Phuket sailors ready for ACYC yacht race teaser this weekend (video)

PHUKET: The Ao Chalong Yacht Club (ACYC) will hold the first of three family fun day races on Sunday with a race around Koh Lone, off the east coast of Phuket.

“All are welcome to join the ACYC Sunday sailing races. Breakfast is available at the club from 8am. Anybody wishing to sail but does not have a boat is advised to turn up before 8:30am, and we will do our best to get you on a vessel,” said ACYC Commodore Mick Kealy.

The idea of the three races – scheduled for January 18, February 1 and February 15 – is to get new people and boats out racing.

“The race this Sunday will be a short and easy one around Koh Lone so some of the less experienced sailors can join in and enjoy the fun,” he said.

The race series also offers newcomers the opportunity to explore some of the surrounding islands.

“The race on February 1 will start at Koh Racha at 9am and track back to Chalong Bay, so it is best to spend the Saturday night at Koh Racha as we will organize a dinner ashore,” said Kealy.

“The final event of the High Season Race Series on February 15 will also have a casual, fun theme, but we have not yet determined the course.”

Eligibility and entry in the series is open to all keel yachts and multihulls with a length overall of greater than six meters. Eligible boats may enter by completing a form on each race day and by paying the racing nomination fee to the Race Officer or appointed ACYC representative.

There is no entry fee for boats. Crew fees are 150 baht per person for ACYC members, 300 baht for non-members. Crew fees are applicable to all participating crew.

Yachts will race in four classes – Racing monohulls, Cruising monohulls, Racing multihulls, Cruising multihulls – under the rules as defined in The Racing Rules of Sailing 2013-1016.

The ACYC will use its performance-handicap system in evaluating corrected times. The system has received much praise for its effectiveness in leveling the playing field for yachts of different designs competing in the same class.

However, as the system results in a boat’s handicap being adjusted after every race, the ACYC
committee reminds racers that an adjustment in handicap number is not grounds for redress.

Individual race prizes will be awarded to podium finishers on race day pending the number of entries.

The annual ACYC race series has received much praise over the years for its openness and accessibility to all members of the public, whether they be experienced yacht racers or landlubbers finally looking to get their feet wet.

Even long-standing cruising yachtsmen with decades of experience have found joining the race series challenging, and fun (story here).

For more information, call Alan Carwardine at 080-040 1114.