Phuket King's Cup Regatta to set sail in December

The 18th annual Phuket King's Cup Regatta is to take place from 4 to 11 December off the shores of Phuket, and is again expected to attract some of the world's best yachtsmen and more than 70 yachts.

With a range of yacht classes that includes everything from racing yachts and sport boats to cruisers and classics, this year's Regatta promises to maintain its standing as the region's premier international sailing event.

Yachts from Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, US, UK and Italy are entered to participate, while crews aboard charter yachts will include members from Japan, Holland, Germany, Canada, Dubai, and South Africa.

The King's Cup Regatta was inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King. It has been held in early December every year since then.

Based on last year's successful format, there are plans for a wide variety of classes, including Racing, Sports Boat, Premier, IRC1, 2 and 3, Ocean Rover, Classic and Ocean Multihull.

Phuket King's Cup President, Chris King, said: "The racing this year will include courses and starts that are designed to suit all boats - from the fastest racing yachts to the slowest live-aboard cruiser - to ensure that all entrants get the best possible racing conditions.

"This event exposes Phuket as a relatively undiscovered corner of world-class yachting and cruising excellence, with its warm water, beautiful scenery and hospitable year-round climate and sailing conditions," added King.