The Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) Sailing Championships, hosted by the Harrow International School, were held over 3 days at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya Bay from March 26-28.
The schools represented were Bangkok Patana International School (BKK Patana), Bangkok Preparatory International School (BKK Prep), Harrow International School (Harrow), Kellett International School from Hong Kong (Kellet) and Regents International School (Regents) with 46 young sailors in total taking part.
Lana Davies (centre) of the Kellett International School from Hong Kong was the winner of the individual Optimist dinghy series.
Mick Farley, Harrow’s Head Master, and Chris Dando, the RVYC Flag Rear Commodore, gave a warm welcome speech during the opening ceremony which kicked off with the participants and teachers parading with their respective school flags. The stage was thus set for the competition to take place over the following three days.
Two categories were sailed at the regatta: the individual competition was in the International Optimist dinghy and the team racing event was held in RS Quba dinghies. The combined scores between both categories would determine the Fobisia champions.
Student sailors battle for honours in RS Quba dinghies during the team racing category.
In the individual series the contest was tight between the top four sailors, each trading wins during the regatta. It finished with Patrick Ledoit (BKK Patana) and Janisara Romanyk (BKK Prep) in fourth and third respectively. The first two sailors unusually finished with equal points, the winner Lana Davies’s (Kellet) final position was decided on count back, ahead of Lathan Thana (BKK Prep) in second place overall.
The close score in the individual event brought tense racing for the young sailors in the team racing as there was everything to play for. The racing course was small and tight, close to shore and attracted many spectators to watch the competitive action. After the 20 round-robin races, both Harrow and BKK Patana found themselves on equal points with four wins each in equal third place, likewise were Kellett and BKK Prep scoring six wins in equal first place.
The final positions were decided in knockout races and BKK Patana overcame Harrow in the third versus fourth sail-off.
The Bankok Prep team pose with their trophies at the conclusion of the 2015 FOBISIA Sailing Championships held at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, Saturday, March 28.
The first race of the grand final was a very tense affair and was decided by a very slim margin at the finish. In the second race, BKK Prep again were behind Kellett at the start but used all of their sailing skills, tactics and determination to get back to the front and cross the line first. With this result, BKK Prep, led by Arthit Romanyk, were crowned champions of the team racing and just scraped the overall title as well.
The prize giving ceremony and party was presented by Mick Farley and Tom Whitcraft, the latter giving the closing speech.
Tom said, “Sailing is a sport for life and everyone will take a huge learning experience away from these Fobisia Sailing Championships, becoming more experienced and competent, ready for the next challenge ahead.
Sailors tack to the start line during the team racing event.
“Thanks to all the schools in attending this successful inaugural event, and also to the teachers, parents and everyone else involved. A special thank you goes to the event sponsors Quiksilver, Thai Nakorn Patana, Samitivej Hospital, Nestle and Dunkin Donuts, especially supporting media – Pattaya Mail, Expat Parents and Expat Life.”
BKK Prep’s captain, Arthit Romanyk, collected the Fobisia Championship trophy on his team’s behalf and joined the celebrations with fellow competitors who all contributed to a great event with their sportsmanlike attitude.
Royal Varuna Yacht Club looks forward to welcoming back Fobisia participants next year. For more information about the event and sail training, please contact www. fobisia.org or www.varuna.org.
(Photos courtesy: m.v. tchelistcheff)
RS Quba dinghies are recovered from the water after another great day’s racing.
Regents International School’s young sailors gave a fine account of themselves in the 3-day regatta.
Kellets students from Hong Kong (left) enjoy some downtime at Royal Varuna Yacht Club.
Bangkok Patana School sailors are keen for another day of battle on the high seas.
All smiles from the Bangkok Prep School team.
The Harrow sailing team pose for a group photo.
