Although The King's Cup International Sailing Regatta attracts crews from the likes of New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia and many other countries with well known sailors such as Sail Maker Neil Pryde with his yacht High Fly and Hong Kong Businessman Frank Pong with his monster yacht Jelik, there are also many other local, regional and international crews and yachts that take part in this yearly event.

Yacht crews that take part also include cruising sailors, ex-patriot residents in Phuket and other cities in Thailand, people living in neighbouring countries who like the challenge of sailing with a large fleet of competing yachts and even people that charter their yachts in order to take part in the regatta.

You will find racing classes for all manner of yachts in the King's Cup International Sailing Regatta, so if you are worried about finding a class to race in, don't worry. You can enter in any one of these classes, that would suit the type of boat that you have or plan on chartering:

• Racing
• Premier
• IRC (As the IRC class is a hotly contested division there are usually three IRC classes - IRC 1, 2 and 3)
• Sports boats
• Multihulls (Catamarans and Trimarans)
• Firefly Multihulls (Firefly One Design Catamarans are light and fast)
• Classic Yachts (some of the "Old Ladies" still like to show their speed . . . if there's enough wind)
• Bareboat Yacht Charter
• Ocean Rover
• Sunsail One designs

As you can see from the list, there is a place for every type of yacht in the King's Cup International Regatta whether you have one of the latest Racing Yachts made from the latest composite plastics or a 100 plus year old Schooner made from materials of the era.

Those who compete at the sharper end of the racing categories are fiercely competitive. They provide the spectators some awesome action on the course, especially at the starts when space is limited and all crews are trying to get the best starting position before the gun is fired. Once out on the course these powerful yachts speed away as if chased by demons, rounding a longer course than the cruising classes in a fraction of the time.

Although the slower yachts, catamarans and trimarans may take much longer to complete their courses, they are often as competitive as the more exotic racing class of yachts. They offer as much of a spectacle on the course and are often heard shouting St' board to yachts that are on a port tack. These guys are often the heart and soul of the regatta . . . Especially at the fantastic Regatta Parties each night after the hectic race days.

Some of the locals make a special effort just to get to these all-night parties, even if they are unable to compete in the day's racing. So even if you don't get on a yacht, get down to this spectacular sailing regatta and join in on the fun at the parties after each day's sailing.

If you are interested in sailing in this regatta and are in need of a yacht please contact us for more details. If you are looking for other information such as the dates for the regatta or the venue you are welcome to contact us for these details also.