Asia’s biggest sailing fleet at Top of the Gulf Regatta 2009

by TOTG Event Media on 1 May 2009 Ocean Marina Yacht Club, on Thailand´s East Coast Jomtien Beach, has been home to the Top of the Gulf International Regatta since its inception five years ago and ensures the TOG Regatta is the only regatta in Thailand operated from a marina facility. Today, Ocean Marina is host for many other leading international yachting and marine events. With an easy-access marina basin that can cater to 500 yachts berthed, Ocean Marina is Thailand´s leading marine facility.

Mrs. Nusara (Assakul) Banyatpiyaphod, President Ocean Property Ltd, said 'We are proud to support Pattaya’s major international sailing events like Top of the Gulf Regatta. We are confident that our capability, team and equipment will ensure event management to international standards.'

At the Regatta´s press briefing at Ocean Marina, president of the TOG Regatta organising committee Bill Gasson explained the importance of sailing events to Pattaya and Thailand´s tourism industry.

'This year´s Top of the Gulf International Regatta will contribute over 10 million baht to Pattaya´s tourism industry.'

TOG Regatta is home to over 500 Thai and International sailors for the next few days. In addition to great sailing off Jomtien Beach, sailors will enjoy regatta parties and Pattaya´s facilities, contributing to the local economy during their stay. The TOG Regatta also generates a lot of positive media coverage for Pattaya and sailing at large – a press corps of over 40 Thai and International journalists have gathered at the regatta to report to the world that Pattaya is open for business.

'We have lost very few participants due to the recent political events in Thailand. We have had only two cancellations... both yachts broke down on their sail over here. One from the Philippines returned home, while the other crew still came and chartered a Platu to race,' commented Gasson.

The TOG Regatta takes place 1 – 4 May, with racing in 9 classes (IRC Class 1, IRC Class 2, IRC Cruising Class, Platu Class, Ocean Multihulls, Hobie 16 Class, Hobie Tiger Class, Monohull Dinghies and the Optimist Class).

Entries at press time were 10 in IRC Class 1, 8 in IRC Class 2, 7 in IRC Cruising Class, 14 Platus, 9 Ocean Multihulls, over 120 Optimists, and a selection of hobies and dinghies. In total, 220 yachts taking part.

The TOG Regatta is the only all-class regatta in Thailand and welcomes the biggest fleet in Asia, smaller only than the 2008 China Olympics.

True to it´s roots, TOG Regatta has a large youth fleet with over 120 Optimists challenging for the Optimist National Cup. Other trophies being contested are the TOG Regatta Trophy and the royal-sponsored Platu Coronation Cup for the one-design Platu fleet.

The junior sailors is something the TOG Regatta is proud of and something that has been fostered for many years in the Gulf at both Ocean Marina Yacht Club and the Royal Varuna Yacht Club.

'We have 120 Optimists on the water. These kids are the future. Who knows, maybe one day they´ll own a 70 or 80 foot yacht,' added Gasson.