Top of the Gulf Regatta 2013 - Pattaya all ready to go go go

by Event Media on 4 May 2013 The 2013 Top of the Gulf Regatta (TOG Regatta) is shaping up to be one of the best yet. Held 3-7 May the regatta has become the largest multi-class regatta of its kind in Asia, regularly attracting over 200 boats and 500+ sailors from more than 30 countries. The Top of the Gulf Regatta is hosted by Ocean Marina Yacht Club, the premier marina in the Gulf of Thailand and one of the largest in South East Asia.

A multinational mix of sailors competing across 12 classes of boats makes the TOG Regatta unique – unique in its size and diversity, and a key sporting event in the region.

Pattaya is home to a variety of top sporting events and regularly attracts international sporting competitions. Sports tourism is a key part of the region's tourism strategy and TOG Regatta, a home-grown event with a strong international and local mix of participants, continues to be a significant contributor to tourism and a cornerstone of Pattaya's sports tourism strategy.

'The Regatta attracts in excess of 500 sailors each year and through the event, participant accommodation and entertainment expenditure, the Regatta contributes significantly to the local economy. The media coverage, which includes international TV reaching over 100 million households and local and international print and online coverage, positively promotes Pattaya and sailing to the world,' said Bill Gasson, Chairman, Top of the Gulf Regatta.

In addition to the large international participation, the Regatta has a strong domestic following, arguably the largest local sailing participation of any regatta in Thailand.

'Since the beginning nine years ago, our goal has been to put Pattaya on the map as a sailing destination through encouraging international sailors to participate and media to cover the event. Equally we have been active in encouraging participation of local boats and resident sailors and give local sailors the opportunity to compete against an international fleet,' commented Gasson.

'In line with this, together with Ocean Marina Yacht Club we have been active in supporting grass roots sailing in the area. Creating and supporting youth sailing opportunities, nine years ago we incorporated the Thailand Optimist National Championships with the Regatta and have hosted and supported the event ever since. Over 100 Thai youngsters are expected to race against sailors from Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines, India, Indonesia and Myanmar in a fleet of almost 130 boats this year,' added Gasson.

Now in it's 38th year, the Thai National Optimist Championships is the second oldest annual sailing event in Thailand and continues to develop youth talent and introduce Thai youngsters to the sport of sailing. And this year, the TOG Regatta organisers welcome Sansiri PLC as presenting sponsor of the championships.

'Our CSR campaigns focus on sustainably supporting children in three areas; sport, health, and education. Sansiri is proud to be the main sponsor for Thailand Optimist National Championships 2013; young Optimist sailors are the future of the sport. 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. This is also a good opportunity for us to work with the city of Pattaya. Organising this international regatta will both provide the city with publicity and boost its economy,' said Khun Ob-oom Chutrakul, Social Director of Sansiri PLC, presenting sponsor of the Thailand Optimist National Championships 2013.

Up to 12 classes will compete in the TOG Regatta this year, including IRC 1, IRC 2, IRC 3, IRC 4, Cruising, Platus (competing for the Coronation Cup), Ocean Multihulls, Formula 18, Open Beach Multihulls, Single-handed monohull dinghies, Double-handed monohull dinghies, Optimists (Thailand Optimist National Championships) - and returning for their second year are the NeilPryde RS:One Windsurfers.

For more information, visit www.topofthegulfregatta.com.