic and followed his sailing sticker up over Phratumnan Hill
Road, and down numerous dirt roads and back sois to the sea. An entrance
marked ‘Royal Varuna Yacht Club’ (RVYC) loomed up. It could have been
the “Pearly Gates” to Paradise that day for, some three decades later,
along with fifty or sixty other sailors, I still turn into this same
entrance which has come to symbolize a respite, albeit, for a brief weekend,
from the noise, pollution, tension and all the trappings of our
sophisticated lives in the big metropolis.
Since April 1967, Royal Varuna has occupied this splendid
site, undoubtedly the best location on the whole Eastern Seaboard. Not much
changed over the years, in terms of the physical lay-out, sitting atop a
broad expanse of grass sloping to the beach, facing west for maximum
exposure to the prevailing north-easterlies from November to March and the
south-westerlies from April to October. It’s all about wind, in fact: the
name Pattaya derives from Sanskrit, meaning south west wind. Varuna, in
turn, comes from Indian mythology, being the “god of wind”.
 First
Commodore/founder Walter Meyer (L) with his successor Sid Watkins.
This orientation affords a magnificent view of the Gulf,
fringed in the north, west and south with beautiful islands. The largest of
these, Koh Larn is clearly visible some 11 kilometers due west of the Club
and is the stage for the exquisite Pattaya sunsets. “Purple hour” goes
with the membership package.
Hobie
“flying a hull” in the good old days.
But, like any dynamic organism, Royal Varuna has had to
adapt to a different Pattaya. At 47 years of age, our beloved Club has
passed unscathed through the “mid-life crisis” but the club-house
itself, designed and built by fourth Commodore Dr. Rachot Kanjanavanit, in
1967 is now very much the “worse for wear”.
BMW - a
consistent sponsor.
Thus, in the next three months, a new super Club-house
will open, and the present structure will be demolished. With its demise,
the memories and the shadows will be but figments of the membership’s
imagination. It is really only the swimming pool on our south-western
corner, shimmering in the sunlight, that will survive from former days.
In the beginning
The history of the Royal Varuna is, virtually, the
history of yacht-racing, sailing and cruising in the Kingdom and one of
Varuna’s co-founders, M.C. Bhisadej Rajani, could be regarded as the
god-father of sailing in Thailand. In fact, his contributions go well beyond
the founding of Varuna, for it was he who introduced the joys of dinghy
sailing to our Royal Patron, H.M. King.
Nacra and
Lasers off Royal Cliff at 9th PC Classic.
M.C. Bhisadej recalls his father’s reminiscences about
the Danes (who else?) who used to race dinghies at Pak Nam, towards the end
of the nineteenth century. Prince Bhisadej took to sailing while studying at
Cambridge in the mid-l940s. “How much better,” he mused at the time,
“to be able to sail around the beautiful, warm waters of Thailand, rather
than the cold and rather restricted rivers in England”.
Nacras off
Varuna recently.
The first boat he built, upon returning to the Kingdom,
is probably serving as a dining table somewhere now: it was a Snipe
(formerly an Olympic class), built of teak - with a teak mast. “No wonder
it kept capsizing,” he laughed, recalling those early days.
Prince Bhisadej was one of some 10 persons who answered
Walter Meyer’s advertisement in the “Bangkok Post” in April, l957,
seeking “Boating friends to form a boating club.” The elements for one
of those ‘nationality’ jokes were in place, as the group gathered,
appropriately enough, at the then “Cosmopolitan” Restaurant (later,
Charly’s), on Sathorn Road: an Australian, an Italian, two Swiss and a
Thai, amongst others, did not sit down to joke, however, for they had
serious business on their minds.
By the end of that lunch forty-seven years ago, Prince
Bhisadej Rajani, Sid Watkins, Robert (now Rachiman) Gintzburger, Roberto
Maestrini, Walter Meyer were the principal protagonists who, to use the
correct nautical term, “launched” the Varuna Marine Club, with the aim
of “promoting all water sports, including power-boating, water-skiing,
scuba diving and, of course, sailing, cruising and yacht-racing”.
Walter Meyer was elected Chairman of the Board (really,
the first Flag Commodore) and called the inaugural meeting of the Marine
Club committee, on the seventh of August, 1957. The first circular issued by
secretary Sid Watkins on the 22nd of August, 1957, pointed out that the
entrance fee to the new club was a ‘staggering’ Baht 250, with monthly
subscriptions all of Baht 30 “payable in advance”. A Singha beer was
Baht 12 per large bottle.
