Yacht racing at Pattaya: Varuna Cuppers have their uppers

by Peter Cummins

A big contingent of sailors from Hong Kong came to Pattaya to challenge for the 1998 Varuna Cup, held off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, Pattaya Point. In the ideally-strong conditions, however, local sailors proved too good for the visitors, with Eastern Seaboard resident Murray Maunder in the vanguard.

David Wales crunching the numbers - almost before the results come in from the committee boat out at sea. Photo Peter Cummins

The 1998 sailing of the Varuna Cup was, without doubt, one of the year’s most exciting yacht racing events at Pattaya. The north-easterly was in "full flight", with the typical weather patterns it brings: clear skies, a relatively cool ambient temperature, strong winds and big seas.

Excellent race management and, of course, a formidable performance by Pattaya entrepreneur David Wales who produced the race results almost BEFORE the racing was finished. Well, not quite - but, nevertheless, he performed at lightning speed up there in the committee room.

As if to thank Mother Nature for her munificence, a record fleet of 50 craft went to the sea, with Hobie Cats, Nacras, a few Lasers and a big fleet of juniors in the Optimists.

Hobie Cat 16 aces John Marten/Alexis Welsh and Murray Maunder/Leonie Duson slogged it out for the honours, with very close racing, indeed. It all depended upon the outcome of the last race of the seven-race series when Maunder, heading for the finishing line for a sure win, capsized and dropped back to sixth place. Marten, a man not slow to seize the initiative on land or sea, bolted home first to clinch the title with a total of 10 penalty points.

Murray, on 13 points, had to settle for number two, followed by fellow- Pattayan, Simon Prattley (21) marginally ahead of a rapidly-improving Philippe Pauliac (22) and another rising star of the Hobie Catamariner’s galaxy, Trevor Riddy (27), who finished third to fifth, respectively.

The Varuna sailors reveled in the conditions of the home waters, leaving the visiting Hong Kong teams languishing in the minor placings, with Simon Anthony sixth on 37, Royal Varuna’s Bob Gardham seventh on 45, and three more Hong Kong sailors filling the next three placings.

In the Nacra class, the single-handed Nacra 16 Squares reigned supreme, with the virtually-invincible Les Nyerges, the smallest fellow out there, thrashing the heavy-weights, with six first placings out of the seven races counted for a total of eight penalty points. Steve O’Brien, poised to leave the Kingdom for a posting in Texas, led the 80 kg-plus group, finishing second to Les, on 18 points, five points ahead of (relatively) light-weight Bob Garner bringing his hi-tech Nacra 17 home just one point ahead of Nick Moore, a strong lad himself, sailing a Nacra 16 Sq.

Thereafter, the double-handed Nacra 5.5s of Marcus Rast (35) and Steve Blackburn (44) were fifth and sixth, respectively. Peter Ole Herning performed extremely well and although he finished a lowly seventh on 49 points by missing the first four races, he had to carry heavy penalty points. No doubt, his great Dane frame would have thrived on all three days of the regatta’s strong winds.

Shin Suenaga was undisputed master of the Laser division, finishing with seven penalty points, with Marco Miagostovich (11) and Neil Semple (12) second and third respectively.

But maybe the major action was there with the juniors who, in spite of - or should that read, ‘because of’ - the strong conditions "were out there with the big guys," according to Royal Varuna Junior Sailing Secretary Linden Phanpho, "having their first REAL regatta, with a start from the committee boat anchored mid-stream out on the wild sea."

1998 Varuna Cup. Winner John Marten (113) eases off start line. Photo Peter Cummins

Honed up from their latest junior sailing course, these little guys - and girls of course - battled it out for the number one in the 1998 Varuna Cup. It was a case of "home town boy made good", to recycle an old cliché from the 1950s, as International School of the Eastern Seaboard student Sam Phanpho led the way home with four first placings out of the five races counted to finish on four points, three ahead of second-placed Damien Paulhiac.

But, hold on boys, it is not going to be easy to stay at the top. Samantha Hamilton and Emilie Timmerman were hard upon the transoms of these mini machos, finishing third and fourth, just ahead of Michael Guy, struggling to keep ahead of more little ladies Virginie and Anke.

And, young Michael, that’s what life is all about - on the land and on the sea!

The Pataya Sports Club at large

One the schools helped by the Self-help Food Project, with funds generated by the Pattaya Sports Club Charity Classic, Ban Huey Kai Noi wrote to the Sports Club saying they would like to organize a volleyball tournament for their students, but sadly were short of equipment and asked for help.

