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36th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta draws to successful close
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Honoured by Her Royal Majesty helming, TP52 Team Vayu captured the Class Zero title on the final day of racing.
The 36th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, held from November 30th to December 6th 2024, saw 720 sailors competing in 71 races, featuring over 40 keelboats and 150 dinghies.
The regatta is held annually in early December. This year His Majesty the King Rama X and Her Majesty Queen Suthida participated to celebrate His Majesty’s 72nd birthday or sixth cycle.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua at the tiller with Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana and Team Vayu during the final day of racing; © Guy Nowell
Queen Suthida, who has sailed with Team Vayu on several occasions over the last year, once again participated aboard Vayu (THA72) in the IRC Zero class. Their Majesties also presided over the awards ceremony at Beyond Kata Resort, where the participants and winners were honoured.
This year marked the debut of Disabled Sailing in the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, with seven competitors, led by Peter Jacops, sailing specially modified boats. Disabled Sailing Thailand launched two SV14 dinghies, designed for easy access by sailors with disabilities.
Forty-four keelboats and multihulls were spread across eight classes
In the Monohull Cruising division, Igor Ginzberg’s Wind of Change (NEU) claimed victory, with Philippe Dallee’s Swan II and William Wu’s Team Whitewave finishing second and third. Tim A. Hartnoll’s historic gaff rig, Cariad, finished fourth, captivating all with its beauty. In the Multihull class, John Newnham’s Twin Sharks (GBR) won, followed by Trident (GBR) and Compass Rose (THA).
Teams Vayu and Hollywood battling it out; © Guy Nowell
The dinghy series concluded on the final day, with Prin Subying winning the ILCA4 U18 female title. Other top winners included Ton Rattana (ILCA4 U18 male) and Kan Kachachuen (ILCA6 Open).
In the Open Skiff U17 class, Punthita Werotjanakul claimed the title, while Bowonnan Chanram triumphed in the ILCA7 OK Dinghy class.
About 120 sailboats hit the water in the International Dinghy Series
Suthon Yampinid & Kram Chantarawinij won the International 420/470 Open Class despite a disqualification in the final race. In the Optimist classes, Prapassorn Kaewpron and Adison Ein were crowned champions in the female and male divisions, respectively.
This year, the regatta used an arbitration system to resolve protests efficiently, with Tom Sheppard serving as the adjudicator.
Nick Burns’ Blitz (HKG) tied for points factoring in the drop race, but finished second in IRC1
The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta was strongly supported by the Phuket Province and the Governor of Phuket, contributing to its success and its seamless organisation.
Key sponsors included Kata Group (host sponsor), The Tourism Authority of Thailand – “Amazing Thailand”, Centara Hotels & Resorts, RMA Group, Ford, Coca-Cola Haad Thip PCL, Garmin Thailand, Ricoh Thailand, and National Telecom Public Company Limited.
Tim A Hartnoll’s gaff rigger Cariad was fourth in the Monohull Cruising class
The event also brought economic benefits to Phuket, particularly to the Kata Beach area, as competitors and spectators were constantly engaging with local businesses.
Thailand’s King and Queen at the closing ceremony, where they presented the awards
In closing, Kevin Whitcraft, President of the Regatta Committee, expressed pride in the event’s success, with increased participation and closely contested racing. He highlighted the continued growth of the Phuket King’s Cup, reinforcing its position as the most prestigious regatta in the region.
