Gulf Regatta a great success as Optimists steals the show

Perhaps, more importantly, the Regatta featured feelings of warm camaraderie among the participants, managers, supporters and guests, numbering more than 500 Thai and International sailors, with entries from Thailand and around Asia.

“This re-confirms”, said Regatta founder William J. Gasson, at last night’s Awards ceremonies “that Pattaya remains a popular destination and one of Asia’s best sailing venues.” At centre-stage of the nine classes competing. Was the huge fleet of Optimist children, coming from the Royal Thai Navy Clubs at Sattahip, the Ocean Marina and Royal Varuna Yacht Clubs? It was no wonder that the oft-heard cry from these delightful youngsters was “Beware the Thai Tiger,” as 13-year-old Thai girl, Noppakao Poonpat, thrashed the 100-strong competition for the second year in succession, to win the TOGR and the Thai Optimist National Championships.

Second was Thai boy (an 11-yearold ‘veteran’), Thacharin Narbonne who also was first in the “under-12” category. Another girl was third - 10- year-old Jonkol Channart and, then, in a superb performance in “alien waters” was Royal Varuna’s 13- year-old Don Whit craft - son of the incumbent RVYC Flag Commodore, Kevin.

Special prizes were awarded to Hong Kong Optimist sailors, Nagisa Sakai, Cosmas Grelon and James Johnston, who were first to third, respectively, in the visitors’ category.

Elsewhere, in the IRC Racing Class 1, Matt Allen, commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia beat French-helm, Thai-based Leray Pascal, with Thai-based Aussie marine- sector entrepreneur, Gary Baguley third.

2008 Asian Yachting champion Aussie Ray Roberts,’ stepped down’ to the smaller Platu and showed that he is still a ‘master mariner’ by winning the King’s own 2009 Platu Coronation Cup.

Perennial champion compatriot Aussie Scott Duncanson had to settle for second placing, while Thai sailor Wiwat Poonpat limped in third, on equal points with Max Soh, with Max ahead on a count-back.

IRC Racing 2 class was a tight finish, with Thai Navy One team, beating erstwhile leader Peter Dyer and local sailor David Bell, in the minor placing.

Thai Hobie Cat national champions, Damrongsak and Kidsada Vongtim were unbeatable in the Hobie Cat 16 Class, winning clearly ahead of Rod/Kerry Waterhouse and Bob Enguirda/Danal Sida.

Thai sailor Navee Thamsoomtorn, sailing a 420 design, dominated the huge Monohull Dinghy Class, comprising Lasers, and Laser Radials, Laser 4.7 and the odd Byte Cll or 2. Second place was held by the now-famous sailing family name, Poonpat (Benjamas), and, third, another Thai top performer, Kirati Bualong.

An interesting battle raged in the Ocean Multihull, where there were several gear failures. Thai veteran sailor Radab Kanjanavanit finally won out, ahead of erstwhile leader Peter Dyer who had to accept third place behind a brilliant and consistent performance by Pattaya sailor David Bell.

Thai sailors Aroon Ruangjahong and Narongrit Beakeaw were just ahead of Varuna Hobie Tiger aces, Richard Eyre/Dave Littlejohn and Stefan de Voss/Apple in the Tiger division.

The event closed out yesterday, with a splendid sea-front Awards ceremony and closing party provided by regatta co-sponsors Raimon Land PLC.