More than 250 boats and 700 sailors and friends representing 25 nationalities, will congregate in Pattaya from 4–8 May to take part in what has become the largest multi-class regatta of its kind in Asia – the Top of the Gulf Regatta Presented by Ocean Marina.
Supported by the Sports Authority of Thailand, Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, Pattaya City, Royal Varuna Yacht Club and the Royal Thai Navy, Top of the Gulf Regatta is set to welcome it’s 3,000th entrant this year and is the penultimate event in the 2016/17 Asian Yachting Grand Prix championship.
Following changes to Customs Department rulings in Pattaya last year, the number of visiting international yachts to the region is set to increase this year, and in response Ocean Marina is to increase capacity to 450 boats, boding well for future regatta growth.
Having received international acclaim in 2016 and 2014, the multi award-winning regatta is an international showcase for sailing and the Gulf of Thailand. Famous for its warm weather sailing and good winds, Top of the Gulf Regatta has a well earned reputation for world-class sailing and race management, and a relaxed and convivial après-regatta scene.
Unique in its diversity, up to 12 classes are planned for the 2017 Top of the Gulf Regatta with participants from six years to 70+ years competing and sailors from novice to professional, with World Champions and past and future Olympians also taking part. Joining the international crews are the Thai National SEA Games Team who will be competing against other national teams in their final international event prior to the SEA Games in August, in Kuala Lumpur.
“2017 will be a milestone year for Top of the Gulf Regatta as we will welcome our 3,000th entry. Having started from humble beginnings in 2005 and marketed the event to yachting communities in Europe, Australia and Asia every year, our aim has always been to provide an international quality sailing event for a diverse fleet of boats. Two awards in recent years is recognition of our efforts and as we enter our 13th year we are set to welcome a large fleet of more than 250 boats, including some of the region’s best keelboat and multihull sailors,” said William Gasson, Co-Chairman, Top of the Gulf Regatta Organising Committee.
For more information on this year’s Top of the Gulf Regatta, visit website: www.topofthegulfregatta.com.
(Source: Infinity Communications)
