News & Features | ISAF | World Sailing | Official Site : Aussie Contingent Heads To Thailand

News

21 April 2005, 11:42 am

Aussie Contingent Heads To Thailand

Koh Samui Regatta 2005

Koh Samui, Thailand

Thirty Sydney yachties met at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) last night to discuss their plans to take on the IRC racing fleet at Thailand's Koh Samui Regatta in May.

Highly regarded as the highlight on the Asian sailing circuit, the week-long regatta takes place at the on the island of Koh Samui, south east of the capital Bangkok, from 21-28 May.

One of Australia's top yachtsmen, George SNOW, enjoyed his time so much at Koh Samui last year, that he approached Mariner Boating Holiday's Trevor JOYCE, suggesting he add it to the growing list of regatta destinations JOYCE arranges each year.

It was a great idea that took off quickly and now four Sun Odyssey 35's, chartered from well known company Sunsail, which has charter fleets all over the world, will carry the 30 to what they hope will be a strong Aussie campaign in Koh Samui.

In what is the largest Australian entry ever for this regatta, the four yachts will be skippered by winning yachtsmen George SNOW, Tony HEARDER, former CYCA Commodore Hans SOMMER and Karl STECHMANN, will have support from their various crews.

Another Aussie, and long-time Asian circuit competitor, Ray ROBERTS will be there too, with a DK46 and will provide strong competition for his fellow Aussies, having won a number of regattas in Asia already.

JOYCE told the assembled crews last night, 'these boats are very competitive and well looked after, so on paper, we should be competitive.'

Already 35 yachts have entered the Regatta, with around 70 expected on the start line. A sizeable contingent will again make its way down from Hong Kong, including defending Koh Samui Regatta Racing 1 champion, Ffree Fire, and Frank PONG's new Jelik (ex Pyewacket).

Organizers say, 'in Division 2, the hot local favourites from the Thai Naval Academy will be facing some stiff competition from the Sunsail 35's - with a crack crew skippered by famous Australian yachtsman George SNOW.'

Organized under the auspices of the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, working hand in hand with the Royal Thai Navy, racing takes place over five days, with a mixture of passage races and fast round the cans action, culminating in a VIP gala dinner and awards ceremony at the Central Samui Beach Resort.

Schedule Of Events

Saturday 21 May: Registration Day and Pre Regatta Party
Sunday 22 May : Opening Ceremony
Monday 23 May: Race Day 1
Tuesday 24 May: Race Day 2
Wednesday 25 May: Race Day 3/Regatta Festival - Island Open Party
Thursday 26 May: Rest Day/Open Day
Friday 27 May: Race Day 4
Saturday 28 May: Race Day 5/VIP Gala Dinner & Award Ceremony