Sailing in Thailand at the Top of the Gulf Regatta

Sailing Thailand by Capt. Marty

Thai winners dominate the classes taking nine trophies
Platu Coronation Cup goes to Ray Robert on Wikki Quantum Racing.
Matt Allen on Ichi Ban wins IRC 1 Class with a perfect score.

The last day at the 2009 Top of the Gulf International Regatta (TOG Regatta) did not disappoint. With light winds at the start filling in later on, two races were finished for all IRC classes except the cruisers who completed one today.

The race management was of the highest calibre throughout the week with keelboat course management provided by Jerry Rollins, Simon James and the on-water team. Their professionalism handed the Jury a leisurely break this week on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard.

At last night’s lavish Ocean Marina Gala Dinner, the Hobie Tiger, Monohull Dinghies and Optimist winners were presented with their prizes. The 500 plus TOG Regatta participants were on hand to congratulate all on their achievements. The 2009 Thailand National Optimist Cup overall winner was Noppakao Poonpat, a 14-year old girl who lead the series from start to finish. She also took the crown in the Female division. She was pushed all the way by 12-year old Thacharin Narbonne who sailed consistently to score one first and four seconds in the nine race series and take second place overall, and first in the Under-12 division. Following a poor start in the first race, 11-year old Jongkol Channart turned in consistent top ten placings throughout the series to take third overall, second in the Female division and second in the Under-12 division.

The juniors have shown their skills and handled themselves in a professional manner throughout the series. Indeed, all classes have been competed fairly and cleanly and the winners can be justly proud of their achievements.

Australians proved their sailing prowess with wins in the IRC 1 Class (Matt Allen) and the Platu Coronation Cup (Ray Roberts) but the story of this fifth Top of the Gulf International Regatta is the superiority of the Thai sailors. Thai skippers and crews have won nine classes in total: IRC 2 Class (Royal Thai Navy I), Ocean Multihulls (Radab Kanjanavanit), Monohull Dinghies (Navee Thamsoomtorn), Hobie 16 (Damrongsak Vongtim/Kitsada Vongtim), Hobie Tiger (Aroon Ruangjarongpong/ Narongrit Beakeaw), Thailand National Optimist Cup Overall (Noppakao Poonpat), Thailand National Optimist Cup Female (Noppakao Poonpat), and Thailand National Optimist Cup Under-12 (Thacharin Narbonne). The IRC Cruising Class was won by a Singaporean (Renfred Tay)

There is a resounding consensus from participants that the 2009 Top of the Gulf International Regatta was the best yet, providing competitive sailing in great winds, with social functions to match any Asian regatta.

Lisa Allen, reports that she and Matt (of Ichi Ban) are “getting quite addicted to Asian regattas. The sailing is great, the water is warm, the socials are tremendous, and we get to go racing with our friends.”

The TOG Regatta is the only regatta to be hosted by and organised from a marina. Ocean Marina Yacht Club offers a true one-destination regatta and provides sailors with a central point for post-race ‘discussions’. The marina, the organisers and the sponsors should be congratulated for putting on a great sailing event. Roll on 2010.

Overall Series Results:
IRC 1 Class
Ichi Ban – Matt Allen
Breakaway – Pascal Leray
El Coyote – Gary Baguley

IRC 2 Class
Royal Thai Navy 1 – Damrongsak Pongwichlen
Magic Roundabout – David Bell
Carrera – Leif Ho

IRC Cruising Class
Amanda – Renfred Tay
Missy – Tetsuro Ogino
Constanza – Fredrik Anderson

Platu Coronation Cup
Wikki – Quantum Racing Ray Roberts
The Ferret – Scott Duncanson
Magic Dragon – Max Soh

Ocean Multihulls
Cedar Swan – Radab Kanjanavanit
SEA Property – Peter Dyer
Freee Wheeler – David Race

Monohull Dinghies (finished 03/05/09)
Navee Thamsoomtorn (420)
Benjamas Poonpat (420)
Keerati Bualong (Laser Radial)

Hobie 16
Damrongsak Vongtim/Kitsada Vongtim
Rod Waterhouse/Kerry Waterhouse
Bob Enguirda/Danai Sila

Hobie Tiger (finished 03/05/09)
Aroon Ruangjarongpong/ Narongrit Beakeaw
Richard Eyre / Dave Littlejohn
Stefaan de Vos / Apple

Thailand National Optimist Cup – Overall (finished 03/05/09)
Noppakao Poonpat
Thacharin Narbonne
Jongkol Channart

Thailand National Optimist Cup – Female (finished 03/05/09)
Noppakao Poonpat
Thacharin Narbonne
Kancharika Janpol

Thailand National Optimist Cup – Under 12 (finished 03/05/09)
Thacharin Narbonne
Jongkol Channart
Chusitt Punjamala