| KOH SAMUI REGATTA 2007 WRAP |
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The 6th Koh Samui Regatta 2007 (May 27th – June 2nd) concluded last weekend after successfully combining a week of top class yachting with unrivalled on-shore entertainment – confirming its prominent position in the Asian sailing calendar.
Boats arriving from Singapore and Hong Kong joined boats from all over Thailand to ensure the Koh Samui Regatta’s reputation as a truly international event. Meanwhile the various parties around the island, including the planned VIP gala party in the gardens at the Central Samui Resort, helped to maintain the event’s reputation as one of Samui’s top society events of the year.
“In six successful years the Koh Samui Regatta has made incredible progress, and it is easy to see why it has become one of the highlights of the Asian sailing circuit,” says Pornsiri Manoharn, the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
“This year’s Tropical Island Regatta – the sixth – achieved a number of firsts,” said Grenville Fordham, MD of organisers Image Asia. “This was the first time Image Asia Events has run the event, the first time Neil Pryde’s Hi Fi joined the Racing Class competitors, the first time Image Asia Events has run the event, the first time Neil Pryde’s Hi Fi joined the Racing Class competitors here, the first time Frank Pong’s Jelik won the coveted Asian Yachting Grand Prix trophy, the first time ever that Bill Bremner’s Foxy Lady III beat the Racing Class’s ‘big boats’ in an Asian Regatta – and the first time the Gala Dinner was forced inside due to a torrential ‘tropical’ rainstorm,” he added.
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This year saw the introduction of a Firefly 850 Sports Catamaran One-Design Division into the annual competition. These fast catamarans became a star attraction providing plenty of colourful action as Henry Kaye’s Mamba and David Hill’s Voodoo Child battled it out for the top spot. Local Samui sailor Hills, who lost his previous boat in the 2006 regatta during a heavy squall, came out on top, proving that local knowledge – not to mention having the boat’sdesigner on board – can pay off.
On shore the action was just as thrilling – spectators and sailors enjoyed nightly drinks at the Regatta Beach Tavern, a party at the luxurious Q Bar, and they were also able to experience the beautiful island, off-road, with the Land Rover Experience. |
2 June 2007: Race Day Five
The fact that all the leaderboards were still undecided on the final day of racing made for a fantastic end to the 6th Koh Samui Regatta 2007, as every yacht battled for the top spots. >>> more
1 June 2007: Race Day Four
After a well earned rest yesterday, racing commenced today with results that will guarantee a tense and exciting final day at the 6th Koh Samui Regatta 2007. >>> more
30 May 2007: Race Day Three
More favorable winds, after some initially flat water, have made for an exhilarating third day of racing at the 6th Koh Samui Regatta 2007. >>> more
29 May 2007: Race Day Two
Competition hotting up...
Overnight rainstorms had the morning looking bleak until a light breeze sprung up from the west north west allowing PRO Tony Denham's team to get racing underway on windward leeward courses for the day. >>> more
28 May 2007: Race Day One
The 6th Koh Samui Regatta 2007 got off to an exciting start today - the hot and humid weather, which threatened thunderstorms, gave way to a light westerly breeze – allowing PRO Tony Denham to choose the 26nm Course 5 for all classes. >>> more
24 May 2007: Ready to roll - Koh Samui Regatta 2007 >>> more
With 29 boats pre-registered, and all but the last details in place, Koh Samui Regatta 2007 is set to kick off on Monday 27 May. Half the fleet, and all the top racing boats, have set sail from Hong Kong and Singapore, ensuring Koh Samui 07 upholds its reputation as a true international regatta, while many more are coming from Pattaya and Phuket.
Top boats register for Koh Samui Regatta 2007 >>> more
Preparations for the 6th Koh Samui Regatta are well underway, with several top class entries already confirmed and a record level of sponsorship, including a number of leading brands.
