Kingdom Property Admiral's Cup 2014 at Royal Varuna Yacht Club
by Jordan Rumsby 1 Feb 2014 10:17 GMT
25-26 January 2014
Kingdom Property Admiral's Cup 2014 © Jordan Rumsby
On 25 – 26 January, 58 young sailors descended to the Royal Varuna Yacht Club for the annual Kingdom Property Admiral's Cup, sailed in the Optimist class. With much talent in the fleet including the all-star Thai team, who recently beat the Singaporeans at the SEA Games becoming the top grassroots sailing team in the region. It promised to be a competitive affair.
The competitors lined up for the first start, more going backwards with the fast ebbing tide. After the start, Som-O perfectly judged the tide to become the winner of the race, unlike 20 fellow sailors who were subsequently disqualified as they were unable to push through the tide and cross the start line within four minutes.
Som-O, again taking line honours in the second, again a master class in tide sailing to overcome Paliga Poonpat and Anapat Ngarmdee on the final windward leg. The wind increased and tide slackened allowing two more races, won by Suthon Yampinid and Voravong Rachrattanaruk respectively.
On day 2, light winds greeted the sailors with a 40 minute postponement. Once the breeze filled in, the strong tide forced the sailors inshore tacking upwind to break away from the current. Race 5 was won by Suthon. The breeze increased for the last race of the weekend, again won by Voravong with the ever consistent Suthon in second.
Back ashore the prize giving followed proceedings with Nigel Cornick of Kingdom Property presenting the trophies. The prestigious Admiral's Cup was presented to the winner, Suthon, with Voravong and Kamonchanok joining him on the podium. RVYC Gold Sailing Team member Som-O received her prize for the first under 12 sailor overall and young Suchanaree Detthotsapol was first under 10.
A competitors raffle followed with prizes from ARB 4x4 parts, and the infamous Royal Varuna Yacht Club tradition of doughnuts for everyone!
A big thank you to our sponsors Kingdom Property and ARB in supporting this event and promoting grassroots sailing in Thailand.