100 yachts and counting

Diverse entry for this year's Phuket King's Cup in Thailand

Close to 100 yachts and still counting are entered for this year's Phuket King's Cup Regatta, in Thailand, keeping it in line with being the region's premier international sailing event and a sign that the local marine tourism industry is on the rise again after a few years in the doldrums.

This year the committee have divided the entrants into 10 classes in an all-out effort to cater for the diverse range of craft wanting to compete. Everything from Class 1 IRC racers, multihulls, sport boats to a multitude of cruisers and some majestic classics will be vying for the top honours.

The PKCR president Chris King outlined at the press briefing that "the racing this year will include courses and starts that are designed to suit all boats - from the fastest racing yachts to the slowest live-aboard cruisers - to ensure that all entrants get the best possible racing conditions". King also added " This event exposes Phuket as a relatively undiscovered corner of world-class yachting and cruising excellence with its warm water, beautiful scenery and hospitable year-round climate and sailing conditions".

The regatta was inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand and has been held every year since during the first week of December. Today, 5 December marks King Bhumibhol's 77th birthday which will be celebrated in a candlelit ceremony this evening. His prowess as a dinghy sailor and his great contributions to sport in general saw the International Olympic Committee in 1987 award the 'Insignia of the Olympic Order' to the only reigning Monarch ever to receive such an honour.

Racing starts in earnest tomorrow and with a little co-operation from the wind gods the stage is set for a enjoyable week of racing in another exotic Asian location. The Krung Thai Bank and Royal Phuket Marina are co-principal sponsors and the continuing support of Kata Beach Resort as host sponsor, demonstrates the loyalty amongst local island businesses for this prestigious event.