Top of the Gulf show from today

[SAILING] An exciting contest is on the cards as around 350 boats take to the water today in the Top of the Gulf International Regatta off Jomtien beach in Pattaya.

The annual event at Ocean Marina Yacht Club, regarded as a top sailing competition in the Gulf of Thailand, has gained popularity among local and foreign sailors, reflecting on the increasing numbers of participants since its inception in 2005.

This year, the tournament has drawn wide interest with entries from six countries - Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Japan and Australia - contesting in eight divisions, keelboat, cruising keelboat, sportboat, Platu, Ocean Multihulls, Monohull Dinghy, Optimist and Super Mod, the boat which was designed by His Majesty the King.

What makes the TOG Regatta different from the others is the inclusion of the Optimist category where young sailors aged between 8 and 15 years have an opportunity to show off their skills as they vie for the Optimist National Championship Cup.

There are two other trophies on offer - Platu Coronation Cup for the Platu class and Top of the Gulf International Regatta Trophy for individuals in all classes.

Kitinan Sanguansak

The Nation