IMAGE asia Events to run Koh Samui Regatta >>> more
In a move that cements its position as Thailand's fastest-growing on-the-water events company, Image Asia Events has been invited by the organising authorities of the Koh Samui Regatta to manage one of the Kingdom's most popular yachting events. |
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2 June 2007 - Race Day Five
The fact that all the leaderboards were still undecided on the final day of racing made for a fantastic end to the 6th Koh Samui Regatta 2007, as every yacht battled for the top spots.
In IRC Racing Bill Bremner’s Foxy Lady III took victory in Race 6, their fourth win of the week, to confirm her success overall. Frank Pong’s Jelik took second and first place in the two races of the day – placing them second overall. Neil Pryde’s Hi Fi had to settle for third position.
Jeff Davison’s Panic and Chris Mead’s Halcyon Daze battled it out in IRC 1 but first place eventually went to Panic. Ben Copely’s Asia Spirit came in third place.
IRC 2 Helmut Schutte’s Aquavit IV and Greg Coops Abraxus have fought all week to take first place overall, but everything was decided in the last race of the last day. Aquavit IV took the coveted spot on the winner’s podium, with Abraxus in second, and Dick Sander’s Thai Raver coming in third.
In the Raimon Land’s Firefly 850 Sports Race Henry Kaye’s Mamba and David Hill’s Voodoo Child also had to fight it out in the last day to secure overall victory. Voodoo Child had a shocking performance in the 6th Race, coming in fifth place, but took first place in Race 7. This made the final leaderboard look like: Voodoo Child in first place, Mamba in second with Roger Kingdon’s Moto Inzi in third place.
Similar results were seen in the Multihull Handicap with Voodoo Child in first, Mamba in second and Radab Kanjanavanit’s Cedar Swan taking the third position.
All participants enjoyed a luxurious Gala Dinner in the gardens at Central Samui Beach Resort as they celebrated the final stage of this year’s successful regatta.
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1 June 2007 - Race Day Four
After a well earned rest yesterday, racing commenced today with results that will guarantee a tense and exciting final day at the 6th Koh Samui Regatta 2007.
IRC Racing set the tone of the day’s competitions when adverse conditions developed causing chaos as the yachts struggled to maintain their speed towards the finish line. Bill Bremner’s Foxy Lady III capitalized on the confusion in the boats ahead to score their third win of the Regatta. Nick Burn’s Mandrake took second place on handicap, and Neil Pryde’s Hi Fi took third place.
In IRC 1 Jeff Davison’s Panic sailed to an impressive victory, finishing half an hour ahead of the other yachts. Ben Copley’s Asia Spirit came in second with Jonathan Mahony’s Happy Endings justifying her name to take third place.
Greg Coops Abraxus took their second consecutive win in IRC2. Helmut Schutte’s Aquavit IV finished second but remains in first place overall. Michael Grover’s Moon Shadow took third place.
In the Raimon Land Firefly 850 Sports Catamaran race David Hill’s Voodoo Child took first place, with Roger Kingdon’s Moto Inzi and Henry Kaye’s Mamba in second and third place respectively. The three catamarans have battled all week and coming into the final day of racing the winner’s place on the podium could be anybody's. The same result was replicated in the Multihull Handicap with Voodoo Child first, Moto Inzi second and Mamba third. The final day of racing looks set to conclude an extremely memorable Regatta. |
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30 May 2007 - Race Day Three
More favorable winds, after some initially flat water, have made for an exhilarating third day of racing at the 6th Koh Samui Regatta 2007.
Neil Pryde’s Hi Fi took first place on handicap in the IRC Racing. Frank Pong’s Jelik took second place. Despite having the fastest time, the tight windward leeward course did not work in the 75 footers favour. Russ Parker’s Ffree Fire took third place – which she will look to improve upon in the hotly contested final two days of racing.
In IRC 1 Chris Mead’s Halcyon Daze continued her success this week by taking first place – ensuring their place at the top of the leaderboard. Second position was taken by David Lindahl’s La Sumadra, which has also consistently performed well this week. Third place went to Ben Copely’s Asia Spirit.
Greg Coop’s Abraxus took provisional first place in IRC2 after some discrepancies over the finish times. Helmutt Schutte’s Aquavit IV took second with Dick Sander’s Thai Raver taking third place.
