The low down on Simon James, King's Cup Race Management Director

by Event Media on 2 Jun 2009 The man everyone wants to be friends with during regatta week, Simon James has been at the Regatta's racing helm for longer than he cares to remember. He takes time out to tell us more about his background, his views on the regatta now and in the future.


How many years have you been a member of the Phuket King's Cup Regatta Organising Committee (PKCR)?
I have been on the Committee since 1997

Why did you first join the committee?
I first joined the regatta as a competitor while I was working for Sunsail in Phuket. At that time there were few charter yachts joining the regatta. I had sailed in most of the major regattas around the world and believed that this event had massive potential especially for the charter yacht division.

As Race Management Director, what are the major challenges you face with the PKCR?
Unlike many other regattas, the event does not have a marina-based venue which makes logistics interesting. In addition, our sailing area does not have any major navigation marks so everything has to be laid individually in up to 85 m of water which is an anchoring nightmare. In addition, there are a limited number of vessels available for on-water management.

How does the PKCR differ from other regional regattas? And from other multi-class keelboat regattas in the world?
Most other regattas in the region are 'Boutique' events, each having their own speciality, be it the type of yachts they cater for or their specific destination and culture. PKCR caters for the broad spectrum of competitors, from the local liveaboard sailor to the international yacht racer, while retaining its own identity, reflecting the culture and fun of Thailand. We do have some of the best après sailing events in the world……..

How do you think the global economic crisis will affect the Phuket King's Cup Regatta this year?
We may be effected with the number of visiting yachts, however, the Asean sailing scene is developing rapidly. As a committee we are always making changes to reflect the changes in available yachts and participants. This year we will introduce a Modern Classic Class to encourage the less young yachts who have sailed in many of the past events to rejoin the regatta.

How do you see the regatta developing in the medium to long-term?
Over the past few years, we have taken a more 'Professional' approach to running the regatta on the water. We have established an infrastructure which will allow us to incorporate 'Class Championships' into the event, this is where an individual Class or association could join the regatta and hold their 'National or World Championships' at the same time. I would also like to bring back dinghy sailing as we need to develop grass roots sailing in Phuket so that the sport can develop in the local community, and further encourage local Thai participation. As the destination develops I would like to see more and more superyachts and large classics joining the event as part of the worldwide circuit.

What is your most memorable moment at a Phuket King's Cup Regatta? And why?
We have always been unique with our Royal Presentation Ceremony. However, three years ago, I introduced the 'Sail Past' for the King’s Birthday. Here the fleet sail past the Navy Ship anchored in Kata Beach and salute the King. It is a unique spectacle.

When did you first start sailing? And what got you into sailing?
I started sailing around 1977 in South Wales as an activity with the Scout Association, sailing on the UK racing circuit and attending ten World and National Championships.

What other regattas are you involved with in Asia and what is your role?
Koh Samui Regatta – Race Director
Phang Nga Bay Regatta – Committee Member and Race Officer
Phuket Race Week – Race Officer
Langkawi Regatta – Assistant Race Officer
Top of the Gulf Regatta – Assistant Race Officer

I am also the rule authority for the IRC handicap system in Thailand and run my own company called regattas.asia offering a one-stop shop for anything regatta-orientated, including event management, yacht deliveries, crew accommodation, working with most other regattas in the region in some form or another.