Sixty-seven young sailors descended to the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya over the weekend 17-18 January for the Admiral’s Cup 2015, a competition referred as the 2nd biggest junior event in Thailand, testing the most talented sailors in the Kingdom including those who represented Thailand at the 2014 Asian Games and IODA Optimist World Championships.
Sailors from the Junior Sailing Squadron of Thailand based in Sattahip, Phuket Youth Sailing and the Korean National Team joined the 30–strong team from the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, with the fleet of boats being divided into two divisions, Optimist and Laser 4.7.
13-year old Intira Parnpiboon stands atop the podium with the Admiral’s Cup flanked by Chanakchon Wangsuk and Suchakree Detthoappol, who came 2nd and 3rd respectively in the Optimist division. Also in picture are Mark Hamil-Stewart, Vice Commodore (2nd left), Chris Dando, Rear Commodore (2nd right) and Nattawut Vongrak – Kru Oat, Opti Coach from RVYC (far right), along with Kru Somkiat Poonpat, Thailand National Opti Coach (far left)
The competitors were awakened to a beautiful first day on Saturday, a typical morning beside the Gulf of Thailand, with 10 knots of wind coming from a northerly direction. After the competitors race briefing, the sailors ventured afloat to the race course, with Suchakree Detthotappol taking the line honor in the first race, just in front of Varuna’s Intira Parnpiboon
The sea breeze kicked-in with force and wind increased to a strong 18 knots with sizable waves, testing conditions for the young competitors. They impressively prevailed, demonstrating excellent sailing skills. The second race was won by Korea’s Seo Hae Chan, with Intira taking the third, not to be out-done by Seo Han who pushed his boat through the strongest winds of the day to win the fourth race.
In the Laser 4.7 class, the winner was Alex Frefel, with Arthit Romanyk and Kim Jung Ho in 2nd and 3rd places respectively.
In the Laser 4.7 fleet, three sailors shared the plaudits on day 1 with Alex Frefel, Kim Jung Ho and Chanapai Vijikajee all taking race wins. For much of the fleet, the Admiral Cup was the first event in the faster Laser 4.7 class, and despite some spectacular capsizes all nine sailors endeavored to finish each race.
Day 2 started with blue skies and lighter winds – expected conditions due to the earlier start. The first race of the day (fifth race in the championships) gave opportunities to the smaller and lighter sailors, notably Chanakchon Wangsuk who fought a tight battle for the race win. The wind increased to a perfect 16 knots for the next race, with Intira taking the 6th, and the final race was won again by Chanakchon. With the racing so close, the Optimist sailors went back ashore with little idea of who had won the Admiral’s Cup.
All action at the Optimist start line.
The Laser 4.7’s raced again on the second day. Kim Jung Ho won the first race of the day, however, he was outdone by a determined Alex Frefel who won the next three races – that feat decided the overall winner.
Back ashore, the prize giving was presented by RVYC Vice-commodore Mark Hamil–Stewart, also Managing Director of MRI International Recruitment (Thailand) – a sponsor of the event. Standing on top of the podium in the optimist class was Intira Parnpiboon, the 13 year old winning her first national event. Chanakchon Wangsuk and Suchakree Detthotappol were second and third respectively. Patcher Sringam received an award for being the first female under 12, and Jedtavee Yongyuennarn the first male in the same category. The youngest award went to Paravee Dangpratum, the first under 10 year old.
Lasers fight for wind and position.
Mark Hamil–Stewart congratulated all the sailors for the quality racing: “We had a spectacular weekend of high spirited racing, demonstrating the professional level of junior sailing in Thailand. I would also like to thank all the sailors for taking part, especially those who travelled long distance to attend,” he commented.
For more information about Royal Varuna Yacht Club and sailing in Pattaya, go to website: www.varuna.org.
(All photos courtesy m. v. tchelistcheff)