In the Raimon Land Firefly 850 Sports Catamaran Race David Hill’s Voodoo Child scored a solid victory. Roger Kingdon’s Moto Inzi and Henry Kaye’s Mamba took second and third place respectively. Mamba had previously been leading this class, so at this stage in the Regatta there is still much to play for on the leaderboard, and the final two days of racing will be thrilling to watch.
The leaderboard for the Multihull (Handicap) Race today mimicked that of the Raimon Land Firefly 850 Sports Catamaran with first place going to Voodoo Child, and Moto Inzi and Mamba in second and third place.
Celebrations were held with drinks at Regatta Beach Tavern followed by the Raimon Land Party and prizegiving at Q Bar.
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29 May 2007 - Race Day Two
Competition hotting up on the race course...
Overnight rainstorms had the morning looking very bleak until a light breeze sprung up from the west north west allowing PRO Tony Denham's team to get racing underway on windward leeward courses for the day. All competitors were keen to get going and improve on their race one result. Some a little to keen by the number of protest forms being filled out in the race office. One visiting journalist commented "Is this what the rich and famous do with their spare time?". Jostling at the start line and crowded mark rounding's had excited crews yelling all sorts of expletives.
IRC Racing
Despite Frank Pong's 75ft Jelik making quick work of the two windward leeward courses there was a number of light spots around the course which hampered his progress and resulted in finishing down the order. It was Bill Bremner's Sydney 40 Foxy Lady III that kept in sync with the wind changes and sailed up to their handicap rating to win both races today. The fifty plus footers Mandrake, Hi Fi and Ffreefire are enjoying racing in close company, so much that they are possibly hindering each other on the overall results table. A protest between Mandrake and Ffreefire has been lodged which may have a dramatic effect on today's second and third placing's.
IRC 1
As the combined IRC fleet approach the start line it is a bit like watching dodgem cars at a sideshow. The more nifty and lighter boats of Jeff Davison's Mumm 30 Panic! and Chris Meads J/109 Halcyon Daze excelled, trading first and second places on the two races held today. David Lindahl's Swan 42 La Samudra stayed in the hunt with a third place and the other Mumm 30 Jonathan Mahony's Happy Endings also scoring a third place to keep themselves near the top of the leaderboard.
IRC 2
Hellmut Schutte's brand new Elan 340 Aquavit IV continues on their winning ways by recording their third win in a row. Most extraordinary is the fact that Greg Coops X-372 Abraxas has scored three second places and Dick Sanders Thairaver three third places to keep themselves consistently in that order.
Multihull Handicap
The Firefly's have not had it all their own way after handicaps have been applied. Radab Kanjanavanit's Farrier Trimaran Cedar Swan has the honour of winning two races today in front of the Firefly's of Henry Kaye's Mamba and David Hills Voodoo Child. This result puts Cedar Swan at the top of the leaderboard sharing first place with Mamba.
Raimon Land Firefly 850 Sports Catamaran
These nippy catamarans are extremely quick to accelerate as well as very quick to slow down. Henry Kaye's Mamba was trailing in fourth place approaching the first windward mark and all it took was a gybe, spinnaker set and an isolated puff of wind for them to streak away and leave the rest of the fleet in their wake. A good start and playing the wind shifts to their advantage on the first leg of race three also helped secure their third win of the regatta. David Hills Voodoo Child has been disadvantaged on two occasions now and has settled on second place on all three races held so far. The rest of the fleet are fighting it out for third place and Roger Kingdon's pre regatta favourite Moto Inzi slipped into 3rd place on race 2 with Chris Jongerhuis on The Frog filling the boots with 3rd in race 3.
Keeping up with all the on the water action as well as the hectic social life ashore is a very difficult task. One that takes an iron constitution that most seasoned sailors have developed to perfection. So if you're contemplating coming to any Asian events make sure you bring along your sailing gear as well as your drinking boots and even more important thank all the sponsors concerned for your well being.