The Sports Club responded by buying 10 volleyballs and donating them to the school.

Pictured here is PSC office secretary Oh presenting some of the balls to Ms. Pachara Makomoi, a teacher from the school. Oh is helped by John McAllen (Softball Chairman), Harry Riley (Charity Chairman), Peter Malhotra (PSC President) and Christina Nielsen.

Pasi Venalainen crowned Club singles champion

Pattaya Golf Soiety annual Club Singles Championships

The Pattaya Golf Society’s annual Club Singles Championship was held over two days (Dec. 8 & 11), and was decided over 36 holes.

Thirty golfers started on the first day, followed by 23 in the final round.

After 36 holes, Pasi Venalainen from Finland won the championship by 4 strokes, carding an aggregate 7 under par.

Pattaya Golf Society Club Singles Champion Pasi Venalainen (center), flanked by 2nd and third place finishers Peter (left) and George (right).

The excitement of Pasi winning his first ever tournament and buying drinks for all members also coincided with the Club HQ Bunker’s bell ringing its maiden chimes.

Pasi’s first round lead was 6 under par. Successfully warding off a nervous breakdown before he commenced the 2nd day and more difficult windy conditions, Pasi returned a net 71 with a 7 under par total - enough to take the spoils.

There were just 3 players who returned sub-par rounds. Second place went to Peter and third place to George Meigh with minus 3 and minus 2 respectively.

The unrelenting conditions saw the final day take its toll on the field with 11 players scoring plus 10 over their handicaps. Four nameless players hit plus 30 and over.

Ger, Tommy, Dicky, Mike, Neil, Joe, Colin and the two Johns, Hopkins and Williams, all scored under plus 6 and only 7 shots separated 10 players from the leader board.

Pasi is to be congratulated on his achievement. Holding his nerve and having to negotiate the killer holes, 16th par 3 and 17th par 4, in windy conditions, he came through a worthwhile winner.

The two green fees were won by Roger Linfield and George Meigh for nearest the pins.

An interesting feature during the Championship was Roy "Tiger" Mitchell’s hitting 10 pars over the 36 holes and still returning a card with plus 24. If Roy cannot improve in these returns, the "Tiger" slogan will be replaced by something more appropriate.

An interesting feature of the Pairs Club Championship, held on the 15th of December at Pattaya Country Club, was the pairing of Pasi Venalainen and George Meigh who held the 1st and 3rd placings in the Singles Club Championship. Will it be a double for Pasi?

Swan House holds narrow lead

Swan House holds a slight edge at the top of the table with just 2 weeks to go in the Wednesday Darts League. Close on their heals is Tippy’s 1, just one win back.

With two weeks to play, Alan from the Bunker currently holds the league lead for highest checkout with 164. Odd from Mick’s Place holds the league lead for most outs with 84. Sab from Tippy’s is out in front with 117 individual tons, helping Tippy’s 1 to hold the league lead in team tons with 293.

League Table 

	Won	Lost	Tons
Swan House Tippy’s 1 Mick’s Place Bunker 1 Café Kronborg Texxan Inn Pleasure Dome Bunker 2 Tippy’s 2 Thistle Easy Riders	126 125 111 104 99 96 87 81 61 55 31	45 55 60 67 72 75 84 99 110 116 140	253 293 247 219 233 166 214 210 104 157 84

Jack’s off to perfect start

Jack’s Bar is off to a perfect 4 and 0 start in the Tuesday Darts League, but is being pursued by a trio of teams ready to pounce.

Pleasure Dome, Texxan Inn and Londoner have all lost just one game so far in the season and all sit tied for second place.

Rudi from Texxan Inn leads the league with a 100 checkout. Id and Cha from Jack’s, Jack from Londoner, Teo from Café Kronborg, Dirk from Beer Put and Nee from Mick’s Place have all achieved perfect 180s in the young season.

League Table 

	Win	Loss	Beer
Jack’s Pleasure Dome Texxan Inn Londoner Café Kronborg Bunke Beer Putr Billy & Da Mick’s Place Sports Corner	4 3 3 3 2 1 1 1 1 1	0 1 1 1 2 3 3 3 3 3	4 4 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1

 

Tippy’s remains undefeated

In week 12 of the Friday Premier Darts League, Tippy’s remained unbeaten after defeating Thistle. Thistle did manage to fight back and win the beer leg, though.

Texxan Inn carried on their winning streak by beating Billy and Da, but dropped the beer leg. SGP Bar showed good form by winning the match but dropping the beer leg to the Last Resort. Sports Corner beat the Rose Garden but the Rose Garden managed to take the beer leg. Baz from the Rose Garden achieved a perfect 180 in his singles. The Bunker had a bye.

