Fine Conditions Ensures Top of the Gulf Regatta a Success

Published : May 04, 2010 :: 12:05:52 [ 1,213 views ]

Fine Conditions Ensures Top of the Gulf Regatta a Success

After a second day of races that was significantly hampered by the wind, or lack thereof, the third day of racing at Pattaya’s ‘Top of the Gulf Regatta’ was an outstanding success, with conditions regarded by most as some of the best ever experienced in the gulf of Thailand.

Pattaya, the 3^rd of May 2010 [PDN]: With the windy conditions returning, all race categories elected to complete one long distance (30km) race on Monday, except the Platus, making up for the cancelled second races due to poor conditions on Sunday.

The IRC Racing 1 category saw the tournament leaders ‘Evolution Racing’ hit the lead after an early starting line battle, a lead that they did not relinquish till the finish, winning both line honours and on corrected time. Matt Allen’s ‘Ichi Ban’ finished in second ahead of the Robert Van Paridon skippered ‘Tantrum.’ Today’s win for ‘Evolution Racing’ (4 points) extends their lead going into the final day, meaning, baring an absolute disaster ‘Evolution Racing’ is expected to be the series winner. Currently ‘Ichi Ban’ (7 points) is second in the series with ‘Tantrum’ (12 points) in third.

In the IRC Racing 2 event, the unbeaten ‘Royal Thai Navy’ yacht, skippered by Damrong Sirisakorn took its fifth victory from as many starts ahead of ‘El Coyote’ and ‘Magic Roundabout’ in second and third respectively. Going into the final day, Royal Thai Navy 1 (4 points) holds an unassailable lead. Dynamite, skippered by Brad Kirk, hold second (10 points), El Coyote (11 points) third, and Magic Roundabout (12 points) are in fourth. Second and third places are still very much up for grabs.

The IRC Cruising category saw ‘Melissa’ take first placing ahead of the Christopher Lim skippered ‘Amanda’ and ‘Celere’ to third. Series results see Kirafiki (15 points) lead the final day charge ahead of ‘Sansanook’ (16 points) and ‘Souay 1’ (18 points).

‘Thor’ completed another rout of the Ocean Multihull class, finishing first ahead of ‘Blade Runner V’ by an astonishing 10 minutes. ‘Sonic’ placed third. The final day of racing sees ‘Thor’ (9 points) in the lead ahead of ‘Blade Runner V’ (10.5 points) and ‘Cedar Swan’ (13 points).

The Sports Boat class went according to script with Porn Star, skippered by Kipsan Beck, winning again and Vino, skippered by Ray Waldron, second. Porn Star goes into the final day unbeatable, leading the series on 4 points from Vino (8 points).

All classes eagerly await the final day of racing with the overall series prizes to be presented at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club Gala Dinner on the lawn in front of the marina on Tuesday afternoon/evening.