America’s Scott Norton rolls perfect game at 37th AMF Bowling World Cup

Pattaya’s Somdech (Nok) Boonlung “on the bubble” Tuesday night

Scott Norton, a 19-year-old college student from Sandy, Utah, rolled the first perfect game of the 37th annual AMF Bowling World Cup on Tuesday morning, November 6. The World Championships are underway at P.S. Bowling Pattaya, above Tops Supermarket on the corner of 2nd Road and Center Road. The finals are scheduled for Saturday November 10 beginning at 3 p.m.

Pattaya is quite proud of Somdech (Nok) Boonlung, who has been doing a great job representing our seaside resort.

At press time on Tuesday night, November 6, Pattaya’s Somdech (Nok) Boonlung was “on the bubble”. The top 24 men and women go through to the next round, and as of Tuesday Nok was 28th in the women’s draw. The women rolled their second eight-game block Tuesday night and finished their first 24 games of qualifying Wednesday morning. Wednesday’s games would determine whether Nok made it into the next round.

Nok has bowled well, averaging nearly 180 as of Tuesday night, and rolling a 255 in game 10 of the tournament. A few more strings like that and she would be through to the final round.

Nok is the only Thai woman in the World Cup. Thailand’s only man in the tournament, Wiwat Yuthanakornchai failed to make the men’s cut, finishing in 36th place with 4,727 pins and a 196.96 average, 122 total pins out of 24th position.

Scott Norton, who will enroll at the University of Utah this spring, bowled his 300 game, the 14th in Bowling World Cup history, in the final game of his eight-game set on Tuesday, November 6, on lanes 31 and 32. The lefthander’s perfect game was the 12th of his career and his first in international competition.

“I don’t know how I got into rhythm so quickly - what bowlers call ‘the zone’ - but everything just fell together this morning,” said Norton. “I felt good, I had good ball reaction and pin carry - everything was right.

“I enjoy bowling under pressure, and I really loved having everyone come over to watch me go for the perfect game,” he added. “I wanted to get the 300 for the USA; I’ve been looking forward to making a good showing for my country.”

AMF World Cup Schedule this weekend Friday 9th November - Quarterfinals 09:00 - 14:00: Women Top 8 15:00 - 20:00: Men Top 8 Cut to top 4 men and women Saturday 10th November - Semifinals and Finals *09:00 - 14:30: Semifinals - Women and Men *15:00 - 18:00: Finals - Women and Men Presentation of trophies *NB: These times are subject to TV requirements 19:00 Victory Banquet

Tamarine upset by Tatiana from Belarus

Volvo Women’s Open 2001 finals this Sunday at the Dusit

Thailand’s top women’s tennis star Tamarine Tanasugarn, the number 3 seed in this year’s Volvo Women’s Open being played at the Dusit Resort Pattaya, was upset by Tatiana Poutchek of Belarus 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the first round on November 4.

Montinee Tangpong, the only other Thai to qualify, also lost on November 4, to Zsofia Gubascsi from Hungary in two sets, 6-1 and 6-4.

Jelena Dokic from Yugoslavia, ranked 3rd in the world and who was the competition’s number one seed, dropped out of the tournament before it began. She announced she needed a rest from competing in consecutive tournaments, and cited her recent loss to World #1 Lindsey Davenport in Munich.

However, great tennis has been played throughout the week in the “Volvo Women’s Open 2001", which began on November 3. The finals are scheduled for Sunday, November 11 at 2 p.m.

Luxembourg’s Anne Kramer, the defending champion, nearly lost to Nadejada Ostrovskaya (Belarus) on November 4, with the last two sets both going into tiebreakers. She did prevail in the end, though, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), and continued into the second round.

Tennis players from Thailand were not so lucky, however, as Wilawal Chobtaeng, Chatratida Timchapoh, Orawan Wongkomlasai, Phichitra Thongdech and Montika Anuchan all bowed out in the qualifying rounds.

SEA Games champion and Wimbledon junior champion Angeligue Widjaja from Indonesia also lost in the first round, upset by Liezel Huber from South Africa, 6-3 and 7-5.

Tickets for the finals on November 11 (2.00 p.m.) will be available at the front of the tennis courts at the Pattaya Dusit Resort starting at 10.00 a.m.

Wet and wild at Bira for Thailand Touring Cars

The latest round of the Thailand Touring cars was held at the Bira circuit just outside Pattaya last weekend. Held in two divisions, the 1600 cc class was won by Jakthong, from Apathorn and Ekprawat, all in Honda Civics. The 2 litre class featured Natavud and “Pete” Pantakarn in the Toyota Corolla Altis race cars, while there was a host of Honda Civics to give them competition.

