A CREWMAN on a Phuket King's Cup Regatta racing yacht was found dead on board the vessel, at anchor off Phuket's Kata beach, today.

The man is believed to be a Canadian who was an expat resident of Phuket. Police are still on board the vessel, but there is no indication that there were suspicious circumstances.

It is thought the man probably died of a heart attack.

The man attended the after-race King's Cup party last night in Kata then headed back to the boat, where he was the crew member delegated to sleep on board.

Other crew arrived at the boat today about 8.30am, ready for a day of sailing. They found the bedroom door latched from the inside and used a screwdriver to enter, Phuketwan was told.

The man, aged 42, was dead on the bunk, fully clothed, still wearing shoes, one witness said.

Phuketwan has been given the man's name and the name of the yacht but is withholding publication until relatives have been notified.

Canadian Embassy officials were expected to be told of the death.

The yacht raced in the regatta yesterday and ''did very well,'' another crew member said. ''There were six or seven of us on board and we were getting to know each other.

''The dead man was at the party last night until about nine o'clock when he returned to the yacht.''

A Marine Police dinghy carried the body to the northern end of Kata beach at 11.16am. An ambulance too it to Vachira Hospital in Phuket City.

The 24th King's Cup Regatta began racing off Phuket on Monday. Today's racing began about 9am and most yachts were at sea, ready to compete, before the body was discovered.

Scores of yachts taking part in what is considered Asia's leading regatta anchor off Kata beach between races. Racing continues until December 11, with a rest day tomorrow.