2019 Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek - Day 1
by Duncan Worthington 18 Jul 2019 03:30 PDT
17-21 July 2019
Whiteout on Day 1 of the 2019 Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek © Guy Nowell
Glorious blue skies and sunshine this morning were quickly replaced by building ominous clouds over the island's southeast corner, and as competitors boarded their yachts for the first day of racing the heavens opened.
Rain doesn't deter a true sailor and yachts headed out to the start area off Koh Lon while the spectator and media boats duly followed. Shifting, gusty winds, and low visibility around the southeast coast, sprinkled with some thunder, forced Race Management's hand who made the sound and safe decision to send all back to shore to wait it out.
Despite a few near-dry moments and glimmers of sun, the conditions remained unconducive to racing. At 13:00, Race Management flagged AP over A and called it a day.
Weather is one of the biggest challenges any sailor can face, and for the organisers it can be challenging too. While having to relocate last night's opening party from the beachfront to indoors, the hotel team were upto the task and put on an excellent event which was appreciated by all.
Roll on Day 2.
Organised by Media Business Services, racing will return tomorrow. First warning signal is 10:00, all things being equal.
For more information:
Website: phuketraceweek.com
Facebook: facebook.com/PhuketRaceweekRegatta
Twitter: twitter.com/phuketraceweek
Instagram: instagram.com/phuketraceweek