“Pete” in his Corolla Altis

The start of the main race was delayed after a thunderstorm hit the circuit, causing heavy flooding, with water coursing across the track in several places.

After hitting the front in the first few laps Natavud had an engine problem and retired, leaving Apathorn in the lead; however, this front running position ended on the last lap when an optimistic move by Jakthong saw them both off the track and stuck firmly in the kitty litter. This allowed Woraput through to 1st in the Honda, with Hathai 2nd and “Pete” in the Corolla Altis 3rd. Jakthong and Apathorn both received warnings from the Clerk of Course, but undoubtedly the strong rivalry will continue into the next round in December.

KRAN’S TEAM TAKES OVER TOP SPOT

Fitness Tips : Weight lifting techniques under the microscope

by David Garred
Club Manager Dusit Resort Sports Club

Part 4 - Advanced Legs Exercise

G’day readers,

As promised this week we will take another look at a lift for the legs. This is the correct technique for lifting weights in a split leg lunge. A lunge can be performed safely and effectively both outside and in a gym situation. Again, please consult a physician if you have not performed any physical exercise for over a 12-month period and get a registered professional to teach you this lift.

Lunges require a certain degree of balance, which can be learned, and the progression is not fast for some but once the lift has been mastered, quite significant strength gains can be experienced. Considering that we are again talking about the biggest muscle group of the body, here is your best chance to hit your muscles hard for an increase in your metabolic rate and an increase in the body’s ability to burn fat.

Lunges

Setup: If this is the first time you have ever performed a lunge then do it next to a table, chair or something solid that will support you in case you lose your balance. For first timers, without any weight is best.

Knee tracking: Perfect knee positioning in the lunge is necessary to reduce load on the patello-femoral (knee) joint. The knee should remain directly above the ankle and not push forwards during the lunge, nor should it be allowed to move side to side. This reduces the amount of knee flexion and reduces the compressive forces behind the kneecap while keeping stress on the ligaments that support the ankle to a minimum. Both knees should be aligned with the middle of the foot or even more specifically align the middle of your knee with your second toe to avoid rotation, which can also increase joint stresses.

Pelvic alignment: The pelvis must be kept square to the front during lunges. There is a tendency for some participants to twist the pelvis towards the back leg. This rotation creates the need for a counter rotation within the spine, thus creating a corkscrew effect. This once again can stress the discs and facet joints in the lumbar region. Put simply, any change in the pelvic angle is bad. Use a mirror to the front and the side, if possible, to watch your pelvic alignment closely, if you see one hip dropping or a slight turning then stop the rotation, brace your abs and concentrate on the lower mid section to keep all motion controlled.

The 90-90 set up rule, which enables you to correctly determine the foot position necessary for a lunge, should be used until about 2 weeks of regularly performing the lift. At that time you should be skilled in the lunge movement pattern. 90-90 is the depth check. Start with no weight at all, one leg out in front and one leg back from your body with the back knee on the ground. Raise yourself up until your front knee is bent at a 90 degree angle, then move your back foot (forwards or backwards as required) until the back knee is also at a 90 degree angle; this position, with the back knee 3-4 inches off the ground is the bottom point of the lift. You then leave your feet where they are and stand up to your starting position. Keep the same gap when you swap your legs and you should be OK.

One leg will fatigue before the other, in numbers of lifts that is. From one workout to the next, change the leg that you start upon so the strength gain is even.

For a more advanced training technique, you could also perform what is called a pre-fatigue super set where you tire one leg out on a lunge, quickly change leg and tire the other but finish yourself off completely on squats with the same weight. Please, this is advanced and you do need to train the muscles as well as your balance for several months before attempting something of this nature.

As with all weight lifting, keep your back in neutral spine position with your abs braced tight. Breathe out as you go up and watch this space for in the not too distant future I’ll be talking about how you can change the shape of your thighs into a long lean look or even a tight muscular look, depending upon your desire, in upcoming columns.

Carpe’ Diem

Dickie and Dave triumph at Phoenix

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society from the Bunker

On Tuesday, 30th October, the Bunker Boys travelled to the local Phoenix Golf Club for their weekly medal competition, hopeful that the Thai “winter” and its incessant rain had concluded. On a fine, hot day the first tee took on a “party” mood with Peter “Dogleg” Allcorn entertaining the troops with a Worzel Gummidge impression, timed for the arrival of Bill Chadwick who was sporting a new golf hat. The returning Fireman Danny Greer was making up for lost time with handshakes and quips and Len Jones was celebrating his temporary elevation to division one status.

But it was Dickie Barbe who made the best impression, winning division one with a score of net 74, well ahead of runners-up Peter Allcorn and Stan Axon on 77.

