PHUKET: King's Cup Race Director Simon James is not expecting a repetition of last year's dramatic Phuket beaching during this year's racing.
''The weather may seem exceptional for this time of the year but it's not really,'' he told Phuketwan.
A dozen yachts were swept ashore on Phuket's Kata beach last year, with two later declared to be write-offs.
However, said Mr James, more yachts are likely to have a crew member sleeping on board this year, the 25th anniversary event.
He spent about 72 hours working without sleep after the King's Cup Regatta vessels were swept onto Kata beach in the early hours of December 11.
Organisers of the annual event were forced to cancel the traditional sail past, a regular mark of respect to HRH King Bhumibol Adulyadej for his birthday.
''Vessels had been anchored in close to the beach for protection, but the chop extended further out than many skippers anticipated,'' he said.
''We had issued plenty of weather updates, and we will certainly be making sure everyone is aware of the forecast this year.''
Mr James, who also directs some of the region's other premium events, says that the King's Cup keeps growing in popularity every year.
''There are many more events now,'' he said. ''But each event has to find its particular market.
''Some people may do one event this particular year, then try another event the next year. Saiing often has to fit in with holidays.
''The King's Cup seems to keep people coming back regularly.''
Inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of HM The King, the event has been held off Phuket every year since during the first week of December.
This year registration begins on December 3, with the final race day on December 10.
The Dinghy Series, which has attracted youngsters keen to give sailing a go, is already underway in the leadup to the cup.
''The weather may seem exceptional for this time of the year but it's not really,'' he told Phuketwan.
A dozen yachts were swept ashore on Phuket's Kata beach last year, with two later declared to be write-offs.
However, said Mr James, more yachts are likely to have a crew member sleeping on board this year, the 25th anniversary event.
He spent about 72 hours working without sleep after the King's Cup Regatta vessels were swept onto Kata beach in the early hours of December 11.
Organisers of the annual event were forced to cancel the traditional sail past, a regular mark of respect to HRH King Bhumibol Adulyadej for his birthday.
''Vessels had been anchored in close to the beach for protection, but the chop extended further out than many skippers anticipated,'' he said.
''We had issued plenty of weather updates, and we will certainly be making sure everyone is aware of the forecast this year.''
Mr James, who also directs some of the region's other premium events, says that the King's Cup keeps growing in popularity every year.
''There are many more events now,'' he said. ''But each event has to find its particular market.
''Some people may do one event this particular year, then try another event the next year. Saiing often has to fit in with holidays.
''The King's Cup seems to keep people coming back regularly.''
Inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of HM The King, the event has been held off Phuket every year since during the first week of December.
This year registration begins on December 3, with the final race day on December 10.
The Dinghy Series, which has attracted youngsters keen to give sailing a go, is already underway in the leadup to the cup.
