Phuket’s sailing community enthusiastically ushered in December with the much-anticipated return of the Phuket King’s Cup, Thailand’s premier sailing regatta and the first one held in the Andaman waters of the Kingdom.

The Phuket King’s Cup 2023 had special significance, marking the revival of the race after the pandemic. The 2022 competition occurred just one month after Thailand opened its borders to foreign travelers. At that time, international flights had not fully resumed, and many countries still maintained COVID-related restrictions.

With many sailors having missed the 2022 event, the 2023 competition became particularly special. Held from December 2-9, it signified Thailand’s reestablishment as a destination for competitive sailing.

To make the event truly unique, Queen Suthida of Thailand not only personally presented the awards at the Royal Award Ceremony on December 9, but also joined the crew of the THA 72 yacht, won two final races, and climbed the 73-foot mast of the race boat. Her Majesty’s expertise in sailing came as a surprise to many.

The 35th edition of the Phuket King’s Cup drew sailing enthusiasts from Europe, Australia, North and South America, Africa, and Asia. Over 30 boats competed in half a dozen classes, ranging from IRC (racing boats) to Premier (cruising boats, equally grand and beautiful). For multihulls, two separate divisions were set up with four boats participating.

Last, but certainly not least, a dinghy competition was held for budding sailors. The dinghy class holds special significance for the King’s Cup, as it was an OK-16 dinghy that King Bhumibol the Great sailed in 1967 to win the golden medal of the IV South East Asia Games. Rama IX shared the podium with his daughter Princess Ubolrattana, who sailed OK-18.

King Bhumibol was a passionate sailor, and the first Phuket King’s Cup in 1987 was held in his honor. Key figures behind the event included Royal Varuna Yacht Club sailors such as Commodore Chris King, Dr. Rachot Kanjanavanit, Al Chandler, Adolph Knees, and M.L. Tridosyuth Devakul.

Kevin Whitcraft, the current President of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, embodies the essence of Thailand’s yachting community where Thai and foreigners share their passion. Born to American parents in Bangkok, Mr Whitcraft built an impressive international business headquartered in the Thai capital. In the realm of sailing, his THA72 racing boat is often referred to as a vessel “sailing in a class of its own” due to an impressive list of undisputed victories. This year, THA72 came in third overall due to having missed three races.