The race was contested by six 420s, one 470, three Fireballs, five Lasers and two Hobbies and start?ed at 9am in a breeze of 3-5 knots on Hua Hin Bay. The organisers expected the last boat to finish about 3pm so every sailor could attend the awards ceremony at 6pm.

However, the fleet suffered a setback when the wind dropped off early in the race, forcing organis?ers to shorten the course from 25 to 12 nautical miles.

After four hours and 55 min?utes, Wiwat with crewman Kidsanasak Piboon sailing a 420, finished first, with skipper Kittipong Khambang and crew?man Surapong Waitayakul, also sailing a 420, almost one hour behind in second place.

Duanghathai Booncherd and her crew Agkhana Poonsirikot fin?ished third.

"We're glad to win the Perpetual Vega Rudder Royal Trophy, although our time was not that good," said Wiwat. "Our start was okay, but after four to five nautical miles there was no wind.

"I found it very difficult to con?trol my boat. The wind picked up to 5-7 knots, but it was hard to clock below four hours. I'm happy, any?way."

Wiwat's younger brother Noppakao won the Optimist event, leaving Jittiwa Thanawitwilat in second place. Third place went to Ponpet Suk-udom.

Privy Councillor and His Majesty the King's representative, Rear Admiral Usni Pramoj, was the guest of honour at the awards pres?entation and the closing ceremony yesterday at the Sofitel Central Hua Hin Hotel.

Somporn Suphop

The Nation

Hua Hin