Video Report: Winners return to defend their titles at Phuket Raceweek

PHUKET: The entry list is growing with a strong line-up of local and international boats already signed-up for 2014, including a number of past winners who are back to defend (or reclaim) titles.

Last year’s Firefly 850 class winner, Twin Sharks, and past winner Moto Inzi are both back to reignite rivalries. Regular Raceweek competitor Stuart Williamson, who placed second in IRC Racing II last year, is back for another attempt at the title on his Skandia Endeavour of Whitby, while other regulars confirmed include Ruby Tuesday and Grenville Fordham’s Nina, another past Raceweek winner.

Leading a crew from the Metung Yacht Club in Australia to Raceweek last year for the first time was Terry Grundy, who is returning again on the chartered BeauX Esprit. They are joined by another Australian crew chartering Kinnon.

Newcomers Hedonist and Anchali have already signed up, as well as Australian Greg Reynolds who will be racing his Mumm/Farr 30 Foreign Affair after hearing good things about Raceweek.

“I’m bringing a crew of dinghy and keelboat sailors up to do Raceweek in July and none of them have sailed in Asia at all. So it will be great fun. Everything I had read about the racing in Thailand and South East Asia is true. Very friendly, well organized racing and great socializing,” said Reynolds.

The TP52 Oi! is undefeated so far this year with wins at Royal Langkawi International Regatta and Top of the Gulf Regatta. Helmed by Peter Ahern, Oi! is back to defend its 2013 IRC Racing I title.

The early bird entry offer has proved very successful with many boats taking advantage of the special price. The early bird offer – 10,000 baht for boat and skipper, and 4,000 baht per crew – is available until June 6.

Boats and crews from Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and New Zealand have already signed up, as well as a number of local Phuket-based boats.