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Phuket's famous international yachting event, The King's Cup Regatta,
returns to the azure waters of the Andaman Ocean in December for a
week of partying, sailing, beautiful people and great fun. This year
marks not only the event's 20th year of prominence on the Asian yacht
racing calendar, but also coincides with the auspicious Diamond Jubilee
celebrations of Thailand's beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's
longest reigning monarch.
The event was launched in 1987 to celebrate His Majesty the King's
birthday on December 5. A yachting enthusiast himself, His Majesty
King Bhumibol also happens to be patron of the King's Cup, making
it a regal event in every sense of the word. To add further lustre
to Phuket's prime international sporting event, the sailing regatta
was named 'Yachting Event of the Year' at the Christofle Asia Boating
Awards 2006. Its popularity has gained significant momentum on the
international yachting scene, while media attention has grown steadily
over the years.
The King's Cup Regatta attracts some of the world's best yachtsmen,
'yachtswomen' and their expensive boats to the waters of Kata Beach,
off the island's west coast, where these local and visiting sailors
vie for the coveted trophy, creating a truly spectacular sight in
the process. Beginning on December 2, the races run until December
9. Thus far some 86 yachts from 18 countries have been entered,
a figure that is certain to rise as the regatta date draws closer
and many boats normally enter late.
Get in on the sailing action
A surprise to many visiting Phuket during the races is that - although
Kata Beach swarms with yachtsmen in their racing regalia and boats
line the horizon - many yachts are under-crewed. As a visitor, this
creates a perfect opportunity to take part, especially if you have
some sailing experience under your belt. If being out on the water
all day doesn't tickle your fancy, you don't have to step aboard
to be part of the action. You can readily get involved, on a land-based
level, by partying well into the night at one of the many regatta
shindigs. Generally preceded by a banquet, these occasions are true
'Phuket happenings'.
Partying it up with the contenders
With the short respite of prize-giving, generally held just after
dinner, the parties begin in earnest. With musicians, local and
international bands, Thai dance performances and other activities
such as fireworks displays, they make for worthwhile affairs. Not
only are these gatherings good on a merrymaking level, but to add
to the experience you are bound to rub shoulders with at least one
well-known sailing personality.
One of the highlights of every King's Cup is the candle-lighting
ceremony held in front of the Boathouse Resort on Kata Beach to
celebrate His Majesty the King's birthday. It's an impressive sight
with more than 1,000 skippers and their crews holding up candles
while a choir sings the Thai national anthem.
Picture perfect opportunities
During the event, when not out racing, the yachts are anchored
off Kata Beach. Before and after each race, the southern end of
this stretch of sand comes alive with dinghies ferrying seafarers,
sails and other sailing paraphernalia ashore. The boats make a truly
picturesque sight and avid photographers shouldn't pass up this
opportunity to get some great photographs. Sunrise and sunset shots
with the yachts in the foreground during race days make for a great
subject matter.
Ahoy, calling all sailors…
A number of yachts require extra crew members with sailing experience,
and if you're fit and would like to join in, don't miss out on this
once-in-a-lifetime chance. An added bonus is that the crew fee includes
party tickets. Email the King's Cup Regatta committee at info@kingscup.com
for more information.
For general information about sailing in Phuket, this
is where to look. We also have an overview of last
year's event, and information of other
sailing events and happenings in Phuket.
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