The 3rd annual long boat races at Mabprachan reservoir
on Siam Country Club Road held on November 15 and 16 was an action packed
weekend filled with numerous activities complementing the already tense
competitive atmosphere.
Mabprachan
reservoir was awash with color as these storied boats and able crews get
set to do “battle”.
The races got underway on Saturday morning as children
from Pattaya’s schools led the procession when the coveted HRH Princess
Sirindhorn and HRH Soamsawalee trophies took pride of place on specially
erected stands.
Minister of Tourism and Sports Sontaya Khunpluem
performed the traditional ceremonies of paying respects to royalty as
spectators gathered to watch to spectacle of the races. Then he rang the
gong to signal the start of the first round of rowers as the crowd
gathered and cheered their favorite teams.
The grand opening included planes and para-gliders
which filled the sky in a spectacular show of grace and color. Twenty-four
teams from around the country in the 55 and 30 rower classes furiously
sliced through the water as this unique boat race was broadcast live
around the nation.
One Tambon-One Product stalls lined the shores of the
reservoir which magnetized the audience and eased their hunger. Residents
and spectators were also treated to traditional buffalo races and long
drum competitions, adding more excitement to the two-day event.
The team from Saraburi with their boat
‘Thepnorasingh’ took the honors in the 55 rower class, winning the
Princess Sirindhorn trophy and taking home 50,000 baht in cash for their
efforts. In the 30 rower class it was the team from Petchaburi on the long
boat named Plaitongthip who collected the Princess Soamsawalee trophy and
30,000 baht for a weekend of racing, with the trophies being presented by
local political heavyweights.
The long boats have always played an important role in
Thai society. Throughout history communities along the rivers, klongs and
waterways of the kingdom have depended on boats for fishing and
transporting goods.
One of Thailand’s most unique and colorful boats is the ‘Rue Yao’
or Long Boat. Originally designed for battle against aggressors, this
unique and beautifully crafted vessel is now used in races. Young powerful
rowers from towns along the waterways compete against each other in
friendly rivalry to bring fun to this vibrant celebration that marks the
country’s rainy season.
Young
maidens and important dignitaries stood poised, waiting for the event to
begin.
Long
drums and dancing maidens added fun and color to the opening parade.
The
expression says it all as this buffalo jockey tries to hold on until the
finish line.
Just
making it to the finish line is not always enough, as this buffalo jockey
is finding out. By the way, this is a race, not a rodeo.
“Oh
boy, I’m in trouble now.” Having started the heat atop and mastering
his bovine beast, this “ex” jockey found himself running for his life
when his grumpy stead decided it didn’t appreciate being involved in the
proceedings.
It was
a close race to the finish as a small plane in the background kept a
watch.
The
outside boat wins by a nose ... and it is a long nose at that.
Minister
of Tourism and Sports Sontaya Khunpluem rang the gong to signal the start
of the first round of rowers.
Thousands
of interested onlookers crowded the reservoir embankments to achieve a
better view.
Para-gliders
had perhaps the best seats in the house.
The
Kirwan Industrial Services crew was out in full force as the event sponsor.
(L
to R) Dominik Stamm, Amari Orchid Resort general manager, Steele Lambrinos,
managing director of Kirwan Industrial Services and David Wright, AustCham
president caught off guard while chatting.
‘Birds
of a feather’, Vicky Newman and Harpic Bryant on the verge of breaking
into song...