IRC racing Russian crew on’Megazip’ closely followed by the Australiand on ‘Team Hollywood’
Crew on ‘No Fear’ hauling in during the heavy weather conditions“Every year is a challenge” said Byron Jones, Managing Director of Media Business Services, organisers of Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek. “But I think this year was the most challenging yet.”
A strong turnout of 31 boats and more than 450 sailors and friends bode well for another excellent Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek. And it was indeed excellent, though perhaps for different reasons this year.
Storm cells on the first two days caused havoc to the racing and despite full days on-the-water for the Race Management team checking weather conditions from the island’s northern tip to southern tips, and as far east as was reasonable, the weather gods did not smile. A single race for each class over two days was the result of a lot of hard work by many people.
It is said that all good things come to those who wait; the second half of the regatta saw a turnaround in conditions and a busy schedule of racing to make up for the lack of it on the first two days.
“Hats off to the Race Management team, they did an excellent job in very trying conditions. And I offer a big thank you to all the sailors who were incredibly patient and understanding. When it came to the end of the regatta, I probably received more “congratulations” and “well done” than of any past regattas and those comments should be relayed to everyone who worked extremely hard this year to put on a great event, in challenging conditions,” added Jones.
It wasn’t just on the water where challenges were faced, however.
Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek is rightly famous for its second-to-none beach front parties and lively regatta village. For the first two days, this area was rained out and despite organisers’ best efforts, evening parties had to be relocated indoors.
“It’s no small feat moving a party for 450 plus people, all the food, drink and set-up, from the beachfront up the hill to the top level of the hotel. From drivers to kitchen and serving staff to the management, and everyone in between at the hotel, did an excellent job and rightly deserve praise. The sailors were again very understanding and were extremely complimentary in their comments. Working with such a professional hotel team, made the onshore part a success.”
In the end, the challenges on-the-water and onshore didn’t detract from a successful regatta which saw some close and competitive racing across the fleet, lots of happy participants and a smooth and professional operation onshore. The final two parties were held in the always popular regatta village and the overall series prizes were awarded to cheers all-round.
As everyone involved enjoys a well deserved break, they also have an eye on next year. The 17th Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek will again be headquartered at Cape Panwa Hotel with racing held of Phuket’s stunning southwest coast. The dates are 15-19 July, 2020. Put them in your diary and
keep an eye for updates on www.phuketraceweek.com.
IMAGE asia is proud to support the Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek 2020 as an Official Media Partner.
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