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KOH SAMUI GEARS UP FOR MORE SAILS
Koh Samui is gearing up for an increased number
of entries at the 2nd International Yachting Regatta, to be held
from 25th to 31st May. At this early stage sixteen keel boats and
twenty plus beach catamarans have already indicated a firm intention
to participate. Many of these are new entries that have been attracted
by the good word spread by the competitors that made it to the inaugural
event in 2002. This second regatta is again organised under the
auspices of the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand and Royal Varuna
Yacht Club and in conjunction with the and the Royal Thai Navy.
Entries confirmed to date include the striking
new Farr 40 "Pasaya", the Swan 68 "Irvmiren",
the X boats from Singapore; "Abraxas" and "Hi Jinx",
the Mumm 30 "The Dogs II", and DK Yachts "Jativa".
Keith Moore has confirmed he will be back with Pla Loma to defend
his title and Frank Pong, who tragically lost his Wiley 78 "Jelik"
on a passage back to the Philippines, has promised to be back in
force with either the new Jelik (currently under construction at
DK Yachts) or the recently acquired Mandrake (of Linklaters - Phuket
Kings Cup fame).
David Bell has sold Graffiti but is hoping to
be back again and win with an even faster yacht; however Graffiti's
new owner or Steve Walker, back with Next Page, might have something
to say about that! We are also hoping to see the first contingent
of Phuket Sports 8's being trailered overland and maybe some available
for charter. For further information visit http://www.samuiregatta.com/crewfinder.htm
In the beach cats Bob Garner, from RVYC has sold
his Nacra, so the winners slot will be up for grabs. It looks like
there will be some fierce competition in this division and in particular
local guys John Stall, Roy Copp and Kunta are out practicing everyday
and learning the currents - could we have a winner from Samui this
year? Logistics are under way to bring up a contingent of ten Taipan
cats from Singapore - Bob Garner will be hoping his local knowledge
will tell as he has now joined this division. But there is talk
of a current world champion showing up - so this class should be
fiercely contested. |
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Luna n Jelik Koh Samui Regatta
- 2002.
Photo by Louis Tung |
(Continued)
This year will also see the introduction of a perpetual trophy for
the overall winner; Waterford Crystal will supply the cut glass
trophy.
Following the lead of the main sponsors; Bangkok Airways, Central
Samui Beach Resort, Coconut Land & House, Santiburi Dusit Resort
and Singha Beer, the sponsor's list is increasing by the week as
more businesses see the benefit of being involved with a lifestyle
and sporting event that attracts attention around the whole island.
Almost all of last year's sponsors are back and many new ones are
added to the list. This year the after-race parties will move to
different locations to allow the competitors to see even more of
this beautiful island. An increased PR campaign should see the Regatta
featured in even more local and regional travel, lifestyle and sports
magazines. Professional yachting journalists are also being invited
from Asia and Australia to feature the event in their leading sailing
publications.
A major sponsor is still being sought to fund
a professional video presentation by Pro Active TV (from the UK)
who produce the internationally acclaimed programme "Watersports
World", which is distributed to an estimated 400 million satellite
viewers worldwide.
For further information please visit the official
website at http://www.samuiregatta.com
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