(Kata Beach, Phuket, Thailand)- The 25th Anniversary edition of the
Phuket King's Cup Regatta is underway and the huge fleet has so far been
blessed with remarkably nice weather conditions despite
prognostications to the contrary. Despite grim weather forecasts early
in the week, a light North Easterly flow has arrived each morning and
lasted into the afternoon for the first two days. Such idyllic
conditions allowed the race committee to choose the 27 mile passage race
to the SE of Phuket for the Racing classes, 10-12 kt winds was enough
for the yachts to stem the strong out going tide and by short tacking
along the islands make their way to the turning marks. Although the wind
faded on the run back the assistance from the current 
carried
the yachts in the direction of the finish. The third day of racing set
sail in the best weather conditions of the week so far, with winds up
to 16 knots providing some exciting sailing for many boats.While the first two days have proved challenging for them, Rick Pointon's team on the J/130 JING JING from Hong Kong, China are hanging in the top ten so far with a few days left of racing in their IRC Class 1. Like last year, things can change pretty fast in this competitive fleet. Here's to hoping JING JING gets some breaks and makes a good run at the top five overall! Sailing photo credits- Guy Nowell. For more Phuket King's Cup Regatta sailing information.