The first three members were all Berli Jucker men but one
can sense a little ‘sleight of hand’ here. Walter was the company
managing director and the new Marine Club chairman. Yet, membership numbers
One and Two were Mr R. Gintzberger and Mr A.R. Maestrini, respectively.
Founder Walter came in as member number Three - and he has never moved up
from there!
As of the eighth of August, 1957 there were 53 members,
comprising 11 nationalities and Sid noted in his newsletter that “Members
have been a little perturbed by the reckless boating and (water) skiing
recently seen at Pataya (sic)”. Sid, if you could only see it now...!
The PC Classic
Fast Forward to 1995 when 10th Commodore Peter Cummins
reached mandatory retirement age from the United Nations at 60. Send him off
they did but it was the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, under 18th Commodore John
Marten (1993-1995), ‘with a little help from his friends’, like Anders
Widen, really “sent off” the old boy, with a great party - and, of
course, a race: the PC Classic.
The event, with great support and sponsorship from our
Five-Star neighbour, the Royal Cliff Beach Resort and the Eastern
Seaboard’s award-winning (six years) best English-language newspaper
“Pattaya Mail”, has progressed to becoming one of the best features on
the Kingdom’s yacht racing calendar.
This year’s tenth sailing will be held off the Royal
Varuna Yacht Club and a gala social evening to benefit various Pattaya
charities will be held at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort.
An innovation for this year will also be the contribution
of regatta funds to various Charities to help the underprivileged and needy
- especially the children - in our society, drawn from as list selected by
the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya.
It is going to be e marvelous event. For full details of the programme,
see full page colour piece in this issue.
PH3 Run #1049
Oh what a perfect day... Sunny, but hotter than an Indians behind after
eating sauerkraut going bad. Then someone pointed me out as scribe and the
world fell apart like my hometown 60 years ago.
But lucky me I just sweet talked with my favourite
Norwegian friend (OK, he’s not even my favourite, his girlfriend is...ha
ha ha) and after telling him how many kilo he lost (ha ha, I think he put on
5 kilo) he said yes to help me writing a little bit.
People who know me know I’m Berlin’s answer to
Hemmingdale (Hemmmingway?) but it is always handy to have a Scandi around.
Hot hot hot, and the Songkran had kicked off in Soi 8 so we got a bit wet on
the way over to Klang. Not many people on the bus so I guess it’s welcome
to Songkran 2004. Wonderful short ride up to Siam Country Club and even less
people up there.
Then someone tall and Swedish mentioned 83 runners, cats
and dogs. I forgot to tell you how good I felt this day. I felt so sick that
I decided a week ago to not do much running this day, and I kept the
promise. This guy on the bus even promised me and Vodka F. to join us
hanging around the bus, train, and airplane at SCC. He must be the strangest
person I met. Born in Aspen, then moving to Hawaii. Everybody know it is too
hot there and not many Germans. Think I will give him my phone number and
call him every now and then. His name was something dog and something even
worse!
Lots of regulars missing this day as well. Sexy Fester
and Uncle Susie might have an excuse Sir Airhead can deal with later! I’m
not good with names, sorry. I only remember easy names like A-holeo, Airhead
and Sir Airhead, together with Yao Yao and King Yao Yao. Then it was Baa Baa
who was punished for 5 hare jobs, and Charlie Manson and Sharon Tate is very
easy since I watch too much Discovery Channel. Odd Job I always remember
because the size of the tool. It is 35-210 some people say, ha ha, Germany
win again. More strange names appear on this dick-ta-phone I borrow from
Vodka F. But it is a bit hard to understand your own voice 24 hrs later. If
half of this is right then Rod Sutherland had new shoes, as A.-holeo. Then a
voice said on the dick-ta-phone that I bought tickets from Bunny, and then I
start whining ‘bout long time before circle starts and a guy told me to
STFU.
Sharon 200 runs, Oslo F. 50, Virgins, Returnees and then
I lost it all. Sorry. Read the bottom for the details, I promise to be the
scribe more often later, just ask me, call me etc. If you ever cum to
Germanland you can stay with me and I will feed you and maybe drink you.
Silly look of the night was awarded to Yao Yao the King and Chicken F. for a
gift from the Oslo Hash. A Hash ski mask. Then it was just a short jump down
Pattaya Tai and Shenanigans was putting on their usual amazing spread. Kim,
thanks! ByTheWay: A run also took place, sorry, forgot, short and flat,
30ish for the front runners, lot less for the short cutters, a bit longer
for Sir Airhead who probably got a bit unlucky with the last hill that
didn’t exist. Eh...
