Gusts hamper King&’s Cup opener

PHI PHI: A good breeze that aided the start of King’s Cup racing today vanished around noon, leaving some yachts fighting variable winds or drifting past the wrong side of gates. The wind was described as “very flukey”. In some instances, yachts were becalmed while others not far away managed to capture gusts. Despite conditions, there were finishes in every class. Tomorrow the fleet will contest the Andaman Sea Cup in sailing from Phi Phi to Kata. Those who finished in the top spots today were (with corrected times): Racing Class 1. Linklaters Mandrake – Robert Elliot (2:38:24) 2. Jelik – Frank Pong (2:46:00) 3. Yo – Peter Ahern (2:47:32) Premier Cruising Class 1. Hocux Pocux – David Bailey (6:18:07) 2. Australian Maid – John Wardill (6:43:50) 3. Elektra – Marcel Liedts (6:57:17) IRC 1 1. Jigonda – Stuart Anderson (1:54:45) 2. Octopussy – Viroj Nualkhair (2:03:08) 3. La Samudra – David Lindhal (2:05:37) IRC 2 1. Gotcha Lagi! – Gerry Daughton (5:47:40) 2. Royal Thai Navy 2 – N C Nawin (5:53:20) 3. Royal Thai Navy 1 – Rt Pera Na Sagultem (6:03:49) IRC 3 1. Free Wind – George Foose (4:33:09) 2. Salamander 3 – Alan Nichol (5:05:15) 3. Patrice III – Tracy Williams (5:12:42) Classic 1. Xyphias – Christopher Edwards (5:12:42) 2. Sanook – Julian Hill (4:49:58) Ocean Multihulls 1. Securicor Fine Pitch – Tony Lough (4:53:51) 2. Summersalt – Mark Pescott (5:00:45) 3. Cedar Swan – Radab Kanjanavit (5:05:09) Ocean Rover 1. Klondike – Donald Radcliffe (3:01:19)