KATA: In fresh winds gusting up to 20 knots yesterday morning, Ray Roberts' Quantum Racing team snatched victory from Neil Pryde's Hi Fi and Winkelman and Dodd's Island Fling to win the final race of the Racing class in the 22nd annual King's Cup Regatta.

In one of the tightest competitions ever in the King's Cup, the win moved Quantum Racing into first place overall in the class and the right to have her name etched on the coveted King's Cup trophy.

Hi Fi finished second, relegating Neil Pryde and his crew to second place overall.

As an example of the high standard of sailing in this year's Cup, which had seven of the 11 race classes still up for grabs before yesterday's final races, Island Fling, who led the class just the day before, finished fifth by just 16 seconds to place third overall in the Racing class.

In another nail-biting finish, David Ross's Macquarie - Frangipani Girl beat Peter Cremers' Shatoosh to move into first place overall in the Premier class. The day before, Shatoosh had led the class.

John Wardill's Australian Maid, a long-term regular in the King's Cup, finished third in the class.

In a fine display of competitive sailing, Scott Duncanson and his crew on Raimon Land The Heights held off rival Kenichi Takahashi on Motor Net to place second and third respectively in the Sports boat class.

By focusing on keeping Motor Net in their wake instead of going for an outright win, The Heights, which is better known in Phuket as Somtam Express, held on to their first place overall and won the Sports boat class.

Matt Allen on Ichi Ban dominated the IRC 1 class throughout the regatta with six "bullets" (sailing jargon for "first place") and one second-place finish, and needed only a mediocre result to win the class.

Ben Copley's Phuket-based Katsu finished second overall in the hotly contested class.

Sailing proud for Thailand in the IRC 2 class were Royal Thai Navy 1 and Royal Thai Navy 2, which finished first and second overall.

In the Firefly 850 class, comprising only the high-speed, Phuket-built Firefly catamarans, Peter Dyer's SEA Property claimed top honors in the class, with Hans Rahmann's Voodoo Child finishing second overall and Brent Gribble on Twin Sharks placing third.

Despite Thailand's recent political upheaval and the temporary closure of Bangkok's two international airports just days before this year's King's Cup opened on November 29, the regatta attracted a fleet of 94 boats and well over 1,000 people.

Unlike some previous years, this year's regatta was graced with near perfect sailing conditions throughout, providing some of the most memorable racing maneuvers and results. Many of the racers told the Gazette that they look forward to returning to contest the cup again next year.

For more results from today's final races – and for the finalized overall results – visit www.kingscup.com.

4-7 December at the Royal Phuket Marina

PIMEX 2008 is a marine and lifestyle exhibition held at the Royal Phuket Marina Exhibition and Conference centre with 2,500 sq metres of air conditioned display space adjacent to the marina basin with over 40 yachts in the water.

In it's sixth year the show is the largest on water Boat Show in the region and is the regions most effective showcase for boating and marine leisure.

Informa Yacht Group, organisers of the Monaco Yacht Show have recently acquired PIMEX and the world wide marketing of the show has risen to another level.

Fully supported by The Tourism Authority of Thailand, The Sports Authority of Thailand and the Thailand Conference and Exhibition Bureau.

90 exhibiting companies and close to 50 yachts are booked in 2008

PIMEX 2008 update 24th November

Record number of yachts in water: 43

Companies exhibiting: 85

Luxury motor yachts afloat in 2008 include Sunseeker; Gulf Craft, Chris Craft, Formula, Princess, Riviera, Pershing, Maritimo, Crowneline, Cranchi, Sunnav, Horizon, Posillipo, Rodman, Tiara, Mustang, Bondway, Sea Ray, Seatboat, and Silkline International. Three of the yachts are over 60 feet long. For sailing enthusiasts Jeanneau, Bavaria Yachts, Elan and Hanse will be represented as well as a number of catamarans. A new development in 2008 is the emergence of new brands from mainland China some of which are exhibiting this year. And of course the electronics, all the outboard engines and other accessories and equipment that go with the marine lifestyle will be on show.

Several property and residential marina projects are also exhibiting.

A full list of exhibitors booked to date can be found in the exhibitors section.

With less than a week to go organizers are working overtime to fit in latecomers.

Only two spaces are left in the hall and the water display is fully booked and it looks like PIMEX 2008 is heading for 100% sold. .

The marina site is in a beautiful setting with five restaurants on the boardwalk overlooking the marina.
Kayak displays, music on the boardwalk and fun activities make this the perfect day out for the family. Sail training for kids and adults, Yacht charter, and Regattas.

Whether interested in boating or simply curious about how Phuket has become one of the most sought after luxury destinations in the world, visiting Royal Phuket Marina and PIMEX is a must during the 4th to 7th December.

Exhibitors… Still an opportunity to join.
Visitors… Register on line on this site.

For more information:
Andy Dowden, Tel: +66 (0) 81 892 7670 or info@phuketboatshow.com

Piyawan Songsawas,Tel +66 (0) 76 360808 or Piyawan@phuketboatshow.com
( Thai & English )

29th November - 6th December, 2008.

The Phuket King's Cup Regatta is Asia's biggest and most popular regatta. More than a regatta, the week long event consists of great parties, great sailing and lots of fun.

Inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand, the event has been held every year since during the first week of December.

With the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, the Regatta is organised by the Phuket King's Cup Regatta Organizing Committee 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.

NOR 2008 - Now Available here

On-line entries here

Schedule of events.

Registration for the 2008 Regatta and the functions listed below will take place at the Kata Beach Resort, Phuket.

Racing for all classes will be held in the waters around Phuket. The following schedule is provisional and subject to weather conditions.

Saturday 29 November 2008

10.00 - 17.00 Registration

PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO RECENT CHANGES IN REGULATIONS FOR YACHTS ARRIVING IN PHUKET. CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION FACILITIES WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AT REGISTRATION.

ALL YACHTS ARRIVING IN PHUKET MUST CLEAR CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION AT THE ONE-STOP SHOP SITUATED AT AO CHALONG PIER.

Sunday 30 November 2008

10.00 - 16.00 Registration

13.00 Practice race

16.30 Skippers briefing

18.30 Opening Ceremony

Monday 1 December - Saturday 6 December 2008

5 racing days and 1 reserve day

Saturday 6 December 2008

18.00 Royal Awards Ceremony and Closing Party

Entry Fees

The entry fee of 17,600 Baht (8a,800 Baht for Sports Boats and Ocean Rovers) must accompany the Entry Form. Entries must be received by 1 November 2008. For late entries after 1 November 2008, the entry fee is 25,000 Baht (12,500 Baht for Sports Boats and Ocean Rovers).

The entry fee includes participation of skipper. An additional Crew fee of 4,000 baht is payable at or before registration for each additional crew member and supporter participating in official functions and parties of the Regatta.

On-line entries here