Phuket King’s Cup Regatta 2012 kicks off 26th race with strong fleet

Recognized throughout the eastern hemisphere as the premier sailing event of its kind, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta will once more put on a spectacular display of the finest sailing talent with a total of 168 boats entering from over 35 countries around the world, competing in Andaman Sea to win the ‘must-have’ racing trophy in all of Asia, from 1 to 8 December, 2012.

The full complement of classes for the 2012 race year include IRC Zero (international 'Grand Prix' boats), the highly competitive IRC1, IRC2, IRC3, Premier, Sport Boats, Modern Classic, Bareboat Charter, Multihull, Firefly 850 Sports, Classic and Cruising Class.

2012’s Regatta will also see Windsurfing reintroduced as a competitive class, and will feature some of Thailand’s most famous windsurfing stars, including Ek Boonsawad and Siriporn “Dao” Kaewduanggam. Ek recently represented Thailand at the 2012 London Olympics, while Dao won the 2010 Youth Olympics in Singapore. Upto 40 will compete including the Ladies 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Marina Alabau Neira from Spain.

The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta 2012 will also feature dinghy racing as part of its roster of classes. Its inclusion 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. 40 windsurfers and 50 dinghies compete for four days (2nd - 5th December) while 78 keelboats and multihulls compete over five days (3rd – 8th December, with the 6th December a rest day).

Kevin Whitcraft, President of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organising Committee, spoke of the role this classic race plays in the development of Thailand as a sailing nation and sailing destination: “We are very proud that the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is able to take a regional role in contributing to the growth of the Thai sailing community and the yachting industry in Thailand, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s premier sailing destinations. It serves as an inspiration for new and improving Thai sailors, giving them a superb opportunity to experience international competition. From a wider perspective, it is hugely beneficial for Phuket, a part of Thailand famed for its beautiful surroundings, legendary hospitality and suitability for hosting Asia’s ultimate Regatta.”

In addition, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is also an important event for the island in terms of development and commerce. One of the longest running international sporting events in Phuket, the Regatta generates significant revenue for the local economy, bringing with it sports tourists with disposable income and around 40 million Baht in tourism receipts, according to a survey by the organizers. It serves to the great benefit of Phuket’s hotels and restaurants which enjoy a surge of custom before, during and after Regatta Week.

When travel, excursions and repeat visits during the year are factored in, the economic contribution of the event is likely to be in the region of 300 million Baht. The event is strongly supported by local authorities and Phuket Province, who work together with event organizers to make the Regatta an annual success for everyone on the Island.

The Phuket King's Cup is also famed for its series of legendary beach side parties, attracting over 1,500 party-goers who enjoy the live music, great atmosphere and food and drink provided by the Regatta’s sponsors.

As a principal fixture on the Asian Yachting Circuit, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta under Royal Patronage annually features upwards of 100 boats, ranging from high tech racers to live-aboard ocean cruisers, multihulls and classics. International-standard race management is combined with lively beach parties to create this world-renowned yacht racing exhibition.

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