Fifty-eight young sailors descended to the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya on 25–26 January for the annual Kingdom Property Admiral’s Cup, sailed in the Optimist class.
With much talent in the fleet, including the all-star Thai team who recently beat the Singaporeans at the SEA Games to become the top grassroots sailing team in the region, it promised to be a competitive affair.
Nigel Cornick (left), CEO of Kingdom Property, presents prizes to Suthon Yampinid, Voravong Rachrattanaruk and Kamonchanok at the conclusion of the 2-day regatta.
The competitors lined up for the first start, with more going backwards than forwards in the fast ebbing tide. After the start, Som-O perfectly judged the tide to become the winner of the race, unlike 20 of his fellow sailors who were subsequently disqualified as they were unable to push through the tide and cross the start line within four minutes.
Som-O again took line honours in the second race, once more producing a master class in tide sailing to overcome Paliga Poonpat and Anapat Ngarmdee on the final windward leg.
The 58 young sailors pose for a group photo at Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya.
The wind then started to pick up and the tide slackened, which allowed two more races to be held, won by Suthon Yampinid and Voravong Rachrattanaruk respectively.
On day 2 only light winds greeted the sailors at the start, which led to a 40 minute postponement. Once the breeze filled in, the strong tide forced the sailors inshore, tacking upwind to break away from the current and Race 5 was won by Suthon. The breeze then increased for the last race of the weekend, won by Voravong with the ever consistent Suthon in second.
The Optimist sailors had to battle strong tidal conditions on the first day of racing.
Back ashore the prize giving took place with Nigel Cornick of Kingdom Property presenting the trophies. The prestigious Admiral’s Cup was presented to the winner, Suthon, with Voravong and Kamonchanok joining him on the podium. RVYC Gold Sailing Team member Som-O received her prize for the first under-12 sailor overall and young Suchanaree Detthotsapol was first in the under-10 class.
A raffle followed with prizes from ARB 4×4 parts, and the infamous Royal Varuna Yacht Club tradition of doughnuts for everyone!
A big thank you goes to the sponsors Kingdom Property and ARB in supporting this event and promoting grassroots sailing in Thailand.