There will be no fixtures played on Friday 25th December or the 1st of January so week 13 will resume on Friday the 8th of January.

Lindsay from the Rose Garden has the high check 121.

League Table 

	Won	Beer	Tons	Lost
Tippy’s Sports Corner Texxan Inn Billy & Da SGP Bar Rose Garden Bunker Last Resort Thistle	12 10 7 6 5 5 5 4 2	8 10 3 6 7 5 5 7 2	99 93 59 64 32 72 47 41 60	0 2 4 5 7 7 6 8 10

 

Pattaya Sports Club Golf from the Cafe Kronborg

Stan Smith stuns field with ‘post-party’ net 64 to win B Flight; Vistung back on form to take A Flight with net 68 at Khao Kheow - Thursday 17th December (Stroke)

On a lovely winters day, with the wind dropping somewhat from earlier in the week, good scores were recorded on this excellent course looking at its best. The Christmas Party festivities did not deter 37 players from the tee and good scores were returned. As the PSC Golf Championship approaches, this was another opportunity to familiarise with the A and C courses in fairly testing conditions.

A Flight
Winner: Svein Vistung, Net 68
2nd: Steve Mascari, Net 69
3rd: Svend Berthelsen, Net 70 C/B Rick Sharp

B Flight
Winner: Stan Smith, Net 64
2nd: Dave Fotheringham, Net 70 C/B
3rd: Bernie Tuppin, Net 70

Long Drive: Audunn Einarsson.
Near Pins: C 3 Mike Franklin, C 8 Fred Theobald, A 3 Timo Maki, A 5 Ebrahim.

Brooms sweep

The weekly Pattaya Sports Club softball game on Sunday, December 20 saw the Banglamung Brooms dust off the Sattahip Scrubs and sweep the doubleheader.

The Brooms didn’t take long to jump out to a big lead in the opener. RBIs by Pipeline Wayne and Dick (The Stick) Cagg put them up four zip after one.

The Scrubs pushed three across in the second on hits by Charlie (The Tuna) and the recently returned Billy Blooper.

After a scoreless third, the Brooms added three in the fourth and two in the fifth, with Alan Vegas and Vibrating Jay providing the firepower.

Going into the top of the sixth, the Scrubs were down ten to five but behind triples by Gordon Lightfoot and Slammin Sammy, six runs scored putting them up by one.

In the bottom of the inning, the Brooms recaptured the lead on a two run homer by Gopasetic Chris.

Kiwi Rick had an RBI double in the top of the seventh to tie the score, but with two out in the last half of the inning, Maple Leaf Rick singled to left insuring the win for the Brooms. Final score: Brooms 13 - Scrubs 12.

The second game again saw the Brooms take the early lead. Behind the timely hitting of Vancouver Doug and M. J. (Coffee) Jim, the score was six nothing after three.

The Scrubs did manage to put up three in the fourth and one in the fifth, thanks to clutch hitting by C. F. (Fowl Ball) Macallen and Tennis Ball Paul. But the Brooms scored five in the top of the sixth and despite a three run homer in the bottom of the inning by Mike (Mr. Ice) Berg that culminated a seven run outburst, it was too little too late for the Scrubs as the Brooms earned the victory 15-11.

Games are every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Pattaya School #7 just past Greenway driving range and Caltex gas station. Equipment is provided and refreshments are available. All are welcome.

Raiha & McCarty top PSC Memorial Classic

Phoenix Golf & Country Club Monday 14th December 1998

A field of 96 players teed off at the Mountain and Ocean courses in very gusty wind conditions which made the punishing rough at Phoenix more inviting than usual.

The best Stableford scores of the day came from the B Flight and Ladies Divisions. Fabian Arp, claiming to be a first time winner, took the honours in the A Flight with 38 points, closely followed by Reg Warner (37 pts) and Kevin Taylor (36 pts).

The higher scores in the B Flight were recorded by third place Izzy Freedman, 40 points, winning on count-back against Lewis ‘Woody’ Underwood who continues to show sparkling form. B. J. Smith nudged into second place with 41 points, but the Best Stableford score was returned by Niall McCarty with an excellent 43 points. This was enough to secure the ‘Dr. Sam’ Memorial Trophy, on its first outing.

Banjob Franklin continued her run of winning the Ladies Trophy at major local tournaments with a creditable 41 points.

The Prize-giving with Thai and Western Buffet took place back at the Cafe Kronborg, followed by a Lucky Draw. PSC Golf Chairman Mike Franklin emceed the proceedings.

