Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek - Preview
by Event Media 11 Jul 2019 21:44 BST
17-21 July 2019
Team 'Aquari' from Australia - Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek © Event Media
There's not long to go and we're locked and loaded with four days of excellent racing planned and four evenings of the best beachfront parties around.
Race Ready
Two TP52s are set to go head-to-head in IRC Racing 0 with Ray Roberts racing his "new" Team Hollywood (ex Provezza) at Raceweek for the first time and looking to defend his title. He's up against his own earlier generation TP52 which has been chartered by Discover Sailing In Asia and will feature a multinational crew, many of which will be racing at Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek for the first time.
Ray Roberts isn't the only one returning to defend his title.
Scott Bradley and his East Marine Emagine will be looking to return to winning-form in IRC Racing I and are up against last year's winner and another Sydney 40, Aquari, as well as Russian crew on the well campaigned MegaZip. Former class winner, Jessandra II, is back and will be in the mix.
Phoenix, skippered by Neils Degenkolv, is looking to extend his unbeaten run and retain the IRC Racing II title but will be up against some tough competition. Farrgo Express and The Sydney based Balmain Yacht Club along with the Platu Dragon crew also from Syndey are back along with the "new" Eastern Creek Karts skippered by Raceweek regular, Michael Spies, will all be there.
The largest class looks set to be the Cruising Monohull Class. Racing neck-and-neck throughout last year's regatta, BeauX Esprits and Lady Bubbly are both back and Lady Bubbly will be looking to go one better this year. They will be up against some stiff competition in the form of Linda, Chinon, Venture, Atlanta - who returns after a few years' hiatus - Kantus Bride, representing Cape Panwa Hotel, and Lola a Beneteau Oceanis 45 and Sumalee chartered by a crew from China.
The multihull fleet will be split into two classes, Firefly 850 Sports One Design, which includes Twin Sharks, Voodoo, Surf Patrol, Moto Inzi and Blue Nose, and Multihull Racing.
The all-carbon racing Tri, Bonza (ex Fugazi), is back with a new name and new owner in Multihull Racing. They will be up against the new Fugazi, a sports cat helmed by Dan Fidock, two Stealth catamarans from the Asia Catamarans yard - Phantom V and Twister 2 - as well as This!, DaVinci and the all-new Sho, Vel skippered by local multi-sailor Zam Bevan.
Onshore Program
The fun continues onshore with four extravagant beachfront parties planned all at the stunning 5* Cape Panwa Hotel venue. Known for the delicious buffets and free flow drinks, the parties have become a highlight of the regatta and a talking point for many - four parties, entertainment, buffet and free-flow drinks is all included in the price of Boat Entry and Crew Tickets!
As Phuket Raceweek coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing, there are some surprises in store at the Saturday party. Saturday raceday is sponsored by Asia Catamarans. Sailors are welcome to dress up in keeping with the Moon landing theme and there'll be a few prizes, feel free to don your favourite space suit and join in the fun.
The Most Social Regatta Around
We've been telling the world about what a great place Phuket is and we ask you to join us and spread the word. Please like, follow and share our social media channels and posts, and when you post, please share our love of Phuket with the hashtag #phuketsailing.
Key information for sailors
Bookmark these pages and share them with crew and friends. All the key happenings at Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek can be found on these:
If you haven't entered yet, you can still do so HERE.
For more information visit phuketraceweek.com