2021 Admiral's Cup at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club
by Ben Montgomery 18 Feb 2021 02:34 PST
12-14 February 2021
2021 Admiral's Cup at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya, Thailand © Riccardo Vittoria
Last weekend, 12-14 February, 2021, a total of 69 Optimist sailors competed in the 2021 Admiral's Cup at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya, Thailand. They had a range of good wind conditions, starting from light 5 knot winds on the first day to 13 knots in the ninth and final race.
The winner, M.L. Weka Bhanubandh, said, "I am really happy with my performance this year. I've trained many hours and put in lots of effort into my training to get this far. I still remember the first time entered this regatta. I was still a beginner and did not know much about sailing. Looking back at it now, I have realized how far I've come. I believe if you put enough time and effort into reaching a goal, you could accomplish that goal or at least feel happy with your results. Now I am aiming to qualify for the World Championships and eventually reach the world podium. I am working hard towards making it all happen."
Weka was also Thailand Optimist National Champion and European Optimist Champion in 2020. And his father and coach, M.R. Bird Bhanubandh, won the Admiral's Cup 1987!
The Royal Varuna Yacht Club would like to thank Weka, his father, and all the other sailors and coaches for joining and cooperating to make this year's Admiral's Cup regatta a success, even under the extra rules and regulations to control Covid-19.