In division two Dave Johnson once again headed the leader board with net 74, and second place went to the in-form transport manager, John Preddy, with net 75.

Nearest-the-pin awards went to Dickie Barbe, John Preddy and two to Colin Wilkes. The rain? Yes it reappeared at the end of the round but by then a splendid day had reached its conclusion at the nineteenth.

Preddy, Steady, Go!

On Friday, 2nd November, the Bunker Boys turned out in force at Eastern Star Country Club, Ban Chang for their weekly Stableford competition. In spite of very heavy rain clouds and the seasonal tropical “son et lumiere” they were able to complete the competition without too much rain.

In division one Stan “The Man” Axon played his best ever round at Eastern Star, recording 38 points to secure first place. Second was “Charlie” Chen Chia Lung, never out of the top three it seems, and there was a three way tie for third with Colin Wilkes pipping Dickie Barbe and George Meigh on count back.

In division two the fine current form of the transport manager, John Preddy, continued. Third the week before, second on Tuesday and now, at last, in first place with 39 points. In second place was Chris John with 33 points and in third, showing some rare glimpses of his true form, Len Jones, with 31 points.

Nearest-the-pin awards went to Colin Wilkes, David Johnson and Bruce Ogilvie, who also picked up his first Bunker Banana Booby for abandoning his seven iron on the eleventh fairway, apparently an oversight by his caddy. What some people will do to avoid the bananas!

Find out more about the Bunker Boys at http://www.thebunkerboys.com

Jerry Lien wins with only 3 clubs

PSC Three Sisters Golf

On Monday the golfers from the Three Sisters picked up three clubs only for the competition. With only three clubs, which included the putter, most golfers did not do so well. One golfer did well and proved that he does not need all of his clubs.

Jerry Lien wins with 37 points using only 3 clubs! He will probably get “57” points next week with 14 clubs.

Three Sisters always knew that Jerry Lien had too many clubs in his bag and this confused his game. With only three clubs, Jerry’s mind sharpened up and he blew in with 37 points.

The next closest to Jerry was old reliable Moberg with 31 points. A few of the golfers chickened out and used all of their clubs and were disqualified from the bragging rights.

Holding up the bottom this week was Kenny Mau with 19 points. With his bad hip and walking the 18 holes it was a bad scene for Kenny as his game went south. Close behind were Gerald Holt and Herb I. just being able to pass Kenny to keep out of the bottom spot.

The “Doc” and Mike record fine wins in the rain

IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven

Monday 29th October - Khao Kheow (stroke play)

1st: Mike Spear, 67
2nd: Mick Jones, 70
3rd: Doug Campbell, 71
4th: Tony Thorne 72, (cb9 34)
5th: Herb Schwieterman, 72 (cb9 37.5)

The head cook and bottle washer, Mike Spear returned his best round for some months and led home the chasing pack by a fair margin. Steady play was the secret on the day, and the Guru, Mick Jones, who headed up the other prizewinners, repeated this.

Tony Thorne, visiting from Australia, took away a prize on his tour of The Kingdom, to seal a very satisfactory break from producing cat food commercials back home. The twos were shared between Yazuo, Tony and Rick Sharp.

Back at the haven, Richard Livingston, the resident PGA professional, welcomed John Low and Phil Cleland whilst welcoming back John Taylor and Des Reagen, all from New Zealand. Phil incidentally shot the best round that the TAGGS have seen for a long while, achieving a gross 74 off his 0.6 handicap and just missed out on the prizes.

Wednesday 31st October - Green Valley (Stableford)

2nd Division

1st: Bob Lindborg, 36 pts
2nd: Mike Spear, 34 pts (cb9 17)
3rd: Max Arlen, 34 pts (cb9 14)

1st Division

1st: Bob Van Mol, 34 pts
2nd: Rick Sharp, 32 pts (cb9 15, cb6 12)
3rd: Ray Matti, 32 pts (cb9 15, cb6 8)

A very large field necessitated the formation of two divisions played from the yellow tees at Green Valley, making it a very long course in the wet conditions. Indeed the field found it so difficult, the CSS increased by 3 shots to 75.

The second division was headed by Bob Lindborg, who is making a habit of appearing on the leader board at The Haven. Bob played a tight round to easily take the honours, followed by the in-form Mike and the improving Max.

The first division saw Bob just edging out the always-dangerous Rick, who managed to pip Ray on count back. John Low, Joe Sebastian, Phil Cleland and Brian Kelly shared the twos.

