Phuket King's Cup 2024 Challenge for past keelboat/multihull winners
by Morten Jakobsen 18 Dec 2023 17:14 AEDT
30 November - 7 December 2024
Phuket King's Cup © Guy Nowell / Phuket King's Cup
Former winners Scott Duncanson (class winner 2000, 2006, 2007 and 2012) and Morten Jakobsen (class winner 2005 and 2019) have a fresh challenge for Kings Cup in December 2024.
As the PKCR now include a rapidly growing dinghy element, the two would like to challenge all past winners (Skippers or helm) to come join in a dinghy class at the next running of the regatta. Scott raced his ILCA7 in 2022, and Morten just finished sailing one of his elegant OK Dinghies in 2023. While both were on the podium, neither have managed to win their classes to date.
As it is easy to charter a competitive dinghy in Thailand, entry fees are minimal, and crew costs are low or non-existent, there are many good reasons to come and test the warm waters in Phuket again. The courses are in Kata bay, and the start times allow having a leasurely morning coffee before rig-up on the beach. The chance of meeting old friends at the great event parties is just a bonus.
It is estimated that there may be up to 150 past class winners from this event. With enough racers taking up this challenge, we can petition for a separate trophy to compete for, apart from the coveted class trophies. Should one of the former winners take the overall prize in front of the battle hardened younger Thai and International dinghy sailors, there would be serious bragging rights, and proof that keelboat/multihull skippers can do more than manage a team and write generous sized checks. Should a skipper/helm have passed away (like Henry Kaye RIP), another crew member may take their place.
The reception of the idea has been great among the active sailors we have contacted. Several have threatened to take their dinghies out of retirement, or get new ones, and start to get racing fit for this challenge. There are of course many others who remain active dinghy sailors, for example Radab Kanjanawanit (class winner 2001 & 2008) who competed in the ILCA Masters worlds held in January in Royal Varuna Yacht Club.