The Royal Varuna Yacht Club (RYVC) in Pattaya recently hosted a Summer Regatta from July 16–18, with over 80 sailors taking part including a contingent from Macau.
The largest fleet was the Optimist class with 51 boats and Jedtavee Yongyuennarn continued his momentum from the Optimist World Championships in Portugal earlier in July to take the overall crown. The silver and bronze medal positions went to Intira Parnpiboon and Paliga Poonpat respectively. The Optimist class is for upcoming youth sailors between 8–15 years old.
21 boats sailed in the adult monohull handicap class including 18 Laser Standards. An impressive nine races were sailed compared to the Optimist’s six races – buoyed on the extra power to break through the wind and current. Apriwat Sringam took the class honours after overcoming a strong battle from RVYC veteran Gareth Owen. YRAT’s Jarupong Meeyusamsen recorded third place overall.
Arguably the Laser 4.7s was the most open fleet with close competitive action between all seven entries – any of the sailors were capable of winning a race. Consistency was key to winning and Suchakree Detthetsapol recorded the best series to win overall. Alex Frefel and Arthit Romanyk took second and third places respectively. The Laser 4.7 class is mostly sailed by teenagers between 14–16 years as the first step up after the smaller Optimist class.
The RYVC Summer Regatta was a test event for Optimist sailors before the Optimist World Championship that will be held at the RVYC from 11–21 July 2017.
Royal Varuna Yacht Club offers RYA accredited sailing courses for members and visitors. To experience sailing at Thailand’s best venue – visit website www.varuna.org or send an email to [email protected].
(Photos provided courtesy of Ben Montgomery)