Friday 1st November - Century Ban Chan (Stableford)

1st: Stephen Beard, 42 pts
2nd: Doug Campbell, 38 pts
3rd:Russell Finch, 36 pts (cb9 20)
4th: Bob Lindborg, 36 pts (cb9 19)

The Doc finally came good after a miserable series of scores that saw his handicap rise steadily to 17. He shot, what was for him, a fine 83 to record his first win in an age, easily keeping Doug Campbell at bay, who in turn played well enough to push Russell Finch and Bob Lindborg down the order, and can look forward to at least a two shot drop in handicap even with the CSS being 69 on the day. The Doc was assisted by being in the second group out, and therefore missed the torrential rain that plagued the later starters.

Back at The Haven, Richard welcomed back Jim Hurn from Alderny in the Channel Islands, who did not manage to complete the course due to injury, but still swept the twos pool which included a carried forward amount. Well done Jim, the struggle was worth the effort.

A wet time at Pattaya Country Club

PSC Golf from the Cafe Kronborg

Monday the 29th of October saw more than 20 PSC golfers from the Cage Kronborg go to Pattaya Country Club (now known as ‘Swan Lake’) for a stroke contest.

Due to the absence of the old sea dog Admiral D.R. (who must have sniffed the rain coming) KSM (Kronborg Sergeant Major) Brook boldly led the chase into the quagmire.

At the end of the day, it was decided to have a ‘wet dream’ prize for the last, rained off, groups. This was won by the intrepid John Cahill who apparently putted his last hole with his umbrella in his free (?) hand! If anyone thinks this is against the rules of golf then they should discuss it with John!

The main competition was split into 2 flights (or maybe should be swims).

A flight (0-20 handicap) was won by Bob Morrison with a net 71, Alfonso (ex seal?) came second with net 75 taking it on count back from Rick Evans.

B flight (21 and over) was won by the effervescent Denis Curtin with a net 69, followed by the other old sea dog Frank Sinclair net 73 and 3rd was George Bennison, net 76.

Life saving certs are required next time!

All are advised watch out for sign up sheets for the ever popular Paparay Turkey Day Tournament. Early booking, with deposit, is advisable.

Pat Ryan’s Very Friendly Irish Party Scrambles With Shenanigans

A visiting Irish party of visitors joined the Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society outing at Eastern Star Resort for the October 30th Pairs Scramble.

The sixteen visitors were paired with eighteen Shenanigans members on a fine day, and with the course considerably dried out from the previous week’s heavy rain. However, it still played long and offered the usual stiff test to the short game. As a result, net scores were generally high with only four pairs returning net scores below par.

It was a fun and social day out with top honors going to Paul Hartley and Keith Fortt with an unlikely winning net score of 69.2. Runners-up were Bob and Lamud Lindborg with 70.6, and nice to see Lamud clearly improving her golf game week by week.

In third place were Tony Stevens and Philippe Berra with a net 71.2.

Near pins were claimed by Toy Ryser, Bob Lindborg, Len (welcome back) Dingemans and Barry Winton. The two long putts were sunk by Banjob Franklin and Tony Stevens on holes 9 and 18 respectively. Two extra technical holes were on offer and were suitably won by the Irish visitors. Ann Ladd (handicap 5) won the Ladies Long Drive on 18 with a very long drive that any of the men would have been proud of, and Paul Cormack had the Straightest Drive on 14. The par 5 17th was eagled by Ann Ladd whose drive and second shot put the ball just off the green, leaving partner Tom Noonan to sink the very long eagle putt. A 17th eagle was last achieved by Ray Woodruffe a few months ago.

The visitors enjoyed the course and facilities at Eastern Star and were later seen consuming volumes of pasta at Shenanigans Pasta Night.

It was another Shenanigans very friendly golf day.

Next outing for a Stableford Pairs Better Ball is on Tuesday November 13th. Sign-up, in pairs please, at Shenanigans.

PH3 Run 921

Back in Pattaya again on a flying visit. Arrived at the A-site for late sign up with Dr. Pinky and Blowfly. I caught up with a few hashers that I hadn’t seen for 6 months, and then at 5 p.m. acting GM Dr. Pinky called ‘Form a circle’. New shoes on in for down downs. Hares Count C, Frankenstreaker and Rottweiler on in to tell us about the run. Run laid yesterday before the rain, trail maybe washed away, and away the pack went by the old farmhouse past Tapioca fields, loops back around tapioca fields followed with paper through quicksand inside a quarry with a big Tonka Toy. Battled through the scrub then hell froze over. Total chaos ensued; runners to all points of the compass, on called then FT called, search again down FT Big Nosed B and Balloon checked past Red Herring FT with TQ2 tablet carried down mountain by Big Nosed B to sacred beer truck. Half the pack was waiting for Dead Sea to part others waded through, then all went black.

