Top of the Gulf set to deliver world-class sailing in Pattaya

by TOG Media on 4 Apr 2013 The 2013 Top of the Gulf Regatta (TOG Regatta), is set to attract over 600 sailors from more than 30 countries to Pattaya to compete in Asia's largest regatta from third to 7th May at Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Jomtien, Pattaya, Thailand. The Top of the Gulf Regatta has, over the years, proved to be a valuable training ground for sailing stars around the world, regularly attracting national, regional and world championships to compete in what has become a world-class sailing event.

Attracting top sailing talent and participants of over 30 nationalities, the Regatta also provides an international-standard competition format for Thai sailors, which has proved invaluable and has helped develop Thai stars such as Kerati Bualong (2012 Olympics competitor), Noppakao Poonpat (2010 World Optimist Champion, fourth place in 2012 29er Worlds) and Damrongsak Vongtim (2006-2008 Asian Games, Hobie Class gold medal), to name just a few.

Over 250 sailing vessels will compete in 13 Classes, ranging from Optimists and dinghies, beach catamarans and windsurfers to one-design Platus, keelboats and multihulls, making the TOG Regatta one of the most diverse regattas in the region. Attracting sailors from around the world, the TOG Regatta also attracts a large contingent of Thai sailors across all the classes, who compete side-by-side with top international sailors and hold their own, often securing class honours.

'2013 is the ninth sailing of the Top of the Gulf Regatta – one of the Asia’s most popular regattas – and like other regattas around the world such as Antigua Sailing Week in the Caribbean or Cowes Week in the UK, the Regatta is an important driver for tourism attracting repeat tourists and bringing new tourists to the area, and increasing the popularity and awareness of the destination. The sport of sailing has seen considerable growth in Thailand in recent years, and the TOG Regatta provides a international platform for Thai sailors and our commitment to supporting that growth and the Pattaya area remains strong,' said Bill Gasson, Chairman, Top of the Gulf Regatta.

At the youth level is the 2013 Thailand Optimist National Championships, which is supported by Sansiri PLC. Now in their 38th year, the Thailand Optimist National Championships presented by Sansiri, is the second oldest annual sailing event in Thailand and continues to develop youth talent and introduce Thai youngsters to the sport.

'Sansiri aim to construct a life not just a building. In addition, our CSR campaigns focus on sustainably supporting children in three areas; sport, health, and education. Those are the reasons why we are proud to support the future stars of Thailand sailing. Over 100 young sailors from Thailand and overseas will take part in this international-standard event and we are happy to support sailing opportunities for Thai youngsters and their development in the sport,' said Khun Ob-oom Chutrakul, Social Director of Sansiri PLC, presenting sponsor of the Thailand Optimist National Championships 2013.

The 600+ sailors at the 2013 TOG Regatta will be competing for three prestigious trophies: the top racing yachts will be challenging for the Top of the Gulf Regatta Trophy; the one-design Platu Class will compete for the prestigious Coronation Cup, named after the first event in 1996 which coincided with the coronation date of His Majesty the King of Thailand (5th May), and which this year celebrates a record fleet; and the third trophy is awarded the winner of Thailand Optimist National Championships – three iconic trophies in Thai yachting.

The Top of the Gulf Regatta is hosted by Ocean Marina Yacht Club, the premier marina in the Gulf of Thailand and South East Asia's largest, and will take place third to 7th May 2013.

For more information, visit www.topofthegulfregatta.com.