The two-day sailing event on Nov 2-3 focused on ‘Fun with a hint of competition’ and was a huge success with the young sailors between 9-14 years of age.
A variety of courses from the traditional windward-leeward to Adventure Courses where capsizes and 360 degree turns are compulsory, and of course everyone’s favourite sailing under the Bridge of Doom, gave every sailor an opportunity to demonstrate skills unique to the O’pen Skiff class.
Two age group divisions, the under 11s and under 15s, offered plenty of opportunity for mentoring and building friendships without a mobile phone or device in sight.
Five races were scheduled each day and by the 10th and final race on Sunday afternoon it was the local Thai sailors who came to the fore with Putthison Limpanon winning overall in the under 15 division, closely followed by Alex Kramer and Maylisse Mangin.
Meanwhile, in the under 11 age group, first place went to Adrias Kosuge, as Pilou Mangin secured second and Alicia Siao registered third.
MOMENTUM
Formerly known as the ‘O’pen Bic’, the class has continued to grow in Phuket and now has a fleet of more than 40 boats on the island.
United World College in the north of the island, SAii Laguna Phuket centrally and Phuket Yacht Club in the south regularly operate ‘learn to sail’ courses for all levels of competency, from outright beginners with no previous sailing experience through intermediate and advanced sailors.
“We officially launched the class back in 2018-19 but before we could gain any sort of momentum that infamous pandemic arrived and stalled progress significantly,” commented O’pen Skiff class president for Thailand and Phuket Yacht Club Sailing School, Scott Duncanson.
“Since then, like most forms of sailing on the island, it’s been a slow recovery back but with the addition of the new SAii Laguna Phuket location we’re well placed to make junior and youth sailing accessible for everybody, either resident or visiting the island on holidays,” he added.
COURSES
The next event on the junior sailing calendar is Phuket King’s Cup Regatta which takes place between Nov 30 and Dec 6, while performance sailing courses are operating every weekend for children between the ages of 7-15. Weekday private sessions are also available and the school is open throughout the school holidays.
Recognising the importance of non-competitive sailing, O’pen Skiff students have the choice of Performance or Adventure Sailing learning pathways with the latter gaining experience through short passage sailing and trips with their families to nearby east coast islands and bays.
Parents are encouraged and invited to visit the Phuket Yacht Club, talk to the coaches and find out what sailing is all about.
Not letting kids have all the fun, adults may also learn to sail in the larger class dinghies or why not learn as a family? There really is something for everyone, of every age.
For more information please visit the Phuket Yacht Club Facebook page.