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Published on December 8, 2007

After a day off, the regatta sprung back to action, propelled by a strong but fickle breeze, blowing at over ten knots on average.

The conditions ensured that the penultimate day of the race was as spectacular as the previous ones.

The thrill helped Thai-New Zealander Kipson Beck to forget the disappointing result after his boat, Pornstar, finished last in the day's only race after calculation. "The conditions are much better than in the previous edition, which was mostly marred by poor winds," said the 34-year-old Beck, who is competing in the Sportboat division.

"Unfortunately, we committed lots of mistakes. Today, we sailed in the wrong direction and that cost us dear," Beck said.

British captain Peter Dyer, onboard Madam Butterfly, tightened his grip on the IRC Division 2 class title by finishing first again.

The veteran Dyer said the fact that the regatta, named the Yachting Event of the Year in 2006 by the prestigious Christofle Boating Awards, struggled with winds in recent years barely affected the sailors.

"It's a lovely regatta under warm atmosphere. All sailors gathered to enjoy the moment unlike in the other events," said the 59-year-old Dyer.

Dyer said he initially did not nurture title hopes given the fact his category was dominated by the Royal Thai Navy1, who won five years on the spin. "I didn't expect to win the class given how competitive the field was. It looked more competitive than the IRC Division 1. I knew I faced strong opponents in the navy sailors.

"Given the weather this year, I was  concerned before the event as my boat is suited for light winds. However, my crew adapted quickly," Dyer said.

The race is set for an exciting finale today, in the top-flight Racing division in particular, with Australia's Ray Roberts on DK46 Quantum Racing to battle it out with Hong Kong's Frank Pong on Jelik.

Kitinan Sanguansak

The Nation

Phuket