On-On
Yours truly
Kraut Kai Stupid and F’ Vodka’ers aka Stupid Vodka’ers and Oslo Kraut
K.
Local teaching pro takes a “Loop” on the European Tour
Local Teaching Pro, Ian Ashenden, spurred on by
encouragement from Lee Adelly, Ian Woosnam’s caddy, and Mark “Woody”
Sherwood, Freddie Jacobsen’s caddy, has traveled to Europe to see if he
can’t catch on as a caddy on that Tour.
Lee and “Woody” are frequent visitors, as the tour
schedule allows, to Pattaya where they fight off the heat with libations at
the Sugar Shack and join the comps there and at cross-soi venue,
Lewiinksi’s. Those associations and those of their mates who tag along
with them to the Land of Smiles, now and again, can only help to open doors
for Ian.
Ian’s first job in the recently completed Seville Open
was the loop (caddy jargon for “bag”) of Kalle Brink, a tour rookie from
Sweden who was 24th on the feeder Challenge Tour last year. He showed
reasonably well, but regrettably his +4 two-day total left him three over
the cut line. So it is off to the Canary Islands for the Canarias Open de
Espana. With Kalle currently not planning to play in the Canarys, Ian will
again be pounding the pavement to find the winning “loop”.
Those who saw Ian successfully join the already very
capable ranks of Pattaya teaching pros are confident that the same moxie
will ensure him every opportunity for success in his new endeavor. All of
Ian’s friends wish him the best of luck and look forward to his return,
either as vacationing tour caddy or local teaching pro.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
“Whoa Nelly”. When May gets to the Land of
Smiles, that is if the land survives Songkran’s largest attack on
Monday, there is going to be some serious box fighting going on. When
the many quality fighters from the Kingdom are mentioned maybe the
first on the list is WBC Bantam Champ Veerapol Sahaprom (42-1-2).
He’s defended his title 12 times and still can hang out the bagel
on the loss side. It would be nice to type that “Julio Cesar Avila
(21-15-1) will be a true test for Veerapol.” Can’t do it. Avila
is horrible. How do I know? Lets go to the old record book. Avila
started his career at 15-3. Since 2000 he’s gone 6-12-1. Does
Veerapol get paid for a workout ring a bell? The fight will take
place in a temporary open-air facility on the Mekong riverside
“cheek to jowl” with the Thai-Lao friendship bridge in Nongkai.
If this fight is seen in Mexico forget any plans for a Thai-Mexican
friendship bridge. Although for Yanks it will be payback for the
Alamo. That fight’s a week from the morrow.
The next day, May 2, in Bangkok there is a real
fight when WBO Bantamweight Champ Cruz Carbajal (24-11-1) laces’em
up against mandatory challenger Ratanachai Sor Vorapin (55-8). This
fight will be competitive as any fight in the Kingdom in many moons.
“Many Moons?” Nice name for an establishment that serves “amber
fluid” and has lady’s walking to music. On the 5th of the month
former WBA “no weight” champ Chana Porpaoin gets a shot at Juan
Landaeta. A closer look at these two fights in Bangkok next week.
Stay tuned... or else.
Japanese prospect Zaiki Takemoto (14-4-1, 9 KOs),
126, got an important victory as he pounded out a majority decision
(97-93, 97-94 and 96-96) over WBA #13 ranked PABA feather champ
Saohin Sirithaicondo (42-11, 27 KOs) of Thailand. Saohin, who
previously put up a good performance against Paulie Ayala in his
quest for the WBA 122-pound belt on the road in the US, “kept on
going forward with wild hooks, while Takemoto threw jabs and
left-right combos to keep him from coming close to him. As Saohin
kept boring in from the head, Takemoto sustained a gash at the right
eyelid in the third. Takemoto, in the middle rounds, attacked him
with straight rights, while Saohin responded with roundhouse blows.
The ninth witnessed the Thailander display a judo technique, throwing
him down to be penalized a point. They furiously mixed it up without
retreating in the final stanza. It was a very hard-fought affair.”
That report from Joe K in Japan, the very best in boxing.
Interesting fight from around the world last week.
