The Admiral’s Cup, one of the biggest youth sailing regattas in the kingdom took place at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club between 16th and 17th January 2016, attracting sailors from Sattahip, Phuket, RVYC and Korea, all competing for the prestigious cup and, for the local sailors, a chance to move up the rankings for the Thai National team(s).
Entry was open to three classes; Optimist (69 boats), Laser 4.7 (13 boats) and Laser Radial (6 boats).
Saturday morning started with rain showers, an unexpected surprise in January. After a short 30-minute postponement the sailors went afloat for the first round of races. In around 8 knots of wind, four races were successfully completed for all classes.
The youth sailors pose for a group photo at the conclusion of the Admiral’s Cup regatta at Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya, Sunday, Jan. 17.
Sunday started with stormy conditions but as the first race got underway the weather turned into bright sunshine and a good moderate breeze (12 knots) and a tide pushing upwind created sizeable waves. All was set for another four races.
In the Laser Radial fleet Chusitt Punjamala was rarely threatened, recording seven out of 8 race wins. Behind were Kang Jea Hyone and Lee da Yeon from the Seoul Sailing Federation.
The Laser 4.7 fleet was a competitive affair with National Champion Miki Romanyk and post-Optimist sailor Suthon Yaminid battling for the top position. Day one belonged to Miki, recording 3 first places, however this was matched by Suthon who record 3 first places on day two. The final race was well poised and Suthon took the honours, only by one point. Suchakree Detthotsupol took third overall and Kamonchanok Klahan was the first female.
Lasers fight for position as they turn for home.
The Optimist class was the largest fleet at the Admiral’s Cup with 69 sailors participating, all eagerly trying to establish places in the Thai National team for the upcoming Asian and World Championships. Saranwong Poonpat, Chanokchon Wangsuk and Paliga Poonpat masterfully took the first three places respectfully.
A young sailor and his Optimist craft break through the waves.
At the prize giving Vice-Commodore Mark Hamill-Stewart noted the keen competitive spirit demonstrated by the young sailors: “We give big congratulations to the winners, but also all the sailors who travelled to the Royal Varuna Yacht Club and made this regatta into such a spectacle. The impressive standard of sailing epitomises the strength of sailing in Thailand,” he remarked.
The weekend concluded with Admiral Sunan awarding prrizes to the winning sailors.
