ไทย
Phuket – On November 27, 2024, at 10:30 AM, the first ‘Governor Meets the Press’ event of 2025 was held in the Mook Anda Conference Room at Phuket Provincial Hall, presided over by Mr. Sophon Suwanrat, Governor of Phuket.
Ms. Chananya Piriyanasorn, organizer of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta; Mr. Sasis Thavornwongwong, Vice Chairman of the Kata Group Resorts Executive Board; and Mr. Supakit Duangngern, the race director for disabled sailing, jointly held a press conference to announce the readiness for the 36th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, an international sailing competition for the Royal Trophy. The event is scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 6, 2024, at Kata Bay, Phuket.
This year, PKCR Management Co., Ltd., in collaboration with the Royal Varuna Yacht Club under Royal Patronage, the Royal Thai Navy, the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, and Phuket Province, is organizing the ‘Phuket King’s Cup Regatta’, an international sailing competition for the Royal Trophy.
The event has been held annually since 1987, commemorating the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great’s 60th birthday on December 5, 1987. The competition is traditionally held in early December each year. The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is recognized as one of Asia’s most prestigious international sailing events.
The inaugural competition, held in 1987 in Phuket, featured sailing in the waters of the Andaman Sea and was supported by the Phuket Yacht Club Hotel (Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club). The event included four sailing categories: Keelboats, Catamarans, Lasers, and Boards, attracting participants from various countries around the world.
The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta has grown steadily to become the largest and most prestigious sailing event in Asia. This competition is not only a race for the coveted Phuket King’s Cup Trophy but also a celebration of the birthday of His Majesty King Rama IX each year.
The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is also supported by various sectors, including the ‘Royal Varuna Yacht Club Association, the Royal Thai Navy, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the local community of Phuket. The event features parties and activities designed to entertain participants and continuously promote tourism in Phuket.
The winners of the competition are awarded the prestigious Royal Trophy, designed by M.L. Tridhosyuth Devakul, one of the pioneering sailors behind the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta. The trophy’s design is inspired by the fusion of a sail and the number 9, which serves as the central element of this esteemed Royal Trophy.
In 2017, the Royal Trophy was redesigned to feature 10 sails adorned with the royal insignia of King Rama X. The exquisite sails radiate gracefully from the central axis, made of a silver mast, with the sail tips showcasing the royal monogram ‘Wor Por Ror’ beneath the Great Crown of Victory. The entire trophy is crafted from silver and set on an ash wood base, symbolizing the sea.
Currently, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta has become the largest and most renowned international sailing competition in Asia. The event features various categories, including Racing Class, High-Performance Yachts, Multihulls, and Dinghies. Each year, it attracts over 500 sailors and more than 90 yachts. In 2023, the event saw participation from a total of 151 boats, comprising 30 keelboats and multihulls, along with over 120 small dinghies.
The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is considered an important international sailing competition in the Asia-Pacific region. It also aligns with the Phuket Provincial Development Plan for 2023-2027, which aims to develop a Marina Hub and position Phuket as a world-class maritime tourism destination. This plan is part of a strategy to boost the high-income tourism sector, which is one of the ten targeted industries driving the economy for the future. Phuket province generates the highest tourism revenue among the southern provinces on the Andaman coast, ranking first in the country.
The 35th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta in 2023 achieved the expected results, with over 200 million baht circulating throughout the event week. Phuket’s recognition among athletes and travelers grew significantly, and the event received excellent feedback from youth athletes seeking to enhance their skills and development in international sailing. This presents a valuable opportunity to scout young athletes to represent Thailand in future sailing competitions.
The 36th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, scheduled for November 30 to December 6, 2024, aims to continue the legacy of sailing in the footsteps of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was a highly skilled sailor and achieved great international success. The event follows the royal vision to preserve, maintain, and advance the sport of sailing under the leadership of His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn. The regatta is designed to demonstrate Thailand’s readiness to host world-class sailing events and to attract prestigious competitions like the 52 Super Series Grand Prix to Thailand. This will provide an opportunity for Thai sailors to develop their skills in international-level competitions, discover and nurture young athletes for the Thai national sailing team, and support the growth of the sailing industry and maritime tourism. Ultimately, this will stimulate the economy of the country both directly and indirectly.
Mr. Supakij Duangngern, the disabled sailing race commissioner, stated that this year, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta has opened up the opportunity for disabled athletes to participate in the competition for the first time. A total of 7 athletes have registered to join, which is a positive development that elevates the event to allow people from all groups to participate equally.
This year, Their Majesties the King and Queen have graciously accepted to present awards to the winners of the International Sailing Competition for the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, 36th edition, on Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Beyond Kata Hotel, Kata Subdistrict, Muang District, Phuket.
