Phuket King's Cup 2009 Racing Updates: Modern Classics, One-Design Class racing and more

The underlying aim of the Phuket King's Cup Regatta is to provide competitive and enjoyable racing for all crews, irrespective of the design or vintage of their yachts.

With this in mind, the organisers undertook a survey online following the 2008 regatta to source feedback on the event and seek opinion and new ideas. To this end, a number of changes to the racing format and class structure are being introduced this year.

The Notice of Race is now published. You can view it online at http://www.kingscup.com/index.cfm?ntid=1018.

The Modern Classics is a new class to the Phuket King's Cup Regatta. Open to Monohull keelboats of less than 24.0m LOA, with IRC Series Date 1980 or earlier and a current valid IRC 2009 certificate, the aim of the class is to encourage classic designs of yachts that aren't necessarily classic in age, to participate.

“We have discussed the idea with a number of yachts that would be eligible for this category and they are positive and keen to be in the class,” said Race Director, Simon James.

Perennial favourites Emerald Blue and Big A are two local Phuket-based yachts that fit this category are will be challenging for the class trophy.

Another addition this year is the provision for One-Design Class Associations, such as the Thailand Built RS Elite, to apply for their own One-Design Class Racing. In the Notice of Race, provision is made for One-Design Class racing by a Class Association:

One-design classes of more than 6 boats, may apply to the Race Committee for their own class status. Applications should be made to the Race Committee by the Class Association and must be submitted no later than 7th November 2009.

“This is actually something we have been able to incorporate for a few years, but this year we have made it explicit in the NOR and we are in discussions with a number of Class Associations who are interested in having their own class and trophy,” added James.

The RS Elite yachts, which sailed for the first time in Thailand at the Top of The Gulf Regatta this year, have shown interest. Cobra Sports are making the boats in Thailand and there are expected to be upto 10 in the water by the time of the Phuket King's Cup Regatta.

The NOR also notes that the Bareboat Class and the Multihull Class may be split into divisions depending on entries and numbers.

“These changes are in addition to our plans to re-introduce Hobie Cat and Dinghy sailing to the Phuket King's Cup Regatta this year. There are also some other racing and class ideas that are in the consideration stage, which if can be finalised, we will announce in due course,” concluded James.