Three trophies will be on offer - Platu Coronation Cup for Platu Class, TOG Regatta Trophy for individuals in all classes and the Optimist National Championship for young sailors aged between 8 and 15 years.

William J Gasson, chairman of the tournament, said over 500 sailors from more than 15 countries, including Japan, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia and Thailand, had confirmed participation in the regatta.

Nine classes comprising keelboat, cruising keelboat, sportboat, platu, ocean multi-hull, beach-launched catamarans, monohull dinghy, Optimist and Super Mod will feature in the competition.

"Around 80 boats are expected in the Optimist class," Gasson said. "We invited a Chinese team to compete but they expressed their regrets, saying they were participating in the Louis Vuitton Cup in Valencia, Spain, around the same time," he said.

Gasson said the aim of the regatta was to promote it as one of the main events in Asia and establish Pattaya as an international sailing paradise for both amateurs and professionals.

"I really hope that this regatta will help boost tourism and economy of Pattaya and Thailand alike."

This year's regatta will run from May 3 to 7. It is supported by Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Ocean Property, Raimon Land, Thai Airways International, Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, Royal Varuna Yacht Club, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Sattahip Naval Base.

Preechachan

Wiriyanupappong

The Nation