THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Yachties from around the globe are beginning to converge on Phuket for Asia’a biggest sailing event, the annual Phuket King’s Cup Regatta.

Though traditionally held in the first week of December, this years event will commence on November 28, with the first day of racing taking place on November 30.

So far 108 boats in 12 separate categories have registered for the event, making 2009 a record year for entires and providing a welcome relief for King’s Cup Regatta organizers, who last year saw many participants stranded when “yellow-shirt” People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters closed both Bangkok airports, as well as a number of regional ones.

Under the patronage of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, himself an accomplished sailor, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is held under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy, and the Province of Phuket.

As in past years the 2009 Phuket King’s Cup Regatta will be headquartered at Kata Beach Resort & Spa, with racing taking place in the waters off Kata Bay.

In addition to an established reputation for highly competitive sailing, the event also has an international reputation for its off-water social activities, including the Chang Moonlight party held on the evening of the third days racing at Karon Beach.

This years event will conclude with a sail past to coincide with the King’s 82nd birthday on December 5, followed by the royal awards ceremony and a closing party and candle-light ceremony at the Kata Beach Resort & Spa.

For land-based spectators the best place to view the 2009 Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is from Phromthep Cape on the southernmost tip of Phuket island.

More information on the event can obtained from the 23rd King’s Cup Regatta website at: http://www.kingscup.com/

By: John Le Fevre

Thailand Travel News for November 26, 2009