On on called by Uncle Fester whilst not on trail so that he wouldn’t be lost alone. FT called by A-h, on back from Needle D. I want my mummy called by Pacemaker. Unanimous calls of ice those hares. It was blacker than an Abo’s armpit, then the moon rose. Found the HHH sign on road and on to the Promised Land.

Dr. Pinky called the circle to order, raffle by PPD, Pacemaker on ice for asking if he beat Count C in, fat chance, hares never run you Muppet. Hares on ice, explain that run, blamed problems on late start and sabotage, so what said the circle. Hash S@#t? Said the GM. Absolutely said the circle.

Returners, visitors, all dealt with quickly. Fini, Spaghetti Head, Seagull S and Uncle Pervy were iced for paying with 1000 baht notes. Please for Dr. Pinky’s sake try and have the correct money. 10 Virgins dealt with. RA Sir Airhead your circle, hares on ice, Bushy declared innocent for cooking great chilidogs, witness King Yao Yao declares the run a total disaster. Rump Roast on ice for early drinking before 20 mins after the start of the run, blames being Canadian. RA calls for his Canuk mates, Helix, F4, and Abysmal to help him sing a song about Katoy Love. Moon runners on ice for being sexist.

Hares then sing the hares song, good song, too drunk to remember anything else. Hash hymn then on to Shenanigans for great food and drink, many thanks Kim and staff.

On-On Fat Boy

The BMW imprimatur bodes well for 15th King’s Cup Regatta

Pattaya Mail special correspondent Peter Cummins has covered every Phuket King’s Cup Regatta since the first established in 1987 in honour of HM the King’s fifth cycle, 60th birthday.

The Regatta is re-dedicated every year to the Monarch who is also the Regatta Royal Patron. The event is held over his birthday week.

Although, of course, the Regatta is held off Phuket, there is great interest from many sailors here on the Eastern Seaboard, and this year there will be at least six entries from the Pattaya-Sattahip region.

Story and photos by Peter Cummins

“Chesil”, skippered by Chris King, scuds along under a BMW spinnaker in an earlier regatta. (Ariel photo by Peter Cummins)

At the press conference for the forthcoming Fifteenth Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, held recently and the Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, Karsten Engel, president of BMW (Thailand) announced that BMW was, “Happy to join this great event, dedicated to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Thai Monarch.”

As principal sponsor, BMW joins a long line of perennial Regatta supporters, including the Boathouse Wine and Grill, the newly opened Evason Phuket, House of Kangaroo Europe AS, QBE Marine Insurance, Sunsail Thailand and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

In “coming aboard”, to use an appropriate nautical expression, BMW’s contribution could be regarded almost as the symbiosis of two lifestyle icons: the BMW symbolizing the elegance, excitement and freedom of the highways; the racing yacht symbolizing an opulence, a challenge and the freedom of the waterways.

Karsten Engel, Nigel Hardy (L/R) of the Phuket King’s Cup, flanked by members of the organizing committee.

“Over the past 15 years,” Mr Engel added, “the King’s Cup has become the number one sailing regatta in South East Asia for those who love the great outdoors and the freedom of the sea, using only natural forces - the wind and the water.” Mr Engel compared the use of Nature’s own resources in sailing to BMW’s, “Endeavours to use hydrogen power, harnessing sun and water, to power the car of the future. We can learn a lot about sustainability by looking at the beautiful sport of sailing,” the auto company chief concluded.

QBE is a perennial supporter, with the logo here gracing four-time regatta champion Bill Gasson’s “Big Buzzard”.

Nigel Hardy, president of the Regatta Organizing Committee for the past three events, noted that “the support and guidance of the sponsors” assured not only that the Regatta would be sailed but also guarantee its outstanding success. This continuing support allows us, “To provide direct financial assistance to His Majesty’s projects and local Phuket charities.”

Andy Dowden, long-serving (long-suffering?) chairman of the race committee, informed the large number of press and media who attended the briefing that in spite of the recent events affecting tourism and travel, entries for the Fifteenth Regatta were running at a satisfactory level. By registration close on the first of December, some 70 - 80 entries, with 1,000 sailors from 25 countries were expected.

Teams from the Eastern Seaboard

Andy announced that two full Thai Navy teams had entered in the Farr MRX-40 racing craft and there would be a Royal Varuna Yacht Club contingent, racing the “Emerald Blue”, skippered by Robert England. Another local entry will be four-time Racing Class champion Bill Gasson, sailing his sloop “Big Buzzard”, out of the Ocean Marina.

Some of the spectacular action at the Regatta start line last year.

1999 Performance Cruising Class champion Viroj Nualkair will be back with his all-Thai team to challenge again on his Farr MX “Octopussy”, and perennial Sriracha sailor, Radab Kanjanavanit will be back to try to take away the Ocean Multihull award, helming “Cedar Swan”.

Meantime, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s public relations director Supakit Polachan noted that, “Despite the tensions in the world and uncertainties in the travel industry, promotion of the country’s tourism sector would continue to be a top priority.” He also emphasized the role of the Regatta in helping tourism.

Andrew Owen, managing director of Proteus Sports, which promotes and organizes the Asian Yachting Circuit, said that Proteus was able to relay to an audience of more than 140 million world-wide, “the grace and power of sailing, the beauty of Phuket and the enduring charm of Thailand.” No one would argue with that, Andrew!

Andy Dowden (left) makes a point to Radab Kanjanavanit while BMW’s Karsten Engel looks on.

The Asian Yachting Circuit incorporates the four major regional regattas held in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong (China Sea) to select the Asian Champion, the inaugural title won last year by Phuket King’s Cup 1999 champion, Hong Kong’s Neil Pryde.

According to David S. Ratcliffe, vice president sponsorship, although some sponsors have had to “abandon ship”, so to speak, such perennial supporters as House of Kangaroo, QBE and Mom Tri’s Boathouse have “stayed aboard”. For example, three-time Regatta sponsor House of Kangaroo, which manufactures high-quality sailing and golf gloves among their vast range of goods, last year brought their European company to the Regatta. Now, they cannot wait until December! “The King’s Cup is a great sponsorship vehicle for us,” enthused John Beard, the managing director of the Thailand operations, adding, “Apart from the exposure in the right market, it’s a great opportunity to sail, party - and enjoy Phuket.” No one would disagree with that, either, John!

The Regatta will be held from the first to the eighth of December and a highlight will be the candlelight tribute to His Majesty the King, traditionally held at the Boathouse, Kata Beach on the Monarch’s birthday - his 74th - on the fifth of December.

BMW’s Karsten Engel (centre) flanked by the organizing committee. President Nigel Hardy at his right.

The first two days are set aside for registration, other formalities and practice races, while the main racing programme will commence on Monday the third and continue through Saturday the eighth, with Thursday set aside as a “lay day” for crew R&R or to re-sail any abandoned races.

Andy Dowden announced that there will be eight separate classes competing, namely: Racing, Premier Cruising, Cruising 1, 2 and 3, Classic, Ocean Multihull and Platu 25 One Design class.

Once again, as Rear Admiral Apichart Pengsrithong RTN said, “The Royal Thai Navy always stands ready to assist with vessels, manpower and security measures, to ensure a Regatta worthy of His Majesty.”

Together with the principal and major sponsors are the hosts - the Kata Group which acts as the regatta headquarters - and supporting sponsors, Neil Pryde, the Yacht Haven Marina, Thai Marine Leisure, Phuket Water Taxis, the Thavorn Beach Village and Phuket Marine Services.

The management is assisted by co-organizing clubs: the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Varuna and the Phuket Yacht Clubs. The Phuket Magazine and Image Asia are taking care of the publications and publicity while Phuket Island Lager - a “new brew”, Berlei Jucker and Pepsi, depending on one’s proclivities, will administer life-sustaining beverages.

Certainly, the Fifteenth Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is ready to ‘launch’ and the Bayerische Motoren Werke will bring the regatta to new heights, in keeping with the world standards set by the company. Thus, at the end of this year’s ‘Phuket Week’, the initials BMW will reflect a week of excellence and, not as has happened occasionally in earlier events, summed up by one jaded sailor’s BMW acronym: “Better More Wind!”

Updates on the Regatta are on line: visit www.kingscup.com; e-mail: [email protected]; Tel. 66(0) 76 282198-9; Fax: 66 (0) 76 282198.

Royal Varuna: A New ‘Lease Of Life’ - For Pattaya Too

story and photos by Peter Cummins

It is certainly good news for a Pattaya intent on cleaning up the environment and presenting a green image to the world-at-large. At a just-held Extraordinary General Meeting, the membership of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club (RVYC) voted overwhelmingly to proceed with negotiations for a new lease of 30 years on a 10-rai waterfront property at Pattaya Point which the club has occupied since 1967.

This means, of course, that sailing and yacht racing, the most environmentally friendly activities at the resort, will stay at the resort!

Royal Varuna Yacht Club: a new lease on life

Through massive development surrounding the site now being undertaken by landowners, the Kasetsin Group, the club will certainly lose the exclusivity it has enjoyed the past 30 years. Nevertheless, the membership is convinced that the present location is unsurpassable in terms of sailing, yacht racing and as a venue for the many world, regional and national championships which RVYC has hosted through the years.

