YACHT RACERS are scrambling to assemble crews for the Phuket King's Cup Regatta, since many fly in from all over the world for this annual event.
Bangkok's airports, Suvarnabhumi international airport and the domestic terminal, Don Mueang, both remain closed and occupied by thousands of anti-government protesters.
Sailors are reporting that crewmembers are seeking flights into Phuket through Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, and some have cancelled their plans.
Even so, the race is set to start December 1 as scheduled, said Kevin Whitcraft, president of the King's Cup organizing committee.
Update: The race start day has changed to December 2; registration and parties will run as scheduled, say King's Cup organizers.
The King's Cup is one of the largest regattas in Asia and a key race in the Asian yacht racing circuit. It has been running every December since 1987.
Registration begins tomorrow at Kata Beach Resort, and the opening party will be held on Sunday, November 30.
Organizers have asked all incoming sailors to check with their airlines and travel agents for updates on their flight schedules.
Phuket International Marine Expo (PIMEX) is also set to open as planned, on December 4, says organizer Andy Dowden, managing director of Andaman Marine Consultants.
The annual boat show is held at Royal Phuket Marina.
There have been no cancellations from exhibitors as a result of the airport shutdowns, says Mr Dowden, but a few dropped out earlier because of the global financial crisis.
As with King's Cup racers, people coming to the event are rerouting their flights to arrive through Singapore or KL, says Mr Dowden.
He wasn't sure, however, whether the airport crisis would have an effect on the number of visitors to the event.
The marine industry in Phuket is booming, he says, with the opening of another 200 berths at the new Ao Po marina.
"It all looks good," said Mr Dowden. "People who come to live here want to have a boat, too. The political situation doesn't change that."
Event: Phuket King's Cup, Fit For A Prince
Phuket is home to the largest regatta in Asia, the King's Cup, and this year's version promises to be the best yet. A Royal presence and new restaurants will make a difference.
Event: Phuket King's Cup, Fit For A Prince
Bangkok's airports, Suvarnabhumi international airport and the domestic terminal, Don Mueang, both remain closed and occupied by thousands of anti-government protesters.
Sailors are reporting that crewmembers are seeking flights into Phuket through Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, and some have cancelled their plans.
Even so, the race is set to start December 1 as scheduled, said Kevin Whitcraft, president of the King's Cup organizing committee.
Update: The race start day has changed to December 2; registration and parties will run as scheduled, say King's Cup organizers.
The King's Cup is one of the largest regattas in Asia and a key race in the Asian yacht racing circuit. It has been running every December since 1987.
Registration begins tomorrow at Kata Beach Resort, and the opening party will be held on Sunday, November 30.
Organizers have asked all incoming sailors to check with their airlines and travel agents for updates on their flight schedules.
Phuket International Marine Expo (PIMEX) is also set to open as planned, on December 4, says organizer Andy Dowden, managing director of Andaman Marine Consultants.
The annual boat show is held at Royal Phuket Marina.
There have been no cancellations from exhibitors as a result of the airport shutdowns, says Mr Dowden, but a few dropped out earlier because of the global financial crisis.
As with King's Cup racers, people coming to the event are rerouting their flights to arrive through Singapore or KL, says Mr Dowden.
He wasn't sure, however, whether the airport crisis would have an effect on the number of visitors to the event.
The marine industry in Phuket is booming, he says, with the opening of another 200 berths at the new Ao Po marina.
"It all looks good," said Mr Dowden. "People who come to live here want to have a boat, too. The political situation doesn't change that."
Event: Phuket King's Cup, Fit For A Prince
Phuket is home to the largest regatta in Asia, the King's Cup, and this year's version promises to be the best yet. A Royal presence and new restaurants will make a difference.
Event: Phuket King's Cup, Fit For A Prince
