Phuket King’s Cup Regatta to set sail

PHUKET: One of the standout international sporting events in the Asia region, the 29th annual Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Under Royal Patronage, prepares to set sail once again, swelling Phuket visitor numbers and making a large contribution to overall tourism performance.

The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta 2015 will be held at Kata Beach Resort and Spa from December 5 to December 12, hosting international racing classes in which more than 150 boats and 1,500 sailors will compete for one of sailing’s most prestigious trophies.

“The diversity of craft, international complement of crews and the spectacle of the post-race parties make this regatta a stand-out attraction in the region. As we stand but one year away from the magical ‘Pearl’ milestone of three decades of the King’s Cup, we’re very proud of the contribution this magnificent event makes to Phuket and Thailand, and to the sport of sailing globally,” says Kevin Whitcraft, president of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organizing Committee.

Consisting of five days of racing on scenic courses amid beautiful islands of the Andaman Sea, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta draws sailors and support crews from over 40 countries, including USA, Australia, Great Britain, Russia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and China. This international gathering is a key event on the Phuket tourism calendar, generating over 400 million baht for local businesses and offering residual value as it helps to grow the island’s brand as a premier sporting paradise on the world stage.

As well as bringing some of the world’s fastest independent racing teams, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is famed for its beachside party series. Revelry and camaraderie to the backdrop of fireworks and live music form a big part of the attraction for competitors – and for sponsors also. The parties, essential events on the Phuket social calendar, are without a doubt a draw for Thai companies and international brands keen to grow their presence on a cosmopolitan platform.

Keelboats and multihulls are scheduled to compete first, between December 7 and 9, with December 10 reserved as a lay day for competitors to adjust their strategies or fix their boats. The racing will then continue on December 11 and 12. The full complement of classes for the 2015 race year include IRC Zero (international ‘Grand Prix’ boats); the highly competitive IRC 1, IRC 2 and IRC 3; as well as Sports Boat, Modern Classic, Premier, Open Charter, Bareboat Charter, Classic, Cruising, Firefly 850 Sports, Multihulls Racing and Multihulls Cruising.

International Dinghy Classes will race from December 7 to December 10 at Kata Beach Resort and Spa. Classes are divided into Optimist Boys, Optimist Girls, Laser Standard, Laser 4.7 and Topper. The inclusion of the dingy classes in Phuket King’s Cup Regatta has played a part in the development of youth sailing in Thailand, encouraging more young sailors to take up the sport, and empowering the development of talented and aspiring skippers.

For regular visitors to the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, the event is associated with top class racing on the world sailing schedule each year. For guests who have never experienced this highly charged competitive atmosphere, the King’s Cup is a must-visit showcase for the sport of sailing and for Phuket.

The Phuket Gazette and PGTV’s ‘Phuket Today’ show, the island’s only nationally broadcast television program (aired daily on True Visions, MCOT and the leading provincial cable networks), are proud to sponsor this event.