The day’s racing was celebrated with drinks and prizegiving at the Regatta Beach Taven at Central Samui Resort.
Race report courtesy of asianyachting.com. AY Race Reports with photos are posted at: http://asianyachting.com/news/KohSamui07.htm |
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28 May 2007 - Race Day One
The 6th Koh Samui Regatta 2007 got off to an exciting start today - the hot and humid weather, which threatened thunderstorms, gave way to a light westerly breeze – allowing PRO Tony Denham to choose the 26nm Course 5 for all classes.
At the combined IRC start a loud bang was heard when Keith Dunn’s LunchCutter II came in into contact with Dick Sander’s Thairaver. One crew member has been hospitalised and severe damage to LunchCutter II forced them to retire and lodge a protest.
After this dramatic start Frank Pong’s 75ft Jelik kept up an impressive lead ahead of the 50 footers and comfortably finished first in the IRC Racing. Bill Bremmner’s Foxy Lady III and Nick Burns’ Mandrake took the second and third positions respectively.
In the IRC1 race David Lindahl’s La Samudra took first place, while Chris Mead’s Halcyon Daze and Ben Copely’s Asia Spirit took second and third. With only minutes separating the final places, the week should see some very exciting races as competitors jostle for the lead positions.
In the Multihull class, Henry Kaye’s Mamba had an exceptional victory, crossing the line only 38 seconds ahead of David Hill’s Voodoo Child with Radab Kanjanavanit’s Cedar Swan coming in third.
For the first time at the Koh Samui Regatta, there is a Firefly 850 Sports Catamaran Division, racing within the Multihull class but scoring separate results for the division. First and second places for the Fireflys were the same as the multis, with Roger Kingdon taking third.
The participants celebrated the first day’s racing with drinks at the Regatta Beach Tavern followed by a party at Dhevatura Residence, Bophut Beach. |
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Ready to roll - Koh Samui Regatta 2007
With 29 boats pre-registered, and all but the last details in place, Koh Samui Regatta 2007 is set to kick off on Monday 27 May. Regatta headquarters are at the Central Samui Beach Resort on Chaweng Beach. Organised by Image Asia Events, Koh Samui Regatta includes 5 days of racing offshore Koh Samui and 5 nights of tropical island parties.
Half the fleet, and all the top racing boats, have set sail from Hong Kong and Singapore, ensuring Koh Samui 07 upholds its reputation as a true international regatta, while many more are coming from Pattaya and Phuket.
Top yachts Jelik, Hi Fi, Foxy Lady III, Mandrake, LunchCutter II and Ffree Fire 52 will be competing for the Koh Samui Regatta Trophy and the Asian Yachting Grand Prix Circuit Trohpy. In previous years, the Grand Prix has been sewn up before Koh Samui - the last regatta of the season. This year, however, whoever wins the Koh Samui Racing Class is likely to walk away with both prizes.
The top racers are joined by an exciting fleet which will race across five classes, including the biggest-ever fleet of Firefly 850 catamarans to race in the Gulf of Thailand, competing for the Raimon Land Firefly One Design Trophy. The Firefly is designed and built in Phuket, Thailand and is proving one of the most popular boats in Thailand.
Off the water, this year's organisers are determined to uphold the Koh Samui Regatta's renowned tradition for superb parties, culminating in the Gala Awards Dinner at Central Samui Beach Resort after the last day's racing, where well-known Jazz/Blues singer Bonnie Anderson will be joined by Li'l Willy & The Fabulous Hepcats for a night of glittering awards, great food and dancing.
Koh Samui Regatta is organised under the auspices of the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand (YRAT) and is recognised by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF).
"Without the support of these two authorities and the enthusiasm of corporate sponsors, island businesses, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and local government on Koh Samui — not to mention the sailors who go to great lengths and expense to bring their yachts to Samui, this event simply couldn't take place," said Image Asia managing director, Grenville Fordham, adding, "In this, our first year running the regatta, we hope to exceed the expectations of all those who are supporting the event."
