Ray Roberts to take on hot entries in Koh Samui

by Event Media on 30 May 2008 A fleet led by some of the region’s best sailors will be in action when the annual Samui International Yacht Regatta gets underway at Koh Samui 1-7 June, with Australian sailor Ray Roberts and crew set for a rematch with local hero Frank Pong.

There will be five classes of yachts racing this year - IRC 1, IRC 2, Cruising and Sportboats. The regatta is now in its seventh year and is one of the principal sailing events in Thailand.

In the IRC 1 class Frank Pong will be trying to avenge some recent losses on the Asian circuit to Australia’s Ray Roberts, one of Australia and Asia’s leading sailors with a string of victories under his belt in the past 12 months. Hong Kong-based New Zealander Neil Pryde, a former Phuket King’s Cup winner, will also be a contender for honours.

Two of the other highly competitive classes being contested off Koh Samui this year will be the Sportsboat and the Multihull divisions. Hot local sailor Scott Duncanson is favourite to win the Sportsboat class on his Phuket 8 Somtam Express, while the competition is expected to be very close in the Multihull division.

Veteran Thai skipper Radab Kanchanavanit will be at the helm of his boat Cedar Swan in the Multihull class, but he expects some tight racing from countryman Kirati Asakul on his 50-foot cat Sonic, which performed well at the recent Top of the Gulf Regatta.

The regatta will also feature a fleet of the Phuket designed and built Firefly catamarans, which will be racing in their own one-design class. One of these super fast catamarans holds the record as the fastest sailing boat ever in Thai waters, so another tough competition is expected.

Once the day’s racing is over, Koh Samui is also known for its social side, with nightly parties at various venues on the island.

“With some of the best parties on the circuit, the Samui Regatta helps showcase all that is great about this island,” said Regatta Chairman Callum Laing.

Another highlight of the regatta this year includes the first Samui Junior Sailing Squadron Challenge. Organized by one of the original founders of the event, John Stall, this will give local children the chance to experience the passion and excitement of competitive yacht racing.

The on the water Race Management team is again headed up by Simon James, with a supporting cast including Tony Denham, back for his third year in a row as Race Officer.

Further information including Notice of Race: www.samuiregatta.com