Breezy start to four days of racing at Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Racewee

by Event Media on 19 Jul 2013 37 boats enjoyed some fast and furious racing today off Panwa Cape on Phuket's southeast coast. Winds exceeding 15 knots, combined with 2-3 metre swells, made for perfect Phuket sailing conditions.

Classic and IRC Cruising classes raced a single, long 'round-the-islands' course, while the two IRC Racing classes and two multihull classes completed two races around the cans.

Only three boats lined up in IRC Racing I, including the former Team Premier sporting a new paint job, renamed Oi!, and with a new crew and Peter Ahern at the helm. Although being away from the Asian big boat sailing scene for a few years, Ahern and crew were back where they left off winning the first race on corrected time. The second race saw Katsu take the top position, with Oi! In second and Wan Ma Rang bringing up the rear.

The Benetau 44.7 Fujin, formerly Ichi Ban, now under new ownership and skippered by Peter Sorensen, had the best of the racing in IRC Racing II with a double daily double – two line honours and handicap wins.

Superfast conditions for the Firefly 850s, and the glory went to John Newnham and his crew on Twin Sharks who nailed both starts and sailed impeccably to scored two bullets and take an early lead in the series.

Racing continues tomorrow.