Trophies:

Carl Lislevatn Trophy - Pekka Raiha Gross 82 (Count-back Steve Mascari Gross 82).
Dr. Sam Memorial Trophy - Niall McCarty 43 Pts.

A Flight (0-18):
Winner: Fabian Arp, 38 Pts
Runner Up: Reg Warner, 37 Pts
3rd Place: Kevin Taylor, 36 Pts

B Flight (19 +):
Winner: Niall McCarty: 43 Pts
Runner Up: B. J. Smith, 41 Pts
3rd Place: Izzy Freedman, 40 Pts (Count-back Lewis Underwood 40 Pts)

Ladies Best Stableford Score: Banjob Franklin - 41Pts
Near Pins: M.4 Ebrahim, M.8 Tony Stevens, O.5 Bob Davis, O.7 Chris Palmgreen.

Long Drive (A Flight, 0-18): M.7 Chris Palmgreen
Long Drive (B Flight, 19 +): O.9 Mike Mckay

Ladies Long Drive: O.6 Urai Khongnok
Longest First Putts: M.2 Pete Galle, O.2 Pete Lassvall

Early Christmas for B.J. Smith

PSC TAGGS... golf from the Hare House

Wednesday, December 16 - Bangpra International Golf Club (Bogey)

1st: B.J. Smith, 3 up
2nd: Serge Straeten, 2 up
3rd: Stephen Beard, 1 up

The beautiful and well established golf course at Bangpra has a reputation for some of the fastest greens in the neighborhood. But the combination of cool, dry weather and pin placements that bordered on sadistic, frustrated the gentlemen from TAGGS in their Bogey competition at Bangpra on Wednesday. There may have even been a few hackers who violated the Pattaya Sports Club edict on "no profanity". "I hit one twenty-five foot downhill putt, thirty feet past the hole. And I thought I had struck it lightly," bemoaned one golfer. "I felt like I was at Augusta National".

It took a steady hand and a calm demeanor to win this day. It also took a golfer who is definitely on a roll, and that would be B.J. Smith. B.J., who won his first competition out of the Hare House on Wednesday, December 9, didn’t waste any time winning his second competition. He beat the course three up and edged out another hot golfer, Serge Straeten, by one hole. In third place was TAGGS Chairman Stephen Beard making his fourth straight appearance on the podium with a score of 1 up and beating back Brian Clayton on count back.

Friday, December 18 - Great Lake Golf & Country Club (Stableford)

1st: B.J. Smith, 42 points
2nd: Harry Riley, 40 points
3rd: Mike Davies, 38 points

Stephen Beard, 38 points

B.J. Smith has been heard singing on Soi Post Office "all I want for Christmas is a good golf game, a good golf game..." Apparently Santa Claus not only heard this lament, but made a special trip to Pattaya to deliver this present a couple of weeks early. Merry Christmas B.J., you got your wish and your third win in two weeks out of the Hare House. B.J. won the Stableford competition at Great Lake on Friday, December 18, with an outstanding 42 points.

In second place was a Hare House regular that has been missing in action for a couple of months. Harry Riley, who was last on the leader board back on October 2, after playing in the torrential rain at Century Banchang, proved he can do it in beautiful weather as well as he scored 40 points to add to his golf shirt collection.

Tying for third place at 38 points each were Stephen Beard and Mike Davies.

PSC Golf next week

December ends with a flourish as the Cafe Kronborg Monthly Mug takes place at Pattaya Country Club on Monday 28th, or there is a Stableford competition at Laem Chabang with PSC Splinter Golf Group from the Green Bottle.

PSC Pattaya Golf Society goes to Rayong Green Valley on Tuesday 29th December to play Stroke and on Wednesday 30th Rossie’s Scramble takes place at Rayong Green Valley. Sign-up early at any of the PSC Golf venues for this popular annual event.

The last competition of the year is on New Year’s Eve at Pattaya Country Club, a relaxed Two Man Scramble from the Cafe Kronborg.

January 1999 begins with a visit to excellent Noble Place on New Year’s Day from the Green Bottle. There is no competition organised from Hare House that day.

The full January Schedule can be seen at PSC Golf venues and on our Web Page at www.pattayasports.org.

Best Wishes for Christmas and Successful Golf in 1999.

Copyright 1998 Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
370/7-8 Pattaya Second Road, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260, Thailand 
Tel.66-38 411 240-1, 413 240-1, Fax:66-38 427 596; e-mail: [email protected]
Created by Andy Gombaz, assisted by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek.