Thailand and Malaysia Asia Pacific Laser/Laser Masters

by Peter Cummins on 12 Mar 2010 When the third day opened yesterday, it was as though the ongoing Asia Pacific Lasers and Laser Masters Championships being held off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in South Pattaya had moved to another country.

A storm front had moved through the area in the early morning and gone were the superb southerlies of some 20 knots, the brilliant skies and tempting seas of the first two days. It left a surly horizon, heavy, moist cloud cover and a fickle wind which, when it obliged at some 3-5 knots, had returned to the north.

But the show must go on. At the end of five races and allowing for one discard the placings were basically similar, with Thai national Laser champion Keerati Bualong from the Sattahip Naval base dominating his class from Malaysian Mohd Afendy Khairulizam who moved into second place in the Laser Full-rig division, followed by Malaysian NikAzikan Nik Ashraf Qaedi.

Aussie Colin Dibb dropped to fourth place, keeping out Malaysian Hairudin Harrithammry, with former Thai Laser champion Veerasit Puangnak and Royal Varuna sailor Gareth Owen sixth and seventh, respectively.
Two more Aussies stepped into the breach, with Stefan Kyrys-Romer and Sean Homan, eighth and ninth, just clear of Kevin Whitcraft, Commodore of the host Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in 10th.

Meantime, in the ‘Greyhounds of the Gulf’ division (Laser Radial) ranging from Masters to Great Grand Masters - both men and women - positions remained basically similar to the first days, with competitors from seven countries occupying the first 10 placings.

Full story:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports/34235/thailand-malaysia-on-top-in-laser-racing