Thus, the most contentious issue haunting the club the past year or more has been ‘laid to rest’ and the membership can now concentrate on the very important activities like sailing, cruising, yacht racing, socializing, eating and - especially in the case of this club - drinking!

Commodore’s Cup

It was most appropriate also, that the annual sailing of the Commodore’s Cup took place off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club last weekend. This very popular event was inaugurated by Fourth Commodore, the late Dr. Rachot Kanjanavanit in 1970.

It was Dr. Rachot Kanjanavanit who, in 1967, led the fledgling Varuna Club, then ensconced in a pristine Pattaya Bay, up “over the hill” to what was then a “wilderness” and built the present club-house. His vision and foresight still reverberate around the club.

Since the first, the Commodore’s Cup has traditionally been a race or series of races on courses designed by the incumbent, usually consisting of a long-distance event on day one and an inshore race on the following day.

This year’s races, presided over by Commodore Don Mackenzie - the 23rd of the line since Royal Varuna was established by Walter L. Meyer in July, 1957 - was sailed in light-to-moderate winds and featured big fleets of multihulls, monohulls and Optimist dinghies for the juniors.

Overgaard, over here, overwhelms

Back on the yacht-racing circuit were two famous Fireball (monohull) aficionados Neil Semple and Jens Overgaard who, after some close competition, overwhelmed the big fleet to emerge as the 2001 champions.

In the evening, as usual, the Commodore entertained the weary sailors, supporters and the press, to a splendid reception at Varuna’s waterfront hostelry and a buffet dinner under the stars.

As Commodore Don noted at the awards ceremony, this was the fourth time that Jens Overgaard, the tall personable Dane who now resides in Krabi when he is not travelling the world, has placed his name on the coveted award.

Dr Rachot, arguably one of the best sailors the Kingdom has produced, passed away four years ago. He was the mastermind who originally thought up the “mother” of all long-distance races: the first leg - sometimes an eight-hour ‘sailathon’ for the slower monohulls, from the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in South Pattaya to Dr. Rachot’s waterfront property at Sriracha.

Survival of the fittings

It was not always the length of the course or the conditions which decided winners and losers in this exciting race, however; it was sometimes the conditions wreaking havoc on fittings. At other times it was precious minutes lost in trying to find the entrance to the finishing-line marina, as this Pattaya Mail special correspondent learned to his grief.

In the 1980 event, after nine horrendous hours in an Enterprise dinghy, fighting a strong northerly head-wind, vicious rain squalls and numerous capsizes, there was the landmark in Sriracha Bay. Calculating that he was at least half an hour ahead on handicap and having all the rest of the same handicap monohull fleet not even in sight, it was all over!

He thought! After thrashing his dinghy - and his crew - for some 25 minutes up and down the bay, frantically searching for the finishing line, it was finally sighted. An exhilarating - and desperate - reach, racing against the clock in 25 knots of wind, and the would-be winners surfed across the line, to a spectacular capsize in front of Dr. Rachot’s marina.

The 2001 champions drive their Fireball down-wind to the finish line - and victory.

A collective roar of approval came from the big crowd of multihull sailors on the beach - except one skipper who was standing, staring intently at his stopwatch. The erstwhile ‘winner’, in spite of the valiant effort and the fine display of histrionics, came in one second behind the Hobie Cat declared winner. “One second in nine hours cost us the race,” cried the Enterprise skipper, slobbering into his third beer.

There has never been a finish so close in the 32-year history of the Commodore’s Cup.

After an overnight stay at Dr. Rachot’s splendid homestead, the sailors dragged themselves out of bed Sunday morning for the return leg south to Royal Varuna - often into a southerly head wind.

But, curiously, each year the same teams lined up to “do it all again”. Ah, they were a tough breed in those days!

Footnote: When RVYC signed the first lease in 1967, I was a “raw youth” of 32 years. (See story “Mid-life Crisis” in last issue of Pattaya Mail). Now, when I think of this new lease - and, worse, its expiry date 30 years hence - I have that feeling that I probably will not be entering my OK dinghy in the 2031 Commodore’s Cup.

Oh, mortality!

Fast Fijians capture the Carlsberg Cup

Earn fourth win at the Bangkok Sevens Rugby Tournament

The favourites in the Bangkok Sevens Rugby Tournament, Davetalevu from Fiji won the Bangkok Sevens Carlsberg Cup for the second consecutive year and the fourth time overall by defeating the NS Wanderers from Malaysia 29-5 in the finals.

Davetalevu’s captain accepts the Carlsberg Cup Trophy on behalf of his team

The Bangkok Rugby Sevens Tournament, a club level event held this year Oct. 26-28, has become an annual event for rugby clubs throughout Thailand and Asia. This year, 24 local and international teams took part in the three-day rugby fest. Only a few teams were unable to make their flights to Thailand, thus spectators and players were treated to top class rugby, as well as wild antics from some of the visiting teams who thoroughly enjoyed themselves whilst consuming copious amounts of refreshments provided by the main sponsor.

As with many large sporting events, there is always someone who can’t resist temptation, and at this event a streaker took his ball firmly in hand and ran the length of the pitch, scoring under the posts, only to receive a grass rash and a stern warning from organizers.

Kasetsart University’s captain is presented with the Jones Lang LaSalle Bowl trophy after defeating Les Piliers

The girls were up first on Friday, Oct. 26, battling it out in round robin competition for the Budget Cup, with the final held on Saturday afternoon. And despite losing a player in the semi with a dislocated ankle (the men’s games were actually less brutal than the ladies’ matches), the Hong Kong Hooters stayed on top to defeat the local girls from Mahasarakham 5 points to 0 for the championship.

The future of rugby in Thailand is bright, as the boys under 14s showed just how it’s done. Coaches, parents and friends cheered on their teams in the Boys U/14s TRU (Thai Rugby Union) finals on Sunday, Oct 28. The TRU Plate final saw Krabi versus Roi-Et with the boys from Issan playing like pros to take the Plate. The Cup final was of the same caliber with the team from Angthong winning the Cup.

‘Just missed him’ - the boys from Krabi put in a good effort.

Meanwhile, our own Pattaya Panther’s found it difficult to get into the rhythm on the first day, just losing out to the Patana Tigers 12-7. However, on the second day, after a night in Shenanigans Bangkok, the Panthers came out to defeat the Corsairs for the right to face Les Piliers from Cambodia in the semi.

First out in the men’s competition for the Jones Lang LaSalle Bowl on the morning after the night before (at Shenanigans Bangkok) was Kasetsart University versus the Mekong White Pirates, in which Kasetsart University white washed the Pirates.

The Hong Kong Hooters were too big for the girls from Mahasarakham in the women’s final

In the semi finals for the Bowl, the agricultural students from Kasetsart University scored 41 points to master the Vientiane Buffaloes on 0 to move into the final round.

In the other, controversial semi, the Pattaya Panthers faced Les Piliers to see who would get a shot at the University team. The Panthers pulled together to put on great performance, with Steve Turner putting the ball over the line to give the Panthers a 12-10 lead in the closing minutes of the game. Lady luck must have been suffering a hangover though, as the table turned when the boys from Angkor managed to make their way to the try line in the closing seconds of the game. At the fulltime buzzer, the Panthers were still in the lead with only one play remaining. The referee called a penalty against the Panthers, giving the ball to Les Piliers 5 yards out. Despite the Panthers’ huge effort to repel Angkor from scoring, they proved too big and bullied their way through, robbing Pattaya of victory after the full time buzzer. The final score Les Piliers 15, Panthers 12.

‘Bring it on!’ A British Airways Star player prepares to take on one of the NS Wanderers

In the final, Kasetsart proved too nimble for Les Piliers, and went on to win this year’s Jones Lang LaSalle Bowl. Final score: Kasesart University 31, Les Piliers 5.

The Federal Mogul Plate final was next up, with the Royal Thai Navy defeating the Air Force in the semi final to face the Mekong Red Pirates in the grand final. As the rain poured down these two teams battled it out in mud and grass. The Pirates weren’t quick enough to stop the Navy and as the rain subsided, the Royal Thai Navy swamped the Mekong Red Pirates to take home the Plate 29 to 10. After the traditional congratulations were over the Pirates gathered in line, each sliding off the field on their bellies to collect the runners-up plate.

Different type of clothesline! A Samut Sakorn player gets collared in the women’s semi final

The Carlsberg Cup held no surprises, as Davetalevu from Fiji trounced all opposition, often not allowing the opposing team to score even a single point. In the final, however, the NS Wanderers from Malaysia were able to sneak in a try against the lanky Fijians during the first half of the game. But that would be all they could muster, and by the time the fulltime buzzer sounded, Davetalevu were triumphant by the score of 29-5. The Bangkok Sevens concluded with Davetalevu taking home the Carlsberg Cup for the fourth time.

In the TRU Plate Under 14s Final, Roi-Et makes their way to the try line

This year’s Bangkok Rugby Sevens was deemed a success. David Dufall, organizer of the event, was pleased with the turnout after a year of hard work. When asked whether the Bangkok Sevens would become as big as the Hong Sevens he replied, “That depends on the Thai Rugby Union Association.”

Updated every Friday
Copyright 2001  Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
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Updated by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek, assisted by Boonsiri Suansuk.
E-Mail: [email protected]