(Left) Idyllic sailing in the Gulf of Thailand at the
Top of the Gulf Regatta.
(Right) Ocean Marina – international-standard marina and home of the Top of the Gulf Regatta.
World-class sailors attending from around the world;
Minimum THB10 million economic impact to the local economy
The seventh edition of Thailand's largest sailing event, the Top of the Gulf Regatta, took place 29th April to 3rd May 2011 at Ocean Marina, Pattaya, Thailand. Boats from as far afield as the UAE and sailors from all corners of the world came together in the Gulf of Thailand for some highly competitive racing.
The Top of the Gulf Regatta attracts a cosmopolitan fleet including some of the region's top racers and a strong Thailand-based fleet. In all, competitors representing over 30 countries took part in the 2011 Top of the Gulf Regatta and of particular note is the increasing Asian presence with five boat crews from Japan and four from Singapore Management University taking part this year.
The TOG Regatta is more than a sailing event. The Regatta delivers a minimum of THB10 million economic benefit to the area each year and provides a unique tourism marketing platform, showcasing the region to the world. A visiting international press corps and stories and images that reach all corners of the globe underscores the TOG Regatta and the area of Pattaya as a top sailing and tourism destination in the world.
William Gasson, Founder and Chairman of the Regatta Organising Committee said “We are proud to see the growth of the Regatta from a local event organized by yachting lovers to the Regatta it has become today – Asia's largest. The Regatta contributes significantly to the local economy and local businesses, and today Pattaya, with its tropical climate and offshore islands is viewed as one of the best sailing grounds in Asia, comparable to other sailing destinations in the world such as the Greek Islands and Antigua.”
Since its inception in 2005, the TOG Regatta has supported sailing locally in Thailand, and the fruits can be seen today with the World Champion Optimist sailor being a Thai girl, Noppakao Poonpat, and the Thai team winning the World Team Optimist Championship. The Thailand Optimist Nationals is a three day series which is incorporated in the Top of the Gulf Regatta and this year sees over 120 junior sailors taking part. For the first time ever, following it will be a one-day Thailand Open Opti Team Racing Championship supported by the TOG Regatta and in co-operation with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, with teams entering from as far afield as India and the UAE.
The Regatta is unique, having three distinct competitions within one. Boats will be racing for the Top of the Gulf Regatta series trophies, the Coronation Cup (one-design Platus) and a special perpetual Cup for the Thailand Optimist Nationals. Classes include IRC Racing 1, IRC Racing 2, IRC Racing 3, Cruising, Sports Boats, Platu (Coronation Cup), Ocean Multihulls, Hobie Tiger, Hobie 16, Open Monohull Dinghy (beach launched monohulls), Laser, and Optimist (Thailand Optimist Nationals).
This year, the Top of the Gulf Regatta have initiated a book signing to celebrate His Majesty the King's 84th birthday. This is an opportunity for both Thai and international sailors to participate and honour His Majesty the 'Sailor King'.
The 2011 Top of the Gulf Regatta is supported by the Principle Sponsor Ocean Marina as host venue. Co-Sponsors include Land Rover and Range Rover, Thai Airways, Gulf Charters and Mont Clair Wines as Co-sponsors. A large contribution was also made by an anonymous sailor this year. Other sponsors include Ocean Property Co. Ltd., Singha Corporation Group, Thai Numthip Co., Ltd. (Coca Cola), Lucaris, Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, Golden Foods Siam Ltd., Bank of Ayudhya Plc., Seat Boat Co., Ltd., Corsair Marine Thailand Co., Ltd., QBE Insurance (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Mõvenpick ice cream, Nivea, CAT Telecom, Media Representation International and Sail Quest. Media partners include Pattaya Mail, SEA Yachting magazine, Ensign Media and Mix 88.5 FM. The event is supported by the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand (YRAT), Royal Varuna Yacht Club and Pattaya City.
Web site: www.topofthegulfregatta.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/TOG-Regatta/179908192379
Source: 2011 Top of the Gulf Regatta release dated 29 April 2011
Credit: TAT News (www.tatnews.org)
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