News releases, including photographs, from Koh Samui Regatta will be issued daily and results will be posted on the regatta website the instant they are finalised. Media who wish to receive the regatta news releases should email
ksr@mobyelite.com
For more information, including a list of entries and the regatta programme, visit www.samuiregatta.com
Top boats register for Koh Samui Regatta 2007
Preparations for the 6th Koh Samui Regatta are well underway, with several top class entries already confirmed and a record level of sponsorship, including a number of leading brands.
“We may seem to have been quiet for the past couple of months,” said Grenville Fordham, managing director of this year’s regatta organisers, Image Asia Events. “But we’ve actually been working furiously behind the scenes getting to grips with the detail of organising an event away from our Phuket base,” he added.
Image Asia Events is also the organiser of Phuket Raceweek, now in its fourth year.
Twenty-one confirmed and provisional entries, including Jelik, Abraxas, FfreeFire, Foxy Lady III, Happy Endings, Mandrake, Yasooda and Panic!, had been received by the organisers by 15 April. “All quite normal this far in advance of the regatta; the word is that we can expect about 30 yachts,” said Race Committee Chairman Andy Dowden.
Entries are mainly from Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand – although Robbo Robertson’s new Enigma 34, Flight of the Gull, is being shipped from Australia just in time to make its Thailand debut at Koh Samui Regatta, while the regatta expects to see the first ever Firefly 850 one-design class racing in the Gulf of Thailand.
Racing this year will be orchestrated by Principal Race Officer, Australia’s Tony Denham, who returns for his second Koh Samui Regatta, ably assisted by Simon James. Howard Elliot, also from Australia, will head the International Jury for his first Koh Samui Regatta. Howard has fulfilled several roles for the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta over the years, and has been the ‘absentee’ Results Officer for Phuket Raceweek each year, orchestrating almost instant online results presentation from his base in Sydney.
Returning Co-sponsors for the 2007 event, Central Samui Beach Resort (the regatta HQ), Land Rover Thailand and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) are joined by stalwart supporters of yacht racing in Thailand, Raimon Land, and top German eyewear manufacturer Rodenstock.
National and international publicity for the island of Koh Samui and its regatta is guaranteed by Media Partners Action Asia, Asia-Pacific Boating, China Boating, CNN Traveller-Asia-Pacific, Fah Thai, SailWorld.com, SeaSpray and 98.5 Breeze FM.
Regatta Co-sponsors are backed up by unparalleled support from Samui island businesses. Returning Island Sponsors Dhevatara Properties and Samui Villas and Homes are joined this year by the Kata Group’s Kandaburi Resort (owned by long-time Phuket King’s Cup Regatta host Pramuke Achariyachai) and Tropical Living magazine.
“Then there’s a whole raft of Island Supporters, without whom it would be almost impossible to run this event,” said Fordham, adding, “These island businesses, who get little visible return for their support, supply the regatta with rooms, boats, island publicity, various other services and – yes – cash.”
Apart from superb racing, Koh Samui Regatta is renowned for its unbeatable social scene – a blueprint that this year’s organisers are determined to retain. “As a company, we’ve raced at Koh Samui for the past three years,” said Fordham. “As participants, we love the event and have no intention of breaking a winning formula. However, based on feedback and on our own observations, we hope to be able to tweak things a little and add our own stamp – hopefully to make it even better.”
Off the water arrangements are still being finalized, but the agenda so far includes the Opening Party and Zico’s Brazilian Bar & Grill and final Gala Dinner at Central Resort, while the week will see a party hosted jointly by Dhevatara and Samui Villas & Homes, a Land Rover Thailand party and a Raimon Land party. Lay Day will feature a Land Rover Driving Experience, while the Regatta Tavern at Central will be the venue for a daily Raimon Land Happy Hour.
For further information, please visit www.samuiregatta.com. For racing-related enquiries, please contact ksr@mobyelite.com. Media and off-island sponsorship enquiries should be directed to ksr@mobyelite.com
Samui Island sponsorship enquiries to ksr@mobyelite.com
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