MORE THAN 2000 sailors are set to arrive on Phuket over the next two weeks to compete in the 22nd King's Cup Regatta from November 29 to December 6.

Adding an extra royal touch to the event, Prince Henrik of Denmark will join a crew of his countrymen on La Samudra to race in the IRC class.

At a media conference at Phuket Provincial Hall on Monday, Vice-Governor Worapoj Rathasima announced that sailors from more than 30 countries would be competing.

So far 87 yachts are signed up but it is expected that entries will exceed 100 as last-minute registrations are processed.

Vice-Governor Worapoj said that the King's Cup has put Phuket on the map as a centre of marine sports, adding that he hopes the resort island will be the first place that comes to mind as a top sailing destination.

A longstanding sponsor, Kata Beach Resort, is set to host many of the evening events as well as serving as the media centre.

All races start and finish off Kata beach.

The resort's PR Co-ordinator, Boonjira Chockunchon, said the event will be a boost to the resort in readiness for a slower tourist season early next year.

Phuket's King's Cup is the largest regatta in Asia and the top event of the Asian Yachting Circuit.

Racers and their families will find more to choose from in beachfront dining on Kata, with the Phileas Fogg to the north of Kata Beach Resort and Mom Tri's Oasis at the Boathouse beachfront on the south. Mom Tri's Regatta is coming, too, at Royal Phuket Marina.

The 6th Phuket International Marine Expo will be at the Royal Phuket Marina from December 4-7. Will the new large but low-ceiling exhibition centre impress? More than 5000 visitors will find out soon.

And back to the Cup . . . ''This year's Racing class is hotting up in what looks like a very competitive division with four TP 52's joining the event,'' said Simon James, Phuket King's Cup Regatta Race Management Director.

''Bill Bremner on Foxy Lady IV leads the challenge after an absence of three years against regatta regulars Hi Fi, Neil Pryde; Mandrake, Nick Burns and Fred Kinmonth; and Hong Kong's Frank Pong.''

Another tough competitor, Ray Roberts on his DK46 Quantum Racing is also confirmed to join the Racing class this year, looking to avenge his loss to Pong in last year's battle for the title.

''The IRC 1 class is also looking good,'' said Mr James,'' with Koh Samui IRC Class Regatta Ichi Ban skippered by Matt Allen joining the regatta for the first time to take up the challenge against a competitive fleet including Ben Coply's Phuket based Swan 42, Katsu, and 2007 champion Jeff Davidson's Mumm 30 Panic.

''In IRC 2, The Royal Thai Navy teams return to challenge last year's winner, Peter Dyer on Madame Butterfly and will be closely followed by Neils Dgenkole's Danish team on Phoenix,'' he added.

The top three 2007 finishers in the Sportsboat class are all returning, including Scott Duncanson on Somtam Express, fresh on the heels of his top-ten finish on a Platu 25 in the 2008 Club Marine New Zealand National Keelboat Championships.

Marten Jakobsen on Emma Mathilde and Kenichi Takahashi on Motor Net are both set to make a grab for the title.

In the Multihull division, David Wales is back on The Sting, while Radab Kanjanavanit and his crew are returning on Cedar Swan in the hunt for a win.

In the Firefly 850 multihull class, Henry Kaye, who has never missed a King's Cup, is looking to defend his 2007 title, while Roger Kingdon on Moto Inzi is hungry for a win after settling for second last year following a collision with a media boat.

The Premier division is also drawing familiar faces and boats, including frequent contenders Shahtoosh and Frangipani Girl.

All other divisions are showing a good turnout, proving that the regatta is continuing to expand its reach into the more leisurely class of sailor.

The Sunsail One Design, Bareboat Charter, Ocean Rover and Classic classes are all set to be hotly contested by novices and regular sailors.

In honor of the birthday of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej on December 5, the day's race will be preceded by a sail-past salute, a spectacular sight involving all competitors and Royal Thai Navy vessels and officers.

Races officially start on December 1.



November 29 Registration 10am-5pm at Kata Beach Resort, Kata Beach.

November 30 Practice races and grand opening. Practice sail 1pm; skippers' briefing 4:30pm; opening ceremony and party at Kata Beach Resort, starting at 6:30pm.

December 1 Race starts 8:30am. Awards and party at Katathani Phuket Beach Resort, Kata Noi Beach, 6:30pm.

December 2 Race starts 8:30am. Awards and party at Kata Beach Resort, 6:30pm.

December 3 Race starts 8:30am. Awards and party at Phuket Orchid Resort & Spa, Karon Beach, 6:30pm.

December 4 Lay day.

December 5 Sail-past to celebrate HM the King's birthday, Kata Beach, 8:30am. Race starts 9:30am. Awards and candle ceremony at Mom Tri's Boathouse, Kata Beach, 6:30pm.

December 6 Final day of racing, 8:30am. Royal Awards Ceremony and closing party, Kata Beach Resort, 6pm.



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