Following the highly successful annual Top of the Gulf Sailing Regatta held in beginning of May, a slightly depleted keelboat and multihull fleet did battle in the mid May Corsair Lewmar North Sails Club racing.
With Saturday being mostly light shifty winds, and Sunday filling in to a more constant 10-12 knots for much of the day, racing took place in two areas; the bigger keelers and multihulls went on two island courses, while the sportsboats including a large contingent of Platus raced on short windward leeward courses, which are a short upwind and downwind leg, two laps, then finish.
The fleet races downwind in the mid-May club series off Jomtien beach.
On both days, the keelboats had to follow in the newly renamed and repainted Jeanneau 35 One Design, no longer called “Magic Roundabout” but now, simply, “Magic”. Long courses with light winds requires a good understanding of tides, wind changes and prevailing currents/waves; stringing years of experience together, the experience of David Bell saw “Magic” taking wins both days.
In the multihulls, Scott Galle is perhaps the most regular racer, and was able to take 2 wins from Bob Garner in the new Corsair Dash trimaran, both were helped by a number of sailors from Sattahip’s outstanding optimist program sailing for the first time on the trimarans.
In the short courses, a number of teams from Bangkok’s Young Professionals organisation increased the number of platu teams racing to 7 boats with 5 races. When the dust settled; the Shaw 650 “Pornstar” won 4 out of 5 races on line, but once handicaps were applied, positions were reversed, with the 15 year old Don Whitcraft ably helming his Platu “Stingray” to 4 wins and 1 second place. In their first season racing with a new youth crew, this boat will be one to watch out for in future regattas.
Both afternoons were supported by the sponsors. Corsair have now sold 18 trimarans in Thailand, ranging from the little Stings and Dash tris up to the big 37 footer, all using the patented folding system that enables the trimarans to sail fast on the water, but also be trailerable on land. North Sails now have a full repair service in Thailand, improving the already excellent infrastructure for sailors located in the Pattaya area.
Next racing for sailors includes Samui Regatta, the highlight season finale for the Asian Grand Prix Series, and also club racing in mid June for Pattaya sailors.
