ILCA Thailand National Championships 2026 at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club

The ILCA Thailand National Championships at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club attracted 102 entries from 15 nations, with a notable highlight of the event being the growing presence of Chinese sailors, reflecting the continued development and expanding depth of ILCA sailing in the region.

Following a calm morning on the first day, sailors were briefed ashore at 10:30 local time, with the breeze steadily building as forecast. By late morning, fleets launched into a developing south-westerly wind, which filled in shortly after midday to produce 12-14 knots, with gusts reaching 18 knots during racing.

The RVYC Race Committee made full use of the conditions, setting fair and consistent courses that tested both boat handling and tactical decision-making throughout the day.

ILCA Thailand National Championships 2026 at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club - photo © RVYC

In the ILCA 7 fleet, featuring 31 competitors, Finley Dickinson (GBR) led after scoring two race wins from three races. Nooa Laukkanen (FIN) held second place, while Chusitt Punjamala (THA) rounded out the top three.

The ILCA 6 fleet, with a competitive 34-boat entry, saw a standout performance from Marion Grace Montgomery (THA), who went into Day 2 in overall first place after an impressive comeback on the opening day. Jung Hyewon (KOR) was second, with Ton Rattana (THA), a familiar name on the regional circuit, in third.

ILCA Thailand National Championships 2026 at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club - photo © RVYC

In the ILCA 4 fleet, featuring 37 entries, Thai sailors made a strong start, occupying the top three positions after Day 1. Pinchanok Klaysomboon (THA) led the fleet, followed by Hussaluk Srinakorn (THA) in second and Thanvisit Kitchanasiri (THA) in third.

Racing continued on Day 2 with stable conditions and clear skies providing another strong day of competition on the waters off Pattaya. Winds were forecast at 10-11 knots, with a bright and sunny Sunday developing as the fleets prepared to launch.

With a westerly breeze established, the RVYC Race Committee had the course set early, once again implementing a staggered start sequence, with ILCA 7 racing first, followed by the ILCA 6 and ILCA 4 fleets.

ILCA Thailand National Championships 2026 at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club - photo © RVYC

In the ILCA 7 fleet, Finley Dickinson (GBR) continued his dominant form, holding first place overall with an impressive five race wins from six races completed. Nooa Laukkanen (FIN) remained firmly in second place, while Chusitt Punjamala (THA) was third after another consistent day on the water.

The ILCA 6 fleet saw tight battles throughout the day, particularly at the first and second marks, as positions changed frequently in the developing breeze. Marion Grace Montgomery (THA) maintained her strong form to retain first place overall heading into the final day. Behind her, Ton Rattana (THA) and Jung Hyewon (KOR) were tied on points, setting the scene perfectly for the final day.

ILCA Thailand National Championships 2026 at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club - photo © RVYC

In the ILCA 4 fleet, several changes occurred within the top group. Yu Kai Chen (TPE) moved into third place by the end of Day 2, while Hussaluk Srinakorn (THA) held steady in second. Pinchanok Klaysomboon (THA) continued to lead the fleet, holding a one-point advantage going into the final day.

The concluding Monday saw all fleets completed the nine races originally scheduled for the regatta. The Royal Varuna Yacht Club Race Committee remained on schedule throughout the championship, delivering a well-managed and complete series.

ILCA Thailand National Championships 2026 at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club - photo © RVYC

With three races remaining, the final day began with a briefing at 09:30, followed by a group photo ashore before sailors launched at approximately 11:00 local time. Conditions once again delivered, with a westerly breeze of 10-12 knots providing consistent and fair racing across all fleets.

In the ILCA 7 fleet, the podium positions were firmly established heading into the final day and remained unchanged through the concluding races. Finley Dickinson (GBR) secured overall victory, ahead of Nooa Laukkanen (FIN) in second and Chusitt Punjamala (THA) in third, confirming a dominant and consistent performance from the leading trio.

ILCA Thailand National Championships 2026 at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club - photo © RVYC

The ILCA 6 fleet produced some of the closest racing of the championship, with the top three positions trading places race by race on the final day. With live Sailfish tracking allowing members and spectators to follow the action closely, the final standings were decided only after the last race. Marion Grace Montgomery (THA) claimed overall victory, with Jung Hyewon (KOR) finishing second and Ton Rattana (THA) securing third place.

In the ILCA 4 fleet, the championship came down to the final race, with the top two sailors separated by just one point heading into Race 9. After an intense final battle, Pinchanok Klaysomboon (THA) and Hussaluk Srinakorn (THA) finished tied on 17 points overall, highlighting the exceptionally close competition throughout the fleet. Yu Kai Chen (TPE) completed the podium in third place.

ILCA Thailand National Championships 2026 at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club - photo © RVYC

Across three days of racing, the atmosphere on and off the water reinforced Royal Varuna Yacht Club's reputation as a world-class sailing venue, providing competitive racing conditions, efficient race management, and a welcoming environment for sailors from across the region and beyond.

The 2026 ILCA Thailand National Championships conclude with strong international participation, close racing across all fleets, and a high standard of competition from start to finish.

Overall Results: