Top of the Gulf Regatta. Supplied image.
by Chanut/Nungruthai
The 2010 Top of the Gulf Regatta will take place 30th April to 4th May, at Ocean Marina Yacht Club (OMYC) on Jomtien Beach, Pattaya, Thailand. Now in it's seventh year, the global economic crisis has not slowed down the growth and interest in the Gulf of Thailand's largest sailing event.
Entries for the big boat classes are already coming in and interest is high. 2009 IRC Racing 1 class winner, Matt Allen, plans to return to defend his crown on his Beneteau First 44.7, Ichi Ban. After winning 8 races out of 9 at the 2009 Phuket King's Cup Regatta, he may not this year have his own way with probable entries likely to come from Ben Copley on his Swan 42 Katsu, and Mark Mizner's Babe.
Ray Roberts, who in 2009 chartered a Platu and won the Coronation Cup, is this year looking to bring his own boat and join the big boat classes along with Neil Pryde. New OMYC Harbour Master Scott Finsten, is working hard on suitable berthing for the larger boats and entries will be confirmed soon thereafter.
Top of the Gulf Regatta. Supplied image.
While word travels fast on the popularity of the TOG Regatta, a number of boats and crews from Singapore and Malaysia are are planning to take part and the first official entry this year was in the Optimist class from a sailor in Myanmar!
In addition to the international entrants, local Thai-based boats are looking to be out in force. Particularly in the Ocean Multihull class. Of the large fleet of Corsairs, seven or more are expected to take part and with a Phuket contingent and Henry Kaye's Seacart 30 Thor showing interest, the Ocean Multihull fleet could grow to be 12-15 boats this year.
Optimists are again looking to be numerous this year and expectations are high that the 2008 record of 128 Optimist may be exceeded this year. In addition, a Laser fleet and some Byte II's are expected to join the 2010 TOG Regatta.
Ocean marina, Pattaya. Supplied image.
Despite the difficult times around the world, the TOG Regatta welcome back Major Sponsors Ocean Marina Yacht Club, PTTEX and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and welcome new Major Sponsor Lexus cars. Other sponsors and supporters include Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, Bank of Ayudhya, Coca Cola, Corsair Trimarans, Grampian Country Food Group, Gulf Charters Thailand, QBE Insurance, Nivea, OCEAN Portofino, Pattaya City, Raimon Land, Royal Varuna Yacht Club, Singha Corporation, SEAT Boats and the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand. 2010 Media Partners include Asia Pacific Boating, Ensign Media, SEA Yachting and The Nation.
Top of the Gulf Regatta
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