An official press conference held at Phuket Provincial Hall on Wednesday previewed the event, which is expected to attract close to 100 sailboats and over 500 participating sailors. Divided into several categories, including Racing Class, High Speed, Multihull and Dinghy the regatta runs until Dec 6. This year also sees the inclusion of a para-sailing category, as the competition continues to embrace equality for all.
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat oversaw the press conference and was joined by: Chananya Piriyansorn, Manager of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta; Sasit Thawornwongwong, Vice Chairman of the Executive Board of Kata Group and Resort; and Suphakit Duangngen, Committee Member of the Paralympic Sailing Competition.
The event also marks the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great’s birthday anniversary on Dec 5, the date the inaugural regatta was launched in 1987. Since then, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta has grown steadily to become the largest and most prestigious sailing regatta in Asia.
Governor Sophon emphasised the positive impact the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta has not only locally but nationally. “The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta not only highlights our maritime heritage, but also helps elevate the local economy and tourism,” he said.
“This competition has enormous benefits for the community and is set to become one of the key events in the world’s sailing tournament calendar, attracting people from around the world to Phuket. It therefore promotes Phuket as a world-class marine tourism city, while developing the high-income tourism industry, which is one of the 10 target industries to drive the economy for the future,” he added.
Governor Sophon further explained how the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta has created a significant economic impact on the local community and businesses, from hotels to restaurants and transportation services, all of which grow during the week of the regatta.
The festival’s festive atmosphere and the influx of tourists have led to economic impact studies showing that the regatta contributes millions of baht to the local economy each year, and is a platform for cultural exchange, fostering relationships between international sailors and the local community, he said.
It has also received cooperation from renowned restaurant operators to present delicious local food to allow visitors to fully experience Thai culture while enjoying the sailing festival.
Mr Suphakit expressed his delight that this year’s event has opened opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in the race for the first time, explaining that seven athletes have confirmed wo participate in that category. “This is considered a good thing as it raises the level of the competition so that all groups of people can participate equally,” he said.
The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta has also become established as an event that helps develop young sailing talent who are eager to hone their skills at an international leveland who can potentially progress to represent the Thai national team in sailing competitions.
This year Phuket will also welcome His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen, who will attend the award ceremony on Dec 6 at the Beyond Kata Hotel in Karon.
Her Majesty the Queen will participate as a member of the Vayu Sailing Team, competing in the IRC ZERO class.
The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is supported by many sectors, including the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, the Royal Thai Navy, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the local community, with an array of activities organised throughout the duration of the event.