'Modern Classics' revival at the Phuket King's Cup Regatta

by Event Media on 22 Jun 2010 Plans for the 2010 Phuket King's Cup Regatta are shaping up with inquiries at this early stage already exceeding previous years. Interested sailors from all corners of the world are planning their trips to Phuket and the range of boats looks set to be the most diverse yet: from seven foot to 100 foot plus.

The 24th Phuket King's Cup Regatta will be held 4th-11th December off Kata Beach, Phuket. After more than two decades, the regatta has become 'the one to win' for many, and attracts participants from all over the world. In 2009 33 nationalities attended the Regatta, with a total of 111 boats racing in 11 classes, and 19 dinghies.

'Last year may have seen a record number of entries, but what was equally interesting was the large number of international participants. Over 30% of the fleet were international charter entries. That is a strong positive for the King's Cup and testament to Phuket as a sailing destination,' said Simon James, Race Director of the Phuket King's Cup Regatta.

Phuket has been home of the Phuket King's Cup Regatta since its inception in 1987 and Kata Beach Resort & Spa the host venue for more than a decade. Now in its 24th year, the Phuket King's Cup Regatta continues to innovate on- and off-water, with some new and exciting editions planned for 2010.

'Two of the innovations we introduced last year, namely the Modern Classics Class and the Bareboat Charter Class, both proved highly successful. We will continue to develop these classes further with possible splits in the Bareboat Charter Class, and are looking at further on-water innovations involving classes and courses,' said James, continuing 'We are looking to reinvigorate the traditional 'Andaman Sea Race' also. It's too early for specifics at this stage but be assured, we're not resting on our laurels.'

The Modern Classics Class, introduced in 2009 'to encourage the less young yachts who have sailed in may of the past regattas to rejoin the Regatta' saw old rivalries renewed in 2009 and proved a popular hit with the entries. There was a strong showing from the Phuket sailing community with Peter Wood's Windstar taking class honours from Nick Band's Emerald Blue by just two points.

A total of 25 boats entered the Bareboat Charter Class in 2009, and all enjoyed competitive racing. For 2010 the race management team are looking to further develop this class and possibly introduce a number of splits as the number of charters, and specifically bareboat charters, is expected to continue to increase.

Other class structure and handicapping is expected to be similar to last year with racing and cruising classes running under IRC and Ocean Multihulls the OMR rule. Dinghy racing will take place over the opening weekend.

Sponsors of the 2010 Regatta include Kata Group Resorts Thailand, Chang Beer, Mont Clair, Mom Tri's Boathouse and The Moorings. Media Partners include Blue Wave 90.5FM, Multihull World, The Nation, Phuket Gazette, Prestige Thailand, Helm Superyacht Asia Pacific, and Yacht Style.

The 24th Phuket King's Cup Regatta will take place 4th-11th December 2010, off Kata Beach, Phuket, Thailand.