Thailand's bid for 2016 IODA Optimist World Championships

JVK Eastern Seaboard Regatta in Thailand © Jordan Rumsby

Pattaya's Royal Varuna Yacht Club has submitted a bid to host the 2016 International Optimist Dinghy Association World Championships, offering the world's most talented junior sailing teams a chance to experience the steady wind, sunshine, smiles, great food, and family-friendly attractions of Thailand's top dinghy sailing destination.

The city of Pattaya last hosted the IODA Worlds in 1979. Since then, the RVYC has hosted 25 international dinghy championships including two IODA Asian Championships, three Byte CII Worlds, the Laser 4.7 Worlds and Asia Pacifics in 2010, the OK Dinghy Worlds in 2013, and the Fireball Worlds 2014.

"Few venues have such a proven track record in running successful events," said RVYC commodore Tom Whitcraft. "We have a strong reputation for delivering professionally-managed regattas with expertise and passion, driven by an in-house team of staff and volunteers with vast experience in regatta organisation. Our goal will be to provide an IODA championship to remember."

Key to any great regatta is steady wind. On the dates Thailand has suggested in July 2016, sailing conditions are expected to be ideal with consistent breezes daily between 12 - 18 knots, the sun shining, and average temperatures a modest 28c - 31c. In such a scenario, race courses can be set up within 500 meters of shore, allowing for more spectators to enjoy the event. A free spectator boat will also be provided for visiting family and friends.

Situated in a six acre pocket of tranquillity with a secluded 120m beach, the club itself offers guests a large iconic open-air veranda with comfortable seating, free wireless internet, and a great view of the boat park and racing area offshore. It boasts a luxurious swimming pool, garden, recreational areas, and ample boat park space for over 300 Optimists, satisfying all IODA requirements with ease.

The event will have a 'campus' feel with little or no travelling required between the provided accommodation and the sailing venue. The club will host delicious Thai and international buffets, its kitchen also able to cater to the special needs of visiting sailors. Located near the city of Pattaya, the venue is within short travel distance of numerous shopping and sightseeing attractions including temples, white sand beaches, floating markets, shopping malls, and several amusement parks. Getting there should not be difficult either, Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport an international hub served by flights from around the world and the drive to the RVYC just over an hour.

"We hope to share some of the magic of sailing in Thailand with Optimist sailors and teams worldwide" said RVYC Sailing Director Jordan Rumsby. "The warm Thai hospitality is something that touches all visitors to the kingdom. We also hope we can inspire smaller sailing nations in their quest to develop the sport."

Thailand certainly pushes above its weight by promoting grassroots sailing among young children, giving many the opportunity to learn sailing and progress to the National Team at little or no cost, which has resulted in an impressive talent pool of individuals gracing the sailing fraternity. Among them is 2014 Asian Games gold medalist Noppakao Poonpat who was the top female at the IODA Worlds 2009 and the overall champion at the IODA Worlds 2010.

In association with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand (YRAT) and Junior Sailing Squadron of Thailand (JSST), the RVYC's bid will be presented at this year's IODA Worlds in Argentina on October 26th by Jordan Rumsby and RVYC club member Nima Chandler, who will be available to answer any questions IODA members may have about the bid.

For more information, contact Jordan Rumsby, THA representative for the 2014 IODA Worlds, at .