Phuket King’s Cup Regatta 2014
Phuket King’s Cup Regatta 2014: 150 individual races a new record for the region’s most revered international yachting spectacle
In honor of the birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand, the 2014 Phuket King’s Cup Regatta has staged a truly world class sailing event. New class ratings delivered exceptionally close racing as intended this year, with some epic confrontations across the classes. In the headlining IRC0 and IRC1 grand prix classes, as well as amongst the vast Bareboat Charter fleet and in the catamaran classes, racing came right down to the wire, with seconds between first and second throughout the week, and marginal points victories determining winners and runners-up.
Phuket Island has delivered a week of beautiful weather, reasonably consistent winds and great hospitality, contributing to the ever-growing reputation of the Regatta on the worldwide stage; indeed, it lends superb credibility to the reputation of Thailand as a great sports sailing nation.
Kevin Whitcraft, President of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organizing Committee, said, “We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency Admiral M.L. Usni Pramoj, His Majesty the King’s Personal Representative, Khun Pramook Achariyachai, President of Kata Group Resorts Thailand, the Governor and staff of the Phuket Governor’s Office, members of the Royal Thai Navy and the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand for making the 2014 Phuket King’s Cup Regatta an international success.”
This classic race continues to grow the sport of sailing in Thailand, encouraging people of all ages and especially youngsters into the sport. “The exponential increase in taking to yachting and water sports by the Thai people is certainly a legacy of His Majesty the King, a skilled helmsman himself, and regattas such as this greatly encourage Thai sailors, and a new generation of superb Thai competitors,” said Kevin.
This year’s event featured a revised class structure which was instigated specifically to allow every single boat in the fleet to individually share in the joyous occasion of the birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand.
150 individual races hit a new record for the region’s most revered international yachting spectacle.
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