In Belfast Super middleweight IBO Champ Brian Magee (21-0) defended
against Jerry Elliott in what the “wise guys” looked at as a
“walk over”. Whoa Nelly! Chris Jones reports: “Round 1 told a
different story with Brian Magee knocked down with a strong right
hand after only 45 seconds. 14 months ago he would have crumbled but
like a true champion he outboxed and outclassed his brawling
opponent. Magee totally dominant apart from the odd spell from
Elliott. Not even the point deducted for the use of Magee’s head
would save Elliott. Magee won convincingly but it wasn’t his best
performance.”
At the Max Schmeling Arena, Berlin Vivian Harris
(23-1-1) put his WBA Jr. Welter Championship belt on the line against
hometown “fav” Oktay Urkal (34-1). The Champ escaped by the hair
of his “chinny-chin-chin”. Harris decked Urkal in the third
stanza but was unable to close the deal. In the 8th Referee Stanley
Christodilou, from South Africa, had it up to here with Harris
repeated low blows. He took a point away which made the final score
(114-112, 114-112 and 113-113) seem closer than it was. Anyone want
to bet that the 113-113 came from the German judge?
In New York the heavy’s took center stage. “In
what was surely one of boxing’s most boring heavyweight
championship fight, WBA titleholder John “The Quietman” Ruiz was
able to score a late round knockout over challenger Fres “Fast”
Oquendo to end a dreadful performance by both fighters.” Not a
surprise, OK lets get to ByrdญGolota.
The reports indicate that Golota fought great and
should have won the fight, “Chris Byrd (36-2-1, 20 KOs) managed to
save his IBF championship despite the strong challenge of Andrew
Golota (38-4-1, 31 KOs). It was obvious that the judges did give
Golota credit as he pressed Byrd every minute of each round but the
result was a draw with scores of 115-113 for Golota, 115-113 for Byrd
and the third judge seeing it a draw at 114-114! A Draw? You jest.
From the beginning Golota had his way with Byrd,
applying the pressure and pounding the retreating Byrd. Byrd kept his
back against the ropes as if he was reluctant to engage in full
combat with the much bigger and stronger Golota. Golota looked to
have a wide edge in the fight going down the stretch, but Byrd was
able to land more shots in 2 of the final 4 rounds, even staggering
Golota once in round 9. Byrd went down 4 times from what looked like
exhaustion and the effect of Golota’s heavy body shots, but the
referee ruled a knockdown. To his credit, Golota never relented to
any dirty tactics throughout the 12 round championship fight. When
asked about a rematch, Golota said, “We can do it tomorrow.”
Golota got stiffed.
OK what’s all the fuss about Sundays (Pattaya
Time) Heavyweight title fight between Vitali Klitschko (33-2) vs.
Corrie Sanders (39-2) for the WBC Title. Here’s the deal. In the
last two weeks Don King has taken control of the division with the
winner of this Klitschko-Sanders being the last piece in the puzzle.
First King had Lamon Brewster KO Wladimir Klitschko for the WBO
Crown, then he signed Evandler Holyfield to a contract with eyes
toward a title fight and is trying to secure the services of James
Toney. King hit the daily double last week when Chris Byrd (38-2) got
rid of Andy “The Foul Pole” Golota (38-5) and John Ruiz (40-5)
eliminated Fres Owquendo. With Mike Tyson set to make his K-1 debut
on July 21 for a cool $9 million USD every meaningful heavyweight is
in the House of King. The missing pieces are the Brother Klitschko
who may or may not be players. Wladimir said, “I am not quitting. I
was tired.” Bad timing there Wlad. A German court decided last week
the Brothers are still the promotional property of Universum
Promotions. A Sanders win will make that ruling irrelevant if the
Brothers aren’t already.
With Lennox Lewis out, boxing seems to be
“Raining Heavyweights:” which is only good if you’re a medium
level fighter in that division. Goodness even retreads like Jameel
McCline and Jeremy Williams are back in the picture.
Lightheavyweights? It could be argued that either Roy Jones Jr. or
James Toney are big time players. Just recently former WBO light
heavyweight champion Dariusz Michalczewski (48-1) ripped new WBO
heavyweight champ Lamon Brewster (Who’s been given 90 days to sigh
to fight James Toney or lose the title) in an interview that appeared
in the newspaper BILD. “I am ready to face Lamon Brewster,”
proclaimed Michalczewski. “I will beat him. He is the worst
champion of all time.” Maybe not the worst of all time. Does the
name Henry Akinwande ring a bell? Funny that this interest in the
“Big Men of Boxing” coincided with the release of a book on Ali.
This limited edition coffee table eye catcher, only 1,000 printed,
will sell for Baht 297,023. Cash only please.
How about them apples?
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