Phuket, Thailand, December 4, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The 35th Phuket King's Cup Regatta was officially opened today off the coast of Kata Beach in Phuket. Many of Thailand's best young sailors are competing in the international dinghy class. Among the rising sailing stars in Kata Bay is Patcharaphan "Stam" Ongkaloy, who won the gold medal in the Optimist class at the recent Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia. Also competing are Thanaphat "Poom" Siricharoen, silver medalist in the ILCA-4 class at the same competition, and Ton Rattana, the reigning ILCA-4 District Champion.

The King's Cup is primarily the focus of foreign sailors who travel from all over the world to participate in Asia's most prestigious regatta. However, the event also offers young Thai and Asian sailors a platform to showcase their talent and launch their regatta careers.

The International Dinghy Classes Regatta takes place from December 3rd to 5th at Kata Beach and is today divided into four starts: Monohull Dinghy Handicap (12 boats); ILCA 4 (15 boats); Open Skiff (17 boats); and Optimist (79 boats).

One hundred and twenty-three dinghies from ten nations, including Canada, China, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, St. Kitts and Nevis, Taiwan, Thailand, the Russian Federation and the USA, are taking part in the regatta.

It was a great day for women's sailing. Patcharaphan "Stam" Ongkaloy (Yacht Racing Association of Thailand) continued her winning streak, taking first place in the women's Optimist class today. Her YRAT teammate Pailin Jaroenpon finished second, followed by Pinchanok Klaysomboon of Royal Varuna in third. All three crossed the finish line before their first male competitor.

Jirathip Muthiphan then won the Optimist boys' class, followed by Nattakorn Jitsuwan and Panudat Polpool, with all three sailors representing YRAT.

Nanvatorn Supaamphonwit of YRAT won the ILCA4 class, with his teammate and best female driver Paranee Muangngam taking second place. Ton Rattana of RVYC finished third in this class.

The victory in the Open Skiff class was also secured by a woman, namely Anandi Chandavarkar from India. Second place went to Don Kaewpradab from Thailand (UWC), while Eashaan Mehta, also from India, took third place.

The Open Skiff class enjoys great popularity at the nearby Phuket Yacht Club in Ao Chalong, under the astute guidance of former Australian Junior Champion Scott Duncanson. The popularity of these boats has increased significantly since their introduction to Phuket a few years ago.

The regatta will take place from December 2nd to 9th; Beyond Kata is hosting the event and the royal prize ceremony.

For more information and results, please visit www.kingscup.com.

The sponsors of the regatta include the main sponsor Kata Group, Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, RMA Group, Ford Motor Company (Thailand), Ricoh (Thailand) Limited, Haad Thip PCL, Pine Pacific Corporation Limited, Singha Corporation Co., Ltd. and National Telecom Public Company Limited.

About the Phuket King's Cup Regatta – Asia's legendary sailing race under royal patronage: The Phuket King's Cup Regatta is organized under royal patronage by the Phuket King's Cup Regatta Organizing Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in cooperation with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket.