Thai skipper sails Sansiri into the lead at TRANSPAC

PHUKET: The 2013 Transpacific Yacht Race (TRANSPAC) started in perfect Southern California conditions on Monday July 8 with Thai entry Sansiri in the first of three starts in a westerly breeze of 15 knots.

Co-skippered by Michael Spies and Thai sailor Patinyakorn Bunranrom, the five-strong crew on Sansiri are the first ever Thai entry in a global Ocean Race and are lining up against the world’s best sailors and yachts in this 2,225 mile marathon from Los Angeles to Honolulu.

Racing in Division 7, Sansiri have made good progress over the first few days and currently lead Division 7 on corrected time.

In preparation for the race, Patinyakorn said “I have been working very closely with our expert Navigator Richard Hudson to ensure I fully understand the tactical weather challenges that will be thrown at us in the next eleven or so days. Richard has been great and I am impressed at the level of technology and knowledge he has brought to Sansiri.”

Even though TRANSPAC is the first ocean race experience for Patinyakorn, he shows no signs of nerves.

“We had a good start and all the crew are working hard to read the weather and sail well. We have a well prepared boat and lots of experience among the crew. It’s still early in the race but we are making good progress and we are confident of placing well in the our division and making Thailand proud” he said.

Organized by the Transpacific Yacht Club, the TRANSPAC is a 2,225 mile race from Point Fermin in Los Angeles to Diamond Head, just east of Honolulu. With its first running in 1906, it is among the world’s great ocean races, and biennially attracts the world’s most talented offshore sailors and offshore sailing adventurers.

All boats have Yellowbrick trackers on board reporting position data which is available online with a six hour delay.

Sansiri’s progress can be viewed online at www.yb.tl/transpac2013