Phuket local set to skipper Sansiri in world’s oldest yacht race

PHUKET: In a world first for Thailand, Sansiri PLC today announced they are supporting Phuket local and member of Ao Chalong Yacht Club Mr Patinyakorn Buranrom to become the first-ever Thai sailor to skipper a yacht in a major international ocean yacht race, the TRANSPAC 2013.

Mr Patinyakorn, an accomplished sailor, will compete in the longest of the two oldest ocean races in the world, which starts in Los Angeles on July 8 and finishes in Honolulu, some 2,250 nautical miles away (4,100km), sailing across the world’s largest ocean, the Pacific Ocean.

The TRANSPAC, known to be one of the most challenging offshore races in the world, is a “must do” on international sailors’ bucket lists, and Mr Patinyakorn will be representing Thailand as Co-Skipper on the entry Sansiri, together with Rolex Sydney-Hobart Race veteran and former winner and record holder Australian Mr Michael Spies.

At 29, Mr Patinyakorn has already achieved so much and with recent successes in Asia’s leading regattas – Phuket King’s Cup, Top of the Gulf and Samui – he is an inspiration for many young Thais to follow their dreams.

“Sansiri’s aim is to ‘Construct a life not just a building’, and having seen Patinyakorn become an inspiration to so many other Thais, especially youngsters, we want to support Patinyakorn to be Thailand’s first-ever skipper in a global ocean race. Through racing in the TRANSPAC 2013, Patinyakorn is living his dream and making history for Thailand. We hope he can share his knowledge and experience, and encourage many other Thais to follow their dreams too,” said Khun Ob-oom Chutrakul, social director of Sansiri PLC.

Skippering the 40-foot Sansiri in the TRANSPAC 2013, against 59 boats and some of the best sailors in the world, is a challenge Mr Patinyakorn is relishing.

“I could only ever have dreamed of an opportunity like this when I first started sailing. I have worked very hard getting to the stage where I was competitive and with Sansiri’s support I have now enjoyed success at a local level. To skipper a yacht in the TRANSPAC is a wish come true and to be the first-ever Thai to do so makes me very proud,” said Mr Patinyakorn Buranrom.

The TRANSPAC dates back to 1906 when it was first launched as a race from San Francisco to Honolulu. However, the devastating Great San Francisco earthquake less than one month before the start meant the adventurous boats taking part that first year had to move and start in Los Angeles. The LA start is now tradition and the race has been run every two years since.

You can follow the Sansiri boat in real time during the TRANSPAC 2013 by clicking here.