Platu Transworld Regatta, 9-12 February 2017, Pattaya, Thailand.

by Kev Scott, Yachts In Thailand on 15 Sep 2016 Calling all Platu sailors around the world – in fact, calling ALL sailors (and especially those in the northern hemisphere):

What would you rather be doing in February next year? Chipping ice off your chain plates on the hardstanding, or enjoying 30 degrees C of Thai sunshine (27 degrees C if you fall in the water), strictly t-shirts and shorts sailing in the Gulf of Thailand? So how about four days of hot competition in the Platu Transworlds 9-12 February 2017. Sounds good so far?

It was great sailing at the 2016 Platu Worlds (Brunnen, Switzerland) and the event was made even more enjoyable by the fabulous event organisation – ticking perfectly, like a Swiss watch. It’s going to be just the same (except warmer) at the Platu Transworlds next year, at the home of the Platu 25 in Pattaya, Thailand. ‘Platu’ in case you didn’t know, is Thai for a ‘mackerel’, and the Platu 25 was designed by Bruce Farr having been commissioned by a group of sailors from the Royal Varuna Yacht Club at Pattaya. Really.

It’s not on the cards (yet) to run a Worlds in Thailand, but we will be showcasing an event just as high on quality and organisation. It’s going to be close racing. The weather is going to be perfect. And above all it’s going to be 5-star fun. See attachment for the NOR.

Charter boats will be available.

1. Without sails, THB60,000 (approx. USD1,700). THB10,000 (USD285) deposit secures the charter (285 USD). Discounted rate for early payment (before 10 December 2016) THB52,000 (USD1,485).

These yachts are all in good condition and capable of winning with the right crew. You may fit your own halyards and other running rigging, and every assistance will be given to crews who want to prepare the
boats to their own spec. We can lend you all the tools you need to prepare your boat.

2. Sets of 'Controlled Sails' will be available at a cost of THB3,000 (USD85) per day. Similar to match racing, these dacron sails are provided and maintained by the organisers and are equal in every way. They are class
legal and therefore crews using them are eligible for overall awards. There will be a separate division and
awards for boats using these sails.
3. Thailand provides wind, sun and warm waters every day. Cost of living is low compared to Europe.
4. This event gives you a chance to race against the world's best crews in ideal waters.
5. Hotels in the area start at about THD1,200 (USD34) per night.

Visit http://yachtsinthailand.com/?page_id=1387 for more details.

This event was requested by the Platu International Class Committee to give European crews a chance to experience racing in Asia and make the Class truly ‘worldwide’ – currently all the World Championship events are based in Europe. Crews from Asia and Australia have been doing the travelling in recent years, so now we are asking sailors out of Europe to support the Platu Transworlds 2017.

That’s right, it’s your turn to travel to warm, sunny, and welcoming Thailand as we seek to promote the Platu class as properly global.

The sailing area at Jomtein Beach, Pattaya, is just 10 minutes sailing from the world class Ocean Marina, and provides ideal racing conditions year round. Pattaya is a modern holiday resort with something for all the family. 90 minutes by car (taxis are very inexpensive) from Bangkok International Airport. Great nightlife. Good beaches. Shopping ranges from street markets to top-flight international luxury stores. Lots of family attractions. The cost of living is cheap, and the sun shines every day. What are you waiting for? Sign up now!

Please reply to kevscott@hotmail.com to register interest and get this event off the ground.