On weekend of 14–15 December, a regular though special event was held at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club. The Ocean Sunglasses Future Cup is a club junior regatta attracting young sailors, mainly members of RVYC aged between 7–13 years competing in a series of races sailed in the Optimist class, the world’s biggest and most popular junior sailboat. Racing is based just off the Pattaya shoreline with all juniors competing for the converted trophy and a pair of Ocean Sunglasses.
Starting on Saturday, the youngsters descended down the beach to launch their craft on the ocean. The first two races were won by Anika Goetschmann, while Jia Ungpakornkaew took line honours in the third, fourth and fifth races respectively. Aim Lisahapanya recorded two second places to put him in third after the first day, behind Jia and Anika.
The twelve young sailors pose for a group photo following a weekend’s competitive sailing at Royal Varuna Yacht Club, Dec. 14-15.
On Sunday, Jia and Anika both recorded further wins, and Quentin Uhrich placed second twice. Out of the 12 sailors Jia took the top honours, with Anika, Aim and Quentin following in respective order.
At the same time the Future Cup was being held, 30 adult members received training from some of Varuna’s top sailors and coaches, learning how to race and go fast! The weekend finished with a prize giving ceremony where special appreciation was given to the volunteers and sponsors who helped RVYC provide such a great weekend.
The 12 young and talented sailors who took part in this event have all come through the Royal Varuna Yacht Club ‘Sailing School’. They recently learnt the basics on how to sail and many are pushing towards the Thai National Team.
Optimist compete out on the water in the Ocean Sunglasses Future Cup.
The iconic RVYC is located in a private cove between Jomtien and Pattaya on Phratumnak Hill with some of the best sailing conditions in the world between the Pattaya shoreline and Koh Larn. Sailing tuition is taught in either English or Thai by our team of qualified sailing instructors. Regular courses are available for juniors and adults. Please visit www.varuna.org for more information.
