Their Majesties landed at Phuket International Airport at dawn to be greeted by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and his wife, Mrs Busadee, and a full complement of Phuket’s highest-ranking officials.
Their Majesties travelled to the Beyond Kata Hotel, where they received another formal welcome, before heading out on the water to join the crew on ‘Vayu’ racing in the IRC ZERO class under the auspicious sail number THA72.
As with last year, Her Majesty the Queen this year actively joined the racing as part of the Vayu crew.
Her Majesty’s participation in the international regatta has gained high praise for publicly showing the royal family’s commitment to supporting Thailand’s prominence in global sailing.
The King’s Cup Regatta, this year held Nov 30 to Dec 6, carries forward the legacy of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, renowned for his sailing achievements and designing his own boats.
“The event aligns with the royal intention of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn to preserve and develop this heritage, showcasing Thailand’s capacity to host world-class sailing competitions,” said an official report of His Majesty’s arrival in Phuket.
One of the regatta’s key objectives is to inspire and develop young Thai sailors, strengthening their skills for the international stage. By attracting prestigious events like the 52 Super Series Grand Prix to Thailand, a premier monohull yacht racing circuit, the regatta also bolsters the nation’s marine tourism and economy, both directly and indirectly, the report added.
This year’s event not only celebrates excellence in sailing but also serves as a platform to discover new talent, contributing to Thailand’s long-term goals in sports and tourism, the report concluded.