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Published on December 5, 2007

The light breeze kept the excitement in check on Monday, raising fears that the annual regatta, named the Yachting Event of the Year in 2006 by the Christofle Boating Awards, might suffer the same fate as the previous edition beset by the weather.

However, when the steady drizzle breezed at an average 15 knots, which soon turned into a gust blowing at over 20, the stage was perfectly set  and the excitement was palpable at the start, with boats jostling for positions in order to make the most of the conditions. In the heat, one of the yachts scratched the referee's boat.

Regatta veteran captain Radab Kanjanavanit, at the helm of Cedar Swan, was one of those who indulged in what he said was a rare enjoyable moment for sailing. "It was one of those days that I enjoyed the race. The weather conditions were reminiscent of what we enjoyed when the regatta was inaugurated 20 years ago off Nai Harn beach," said the 52-year-old Radab. Despite a winning start in the Multihull Racing class on Monday, Radab believes he has his work cut out if he was to clinch the title.

In the top-flight Racing division, Hong Kong's Frank Pong, onboard Jelik, built on the strong start he made by winning one of the day's two races. Pong however, could hardly get complacent given that  Australia's Ray Roberts on DK46 Quantum Racing began making his presence felt after finishing second and first in the races.

A "sail past" ceremony will be held to mark His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday prior to the race today.

 Kitinan Sanguansak

The Nation

Phuket