PHUKET: The yacht stuck fast by its keel on Phuket's Kata beach today looked as though it had been placed there as an advertisement for this year's King's Cup Regatta.

Although registration for the renowned Phuket sailing series is beginning and racing starts this weekend, the yacht Ichi Ban was actually stuck fast in the Phuket sand by a sudden Phuket storm last night.

Yes, you've seen it before . . . a storm this time last year tumbled about a dozen yachts, including Ichi Ban, ashore on Phuket's Kata beach. It was several days before the last of them were removed.

Regatta officials have no doubt warned this years' sailors to be more careful, and to anchor further out to sea to avoid the swell that was blamed for last year's mishap.

Ichi Ban wasn't the only vessel caught by last night's sudden Phuket storm. A couple of catamarans were also flung ashore.

But it was Ichi Ban's keel that left the handsome vessel stuck fast to become a tourist attraction for swimmers and Phuket beach walkers today.

Two crew were on the yacht today, readying the vessel for the Phuket high tide about 3pm when Ichi Ban will float free to get ready for racing - provided the keel can be dug out at the same time.

An interested Phuket crowd is expected to watch the action.

As well as the Phuket King's Cup, which runs until December 10 and hosts a December 5 party at the new Boathouse Re Ka Ta Beach Club, there's a walking street along the Kata beachfront from December 3-5.

The street will be closed to traffic until Tuesday, with ''Kata Walking Street dern rim lay (walking at the beach) concerts and food stalls plus souvenirs from 6pm-11pm nightly