Welcome from the President

by Santi Kanchanabandhu on 31 Aug 2006 The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta will sail for the 20th year this December. The Regatta was first started in 1987 to honour and celebrate the 60th birthday of our Royal Patron, His Majesty the King, who is an able sailor. It has since become an annual event held around 5th December, HM the King’s Birthday. Over those years of collective sailing memories, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta has proved to be a world class yacht racing event which continues to attract international entries from all over the world.

This year is a special year. Not only is it our 20th anniversary, but this year the nation has been celebrating His Majesty the King’s 60th year on the throne – the world’s longest reigning monarch. We will celebrate this throughout the regatta and in time-honoured tradition His Majesty’s birthday also, on the 5th December.

The racing format has been structured to give everyone a chance to enjoy racing in their own class of boat. We cater for up to 12 different classes under a variety of courses, including challenging Olympic courses and scenic island courses, during the five days of racing. Race management has always been by an international team of accredited ISAF RO and IJ with full support from the Royal Thai Navy and local sailors.

It is our tradition for each day to end with a lavish prize-giving party. The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is a truly lifestyle event, a celebration of our beloved King’s Birthday and the start of the festive holiday season.

Sailing in Phuket has been made easier over the past ten years with development of necessary infrastructures such as marinas, transportation, telecommunications, etc. As a port of call, Phuket has passed the point of basic necessity and is developing into a port of choice with luxury services and amenities. The convenience of urban living, combined with the natural beauty of the island, has made Phuket a unique place for all visitors.

On behalf of the Organising Committee, I would like to express heartfelt appreciation and thanks to many organisations and individuals who brought the event to this stage. I look forward to the 20th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta being as good, if not better, than the 19 preceding regattas, and making this year a truly memorable anniversary and yacht racing experience.