On Thursday 31 July 2008 at 07.00 pm. Admiral Wichai Uwanangkul Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Royal Thai Navy has presided over opening of Hua Hin Regatta 2008 at Navy Pirom Hall.

Vice Admiral Apiwathana Sriwathana Secretary of Sailing Association spoke about the history of Hua Hin Regatta. This is the 9th time Hua Hin Regatta has been organized. Teams from 13 countries have participated, in total 276 sailors.

History of Hua Hin Regatta has started on the 19th April 1966 when His Majesty the King has sailed a single-handed dingy “Vega” 60 nautical miles across the Gulf of Thailand. It took His Majesty 17 hours to sail from the Klai Kangwon Summer Palace to the Toey Ngam Bay at the Royal Thai Marine Headquarters in Sattahib. This was a considerable achievement as His Majesty the King built and sailed the sailboat on his own. His Majesty the King set the Marine flag on a historical stone pillar. The Royal Yatch Association of Thailand under the royal patronage of His Majesty the King has organized first long distance sailing competition in Thailand.

His Majesty the King gave the rudder of Vega to the Royal Thai Navy who, in turn gave it to the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand for use as a perpetual trophy for a long distance races every year. This trophy is handed to the winner each year and their name will be inscribed on it.

This year, the 9th Hua Hin Regatta is taking place from the 30th of July to the 3rd of August 2008 on the beach near Sofitel Centara Grand Resort and Villa Hua Hin. There were 9 types of sailing boat this year; 123 Optimists, 32 Lasers, 21 OK, 24 Super Mod, 5 Enterprises, 13 Catamarans, 7 Pratues, 5 470 and 7 420. Altogether 227 sailing boats and 276 sailors.

On Sunday 3rd August 2008 last races took place. Once they were finished Prince Asani Pramothc the Privy Councilor of the King has presented the prizes to the winners at the Sofitel and followed by a party.

Reported by Khun Tuck Dechapanya

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