A total of 101 yachts from 19 countries entered in this year's event have formed a strong field in as many as 13 divisions, which promises to serve up some exciting contests.

This year is an auspicious one in that the regatta is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and its patron, His Majesty the King, is also celebrating the 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne.

Yesterday morning proved a difficult challenge for the sailors with warm temperatures, a strong tide and a light wind, hampering the start for many boats.

Although the wind picked up as the day wore on, many boats struggled to finish their first races when the wind dropped significantly during the closing stages to a point where the air barely stirred at all.

However, among the sailors who thrived amid the poor conditions was defending champion Lieutenant Peera Sagultem, who steered his 33-foot Royal Thai Navy boat across the finish line first in the IRC 2 division in a time of four hours and 24 minutes.

"We didn't start well being in fourth place," said Peera's older brother Pornprom.

"However, we tried to find the right line when the race wore on by avoiding a strong current in which many boats were trapped and kept sailing close to the islands along the course. That was the key to our success today," he added. It turned out to be a disappointing day for sailing enthusiasts who were eager to witness the phenomenal speed of the super-fast Firefly boats, dubbed "Formula One cars" which are competing in their own division for the first time, as the light wind prevented them running at full potential.

Despite the lack of wind, Santi Kanchanabandhu, president of the King's Cup Organising Committee, tried to look on the positive side by saying light winds were more suitable for a big event like the King's Cup, which combines both novices and experienced sailors.

"I considered it as a good start for the tournament. A strong wind might have caused some collisions at the start since all the sailors do not have the same experience. I'm quite certain that the event will be a success as they have been in past years."

Kitinan Sanguansak

The Nation

Phuket