Koh Samui, Thailand — The 21st Samui Regatta 2024 saw sailors contend with light, variable winds on its Race Day 2. A breeze of just 7 knots tested the skills of the competitors, but it did not prevent thrilling contests on the water. Despite the challenging conditions, Hong Kong’s Zannekin, skippered by Marcel Liedts, maintained its dominance, securing the top spot in the overall results of the IRC Open class.
In the day’s first race, Australian skipper Terry Foster on his newly purchased A35 Iolanthe 3 claimed victory, followed closely by Zannekin while another Australian team, Garth Riley’s Adams 10 Tenacious, placed third.
The second race saw Zannekin take the top spot, with Hong Kong’s Freefire, skippered by Sam Chan, and Steve McConaghy’s Aftershock taking second and third place, respectively.
Race Director Simon James commented on the day’s events, stating, “After receiving forecasts of little or no wind today, a light South Easterly breeze appeared allowing us to complete two races. The first race was a short windward/leeward race followed by a longer course, with up to 7 knots of breeze.”
After two days of competition, the overall standings have Marcel Liedts Kerr 46 Zannekin in first place, followed by Iolanthe 3 in second with Freefire in third. Aftershock and Tenacious hold the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
The Samui Regatta, a prestigious fixture in the international sailing calendar, runs from May 25 to June 1, 2024. This event features all keelboats racing in the same IRC Open class, offering a competitive yet picturesque setting centered at Nora Beach Resort and Spa.
The regatta not only provides an exhilarating experience for participants but also an enchanting spectacle for spectators.
The Samui Regatta Organizing Committee organizes the Samui Regatta in collaboration with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, the Surat Thani Province, the Sports Authority of Thailand, and Regatta Asia.
The 21st Samui Regatta 2024 is proud to be supported by an array of sponsors whose collaboration and support are essential to the event’s success. Co-sponsors include The Nora Hotel Group, Chaweng Regent Beach Resort, Bangkok Airways, Bangkok Hospital Samui, Haad Thip PCL, Frank Pong & Team Jelik, Singha, Samui VertiColor, Chaweng Gardens Beach Resort and SUNNE. Media Partners includes VivaldiPR, Thailand Marine Guide, and Sea Yachting Magazine.
About the Samui Regatta:
The Samui Regatta is the islands longest running sports event and solidifies Thailand’s position as a premier sailing destination and an essential stop in the Asian yachting circuit. Since its inception in 2001 with a modest fleet of beach catamarans, the Samui Regatta experienced remarkable growth up until 2019, rapidly expanding each year and is now in a rebuilding process post covid. The event’s objectives remain focused on increasing tourism to Koh Samui, elevating the profile of sailing in Asia, and promoting water sports activities.
For more information on participating in the Samui Regatta or to registration, please visit the regatta’s website at https://www.samuiregatta.com and update activities on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamuiRegatta
