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Snow in Koh Samui, for the second time
Peter Cummins,
Koh Samui
It is actually the second time Snow has appeared on Koh
Samui. But let us be quick to explain what we mean here. The only possible
connection to the “white stuff” which comes down in the bitter northern
climes, is the colour of Aussie yachtsman supremo, George Snow’s hair - an
elegant, mature white.
 Ray
Robert’s “Ulumulu”, one of the heavyweight contenders in this year’s
Koh Samui Regatta. (Photo by Guy Nowell)
George, a veteran of 24 Sydney-Hobart blue water classics
and one of Australia’s finest helmsmen whose maxi “Brindabella” is
regarded as the premier racing yacht on Australia’s East Coast, came to
Samui last year, sailing aboard the Hong Kong entry, “Moonblue 2”. Then
he did the 60th Hobart race last December, that time with his four offspring
as crew. He quickly realized that, after years of sailing in cold,
inhospitable southern waters, the warm waters of the Gulf, off Koh Samui,
are much more to his liking. No one would disagree with that!
Now he is back for the Fourth Koh Samui International
Regatta, with three other skippers and crews from the Cruising Yacht Club of
Australia in Sydney, to compete in four Sunsail Jeanneau Sun Odyssy 35’s
all named after a specific Princess. These sturdy Antipodeans are competing
in the Regatta’s IRC Division 2 handicap open and against each other on a
level-rating (one design) basis.
In George’s case, it is a classic example of
downsizing. The mighty “Brindabella”, at some 80 plus feet, is twice the
size of his chartered “Princess”.
But the Aussies are not having an easy time, pitted
against some of Thailand’s finest, such as Ocean Marina’s John Vause,
helming Bill Gasson’s “Buzz 8”, bolting to the front in the
relatively-light conditions, with Saranya Makinson, “Magic Roundabout”
and David Pollard’s “Foreign Exchange 2” also out of the Ocean Marina,
Andy Dowden’s “Image Asia” from Phuket and Singapore-based Bill
Bremmer’s Sydney 36, “Foxy Lady” all close in.
Known now most appropriately as the “Tropical Island
Regatta”, it seems that the total community of Samui is brandishing an
“Island Supporter Fourth Koh Samui International Regatta” banner with
several major sponsors such as Bank of Ayudhya, CAT Telecom and the Tourism
Authority of Thailand, being joined by a myriad other supporters and
sponsors, mostly from the island - Bangkok Airways and the Central Samui
Beach Resort, the Regatta headquarters.
Weather patterns are a little unsteady, but the experts
predict that the imminent arrival of the southwesterly monsoons will bring
some winds of around 10 knots, a few rainsqualls and lots of challenges.
Without a marina at present in Samui, Chaweng Bay is a
show-case of some of the region’s finest yachts, including Hong Kongian
Frank Pong’s new maxi, “Jelik” - a re-incarnation of the former craft
“Pyewackett, a heavy-weight on the yachting circuits - defending champion
Sam Chan’s “Ffreefire”, Ray Robert’s “Ulumulu” and Toby
O’Connell’s “Yo”.
The first day of the Fourth Koh Samui International
Regatta was a “mixed bag”. The winds came - albeit slowly, shifting and
dying - which left the smaller, slower craft at times wallowing in the
doldrums. But, Mother Nature was kind and a huge shift to the South, helped
the fleets tailing the Grand Prix Racing Division, break Bill Gasson’s
finishing line, with seconds to spare before the line was closed. The last
four to be cleared by Gasson were the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s
entries, with Tony Herder’s “Princess Sharder” clearing the line with
five seconds to spare.
The full course was 24 nautical miles, starting well off
Chaweng Beach, north to round Koh Kong OK rock, around the marker buoy where
Gasson and the regatta’s trusty journos were stationed, and then back to
the finish off Chaweng. It was, indeed, a tribute to the organization and
race management at Samui, in which the race committee was able to record 20
finishers out of the 30 entrants, spread over a vast area of the Gulf.
Although, after some interesting tacks and
counter-thrusts, through the sheer power of his maxi-sloop, “Jelik”,
Frank Pong’s Hong Kong sloop, led the Premier class home, it was Aussie
Ray Roberts’, helming Malaysian yacht Troy Yaw’s “Ulumulu” who took
out the class on handicap.
At one stage of these classic duels, it was thought that
Frank was heading to the “Full Moon Party7” as he tacked towards the
north end of Haad Rin Nok Beach, at the end of Koh Phangan.
As Ray was heard to say, when the long, hot day was over:
“Today’s race was hard work in Paradise. We made a plan to run up the
coast looking for more wind - and it worked. It was tricky, but the swim
after the race made it a great day...!”
Bill Gasson, owner and builder of “Buzz 8”, was
rather pleased to record the winner of the IRC Division 2, as John Vause
helmed the craft to a huge win over another yacht out of the Ocean Marina
stable, Gary Baguley’s “Magic Roundabout”, skippered by superb Thai
lady, Saranya Makinson.
Elsewhere, “China House”, the new two-masted
catamaran out of regatta secretary Peter Plant’s Coco Blues boatyard, won
the Multihulls. This “new kid on the block” was more than half an hour
ahead of Radab Kanjanavanit’s “Cedar Swan”, sailing out of the Ocean
Marina in Jomtien.
Day Two, comprising two back-to-back races, started out
with light, shifting winds and big patches of calm but, by the start of the
second race at mid-afternoon, the wind had increased to about 8-10 knots.
At the end of the second day, after three races, Ray
Roberts had sailed to a commanding lead in the premier class, IRC 1, in the
Malaysian sloop “Umulu”, from Toby O’Connell’s “Yo” and Frank
Pong’s Hong Kong maxi, “Jelik”.
In the IRC 2 Division, Singoporean Bill Bremner was
fractionally ahead of the three Ocean Marina craft, with Saranya Makinson,
David Bell and John Vause, second to fourth, respectively.
Kim Thomas “Coca Blues” had pulled ahead of “China House, in the
Multihull Division, with Ocean marina’s Kirati Assakul “Sonic”, third.
Lithuanian crowned king of first Pattaya International Draughts Tournament
Ariyawat
Nuamsawat
Mr. S. Mardosa from Lithuania out crowned more than 30
other players over the inaugural 10-day Pattaya International Draughts
Tournament. His closest rivals both representing the Netherlands
contingent finished in seond and third place.
Tulip House & Travel guesthouse was host to an
international draughts (or checkers for some) tournament with more than 30
players from seven countries. The event ran from Saturday, May 14 to
Monday, May 23.
Mr.
Mordosa (center) with his trohpy and runners up in the 10 day draughts
tournament, Mr. W. Aliar (left) and Mr. A. Tjon A Ong, both representing
the Netherlands.
Tournament organiser Eric Van Dusseldorf said that the
inaugural competition has drawn enthusiasts staying in Pattaya. Germany,
India, Belgium, Russia, Mongolia, Switzerland and the Netherlands were
represented in the competition. A draw was taken to initiate the first
round.
“Our aim is to promote the game and increase its
profile here in Pattaya, since it is already popular in Europe and
America,” said Van Dusseldorf.
An internationally recognised referee, Evert Davelaar,
referred by the World Draught Federation, was on hand to monitor the
games.
The first prize was 300 euros or 15,000 baht.
More information on draughts can be found at http://fmjd.nl
Team donates its winnings for HEARTT2000
PGF Football Competition
The final games of this year’s PGF football
competition, played on the school field in North Pattaya Road, were in no
way over-shadowed by the weather or the two excellent matches that had
preceeded them in determining the finalists and the 3rd and 4th place
players, both of which had gone to penalty shoot-outs.
First
place winners re-donate their winnings to support HEARTT2000.
The 4th place was taken by Boyz, Boyz, Boyz, and the 3rd
place by Sabra. The final was between Chamnan Backpackers and A Bomb.
Chamnan repeated their success of last year and on being presented with the
15,000 baht winner’s envelope immediately donated it to the PGF Charity
Funds for the work of HEARTT2000.
The PGF committee and the teams who won would like to thank the generous
sponsors of the trophies and place money: Boyz, Boyz, Boyz 1st place,
Bruno’s Restaurant 2nd place, Throb Splash 3rd place, Ambiance 4th place.
They would also like to thank the members and sponsors of all the teams who
took part in the competition this year. The spectators have had the
privilege of watching some excellent play from enthusiastic and talented
footballers. The Teams would like to thank the organizers and referees who
gave of their time over the two week period.
Cafe Kronborg wins second place
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League 
200
bowlers - Tue, Kran and Dang.
With one week remaining Cafe Kronborg took three points
from first place Brother D and have clinched second place. Third, fourth and
fifth place are up for grabs and the final week should be exciting. Three
Sisters and Shenanigans, both tied for third, won all four points in their
matches this week. Three Sisters beat Friends and Shenanigans demolished VFW
Post 9876. Domicil remains in the trophy hunt after taking four points from
House of the Golden Coin. Cafe Ole won three points from Jack & Tar and
Mai Thai’s Restaurant grabbed three from Q Cars.
Best bowlers of the day were:
Tue, Shenanigans: games of 171, 190, 211 - 572 series
Kran, Cafe Kronborg: games of 183, 180, 202 - 565 series
Konrad, Brother D: 513 series
Mai, Jack & Tar: 512 series
Nual, Cafe Ole: 509 series
Aun, Three Sisters: 503 series
Dang, Cafe Kronborg: 201 game
Larder and Anderson take home the trophies from Khao Kheow
Friday May 20
Khao Kheow Country Club
Stroke & Medal
Khao Kheow is tough at any time, and on this day with
rain most of the week, it was particularly so, especially for those in A
Flight 0 to 12, who had volunteered to play off the Blue Tees. This was
not the day to do this and as we shall see horror stories abounded. Also a
new Low Gross was introduced in A & B Flight. As Usual A & B were
Gross, and C & D were Stableford.
The course was more than waterlogged, and the ball off
the fairway was likely to plug, and many a ball was lost, underground.
Care had to be taken walking up the side of a mound or hill, as the soil
gave away and you slid back down.
On this day the scores were in quickly, and to be in
that vogue we will start with the A Flight, because it is not often you
can say, ‘never’. In the A Flight we had a low Gross, won by John
Larder with a Gross 88. Then it came to net, winner was Mikael Anderson
with a Net 86, Second was Bryan Dodd with a Net 87.
In the B flight the winner of the Low Gross was Terry
Morris with a Gross 87. The winner of the net was Derek Brook with a net
74. Second was Ray Spence with a net 75.
The C Flight was a stableford competition, so they had
a little respite. Winner with 38 points was William Turnbull, second with
33 points, on countback, was Thierry Bibinet and third was David Johnson,
also 33 points.
So to the D Flight and once ago a win for the course.
Winner with 34 points was Lowell Adams, in second was Ken Ince with 32
points and in third was Larry Ball with 30 points.
With few Ladies there were only two places. The winner
was Moon Schwulera with 38 points and second was Mam Trayling with 31
points.
Presentation over, Emcee Alan Pearce and Chris John,
PSC golf chairman, thanked everyone for their help, and all zipped away to
get back to Pattaya as soon as possible, and dry out with a beer. T.T.F.N.
Winners:
A Flight: Low Gross - John Larder; Low Net - Mikael Anderson
B Flight: Low Gross - Terry Morris; Low Net - Derek Brook
C Flight: Winner - William Turnbull
D Flight: Winner - Lowell Adams
Ladies: Winner - Moon Schwulera
Technical prizes:
Long Drives: C5 Mikael Anderson, Mark Campbell, Mark Dugkin Arne Skorge
and Moon Schwulera
Near Pins; B3 Mike Morris, Unto Kilvonen, B8 David Johnson Chant
Schwulera; A5 Ian Covill, A3 Gary Blackburn, Jean Paul Micleil
Long Putts; B9 Rich Baronovski, William Turnbull, A9 William Macey, Dave
Richardson
Jim Payne wipes the board clean
PSC golf with The Bunker
Green Valley
Country Club
Playing a medal competition at Green Valley is always a
great way to start a new week. Division “A” found William Macey and
Mitch Malone sharing first prize with a net score of 71. Third place was
also a tie between Paul Smith and Roger Privett returning scores of 72.
Division “B” saw the best score of the day by Jim Payne scoring a net
70. Second was Mark Thomas net 73 and third was Bryan Rought net 74. Near
pins were won by Mark Thomas, Peter Habgood, Bob Pearce and Eddie Martin.
 Jim
Payne wiped the board clean with 3 wins out of the Bunker.
Crystal Bay Golf Club
Wednesday morning had a threat of rain, which stopped a
few players, but again not a drop of rain was found at Crystal Bay. A tie
again in Division “A” between John King and Geoff Parker both with 39
stableford points. Third was P.J. Redmond with 37. In division “B” Jim
Payne was again the winner with 36 points, Joint runners-up were David
Johnson and Mark Gooch with 34 points. Near the pins were won by John King
(2), Bob Turner and Paul Smith.
Siam Country Club
Only one division on Friday due to the Pattaya Sports
Club monthly tournament. Joint winners again with Jim Payne on the leader
board again with Mark Thomas both with net 69. Joint third place went to
Mitch Malone and Roger Privett both returning 71 net. Near the pins were Jim
Payne (2), Mitch Malone and Paul Smith.
The Bunker Boys are located on Soi Chaiyapoon (near X-zyte disco and
across the street from Tony’s Disco II). Monthly golf schedules are
available or consult the Pattaya Mail every week.
Same-same,but different
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral
The IPGC Pattaya Golf Society, travelled from the OK
Corral on Tuesday, May 17 to play its weekly medal tournament at the local
Siam Country Club and found the course in reasonable condition on a cloudy
and humid day. The imminent rains are desperately needed by Siam’s near
neighbour, Lake Maprachan, but this did not deter the first man on the tee,
Bob Turner, hungover after an evening celebrating his wedding anniversary
and his son’s first ever hole-in-one, ironically at Siam two days before.
He was to post a very creditable net 77 to share the runners-up berth with
welcome visitor Fred Theobald whose Lewiinski’s heritage served him well
in achieving the same score. The hero of the day was the rapidly improving
Ben Findon and, but for an aberration on the tenth, his winning score of net
76 would have been much better. Included on his card was an excellent birdie
two on the twelfth and his reward was a share of the rolled-over twos pot
with Toy Theobald, whose birdie on the par-three fourth was the highlight of
her card.
Elsewhere down the field a nervous Mr. Denis was relieved
to see that his first day’s stewardship of the Pattaya Golf Society was an
undoubted success. If only the same could have been said of his score! The
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society are reverting back to 10 a.m. departures under the
new stewardship and golfers are reminded that a warm welcome awaits at the
OK Corral, regardless of gender, age or handicap.
Len Jones weathers the
storm at Plutaluang
The Pattaya Golf Society, based at the OK Corral, chose
the Royal Thai Navy course at Plutaluang as its venue for their weekly
stableford competition on Thursday, May 19. The day was heavily overcast and
the inevitable storm arrived after thirty minutes to soak the course, making
greens and fairways very slow. Otherwise the course was in good condition.
Newbie, Basil Foley was given a warm welcome as he took to the first tee and
his long hitting was rewarded with third place for his 31 points. Old hand,
Bill Hewitt, is suffering a slight slump at present but held his game
together reasonably well to record 33 points and take second place. The
winner was to be Len Jones, for the first time in many a day, putting behind
him the storms of the week, on and off the course, to record a return of 37
points.
Something of a rarity was this, a sub-par round from the
PGS’s “behind-the-scenes” man! Under the circumstances all could be
forgiven for failing to make a birdie two, making the next round at Green
Valley a rollover, but the soon-to-depart Chris Walsh found his shabby 26
point total was good enough for the bananas, something to sustain him
through the cool British summer until his return at the end of the year. All
are reminded that the OK Corral has reverted to its customary 10 a.m.
departure every Tuesday and Thursday and full details of the schedules, and
much more, can be found at Pattaya’s best golf website, http://www.
thebunkerboys.com
Larder & Murphy clear of the field at Plutaluang
Mike Franklin
John Larder and Andy Murphy led the field at Plutaluang
with a fine net 66.4 from their gross 71 and Pairs Scramble handicap of 4.6.
Wet weather set the scene at the Royal Thai Navy course on Wednesday May 18,
with an early morning storm and heavy rain making the South course
unplayable. The West course was substituted and followed the East course as
the back nine. However, as is often the case at the Navy course, the weather
cleared by mid-morning and things dried out to become very humid.
 John
Larder (right) co-winner receives first prize from Mike back at Jameson’s
after a day out at Plutaluang.
The inevitable pairing of Mikael Andersson and Usa
Chaiyosit resulted in them claiming runner-up spot with a net 70.2 from a
gross 74 and Pairs handicap of 3.8. Just a fraction behind were Keith Avery
and Vince Smyth with a ‘if only’ 70.8.
Just two near pins were on offer. Jason Payne came close
to holing out on W.7 and, miraculously, Mosquito Bill Johnstone scored again
by being nearest the pin on E.5. The long putt on W.9 was not claimed, but
Andy Murphy was successful on E.9.
 Mosquito
Bill bites again, winning near the pin prize on E5.
Back at Jameson’s the 250 baht ‘All you can eat’’
Curry Night was as popular as ever and newcomers to JIGS, Simon & Debbie
Philbrook, were duly welcomed when the prizes were presented.
Wednesday, June 1 is the next JIGS tournament, this time to Century
Banchang for a Singles Stableford. Sign-up at Jameson’s for that.
Bob gives the gifts on his birthday
IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday, May 15
Green Valley, Stableford
1st A Flight: Kevin Taylor, 42 pts
2nd A Flight: Jim Wickstrom, 41 pts
3rd A Flight: Brian Holden, 36 pts
1st B Flight: Chris Davisson, 42 pts
2nd B Flight: An Kaesavane, 42 pts
3rd B Flight: Roger Parry, 42 pts
1st C Flight: Oddvar Rykke, 41 pts
2nd C Flight: Dan MacLean, 38 pts
3rd C Flight: Fred Theobald, 36 pts
Near Pins: #5 Gary Emmett; # 8 Bob Van Mol; #13 Paul Traynor; #16 Dene Airey
2s: Bob Van Mol, Bob Philp and Ed Trayling
Bob Lindborg practiced the adage “it is better to give than
receive” as he hosted, as he has done in the past, the Near Pin awards and a
“2s” honeypot on his Birthday. Bob’s generosity on the NP’s was enjoyed
by Gary Emmett, the Haven’s Bob Van Mol and The Shack’s Paul Traynor and
Dene Airey. Bob doubled up on the 2s along with Bob Philp and Eddie Trayling.
42 points was the winning order of the day in A and B Flights
as Kevin Taylor and Chris Davisson help sway, but Chris had to weather a
three-way count back to attain the loftiest step. Crowd favorite An Kaesavane
managed the B Flight silver and hard luck Roger Parry came third. Kevin was
backed up by Jim Wickstrom’s getaway day 41 points and the level to handicap
Brian Holden. Brian was the survivor in a four-way count back between the
departing duo of Johnny McHugh and Graham Johnson, and Gary Blackburne.
The junior Flight almost held its own as Oddvar ‘The
Tentmaker” Rykke put together 41 points to better “Big Dan” MacLean and
Uncle Fred Theobald.
Happy Birthday to Bob, Happy Birthday to Bob...and Thanks!
Tuesday, May 17
St. Andrews 2000 or Green Valley
White Tees, Stableford
1st St. Andrews Flight: Rick Harris, 38 pts
1st White Green Valley Flight: Gary Blackburne, 37 pts
2nd White Green Valley Flight: Mike Craighead, 35 pts
3rd White Green Valley Flight: Phil Groves, 35 pts
It was pick your course day at the old Society on Tuesday.
Behind Door No. 1 was Desmond Muirhead’s St. Andrew’s 2000 and behind Door
No. 2 was Peter Thompson’s Green Valley. Rick Harris certainly chose the
correct door as he had the best point total on the day on the daunting St.
Andy’s test with 38. Over at the Green Valley shootout, Gary Blackburne
avenged a count back loss on Sunday with a winning 37 points. Phil Groves
succumbed to the guile of Mike the Mechanic as the latter took the silver with a
count back.
Wednesday, May 18
Pattana Sports Club, Brookei & Calypso
White Tees, Stableford
1st Place:Brian Dunbar, 38 pts
2nd Place: Claus Birk Thomsen, 37 pts
Because a number of the lads were off to Soi Dao, it was a
small, but quality, group which took on the tough Pattana Sports Club. Brian
Dunbar and CBT proved themselves the most effective in taking on the B and C
courses, curiously labeled the Brookei (?) and Calypso (??) nines. (I won’t
even mention the A side, The Andreae (???)) The two lads, separated from each
other by a mere point, were four clear of the field.
Friday, May 20
Phoenix, Mountain & Lakes
Blue or White Tees, Stroke/Medal
1st Blue Flight: Phil Groves, net 75
2nd Blue Flight: Claus Birk Thomsen, net 76
1st White Flight: Norm Robinson, net 69
2nd White Flight: Neil Cameron, net 72
A relatively quiet week was concluded by a visit to nearby
Phoenix. The field split up quite evenly to play their personal preference of
the Blue or White tees. Big Blue tee hitter Phil Groves held CBT to his second
silver in two days with a net 75 to net 76. That second silver didn’t come
easy as it required a count back tally over Frankie the Pilk. Stormin’ Norman
Robinson shot a glossy net 69 off the Whites to edge the improving Club Maker to
the Stars.
The Caddy Shack opens
IPGC from The Caddy Shack
Situated on soi 17 off third road and heading 150yds
towards the Harley Bar is The Caddy Shack. It is run by Mr. Loy and
competitions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays leaving at 11 a.m. for
midday tee off times. The format will include medal and stableford play,
with team events being played once a month.
The first competition was held on Thursday of May 19 at
the beautiful manicured course of Phoenix Golf course with a stableford
format decided on. Playing the Mountain and Lakes courses, Mark Joshua and
Clark Alexander tied for third place with 39 points, coming in second with a
creditable 41 points was Philip Jacks, the winner Tony Duthie was in a class
of his own with a career best round with 43 points which included 3 birdies.
The two’s were shared by Tony Duthie and Steve Nowell.
Back at the Caddy Shack the bananas were awarded to
Stuart Solomon for his disastrous 24 points, maybe it was the constant
massages from all four caddies in his group that distracted him from his
game. Food was laid on by the Caddy Shack and all agreed it was pleasant
first event. The Caddy Shack would like to extend their welcome to old and
new golfers to participate in future events with paly every Tuesday and
Thursday with leaving times at 11a.m. contact Mr. Loy on 07 141 4702 for
further details.
Table toppers maintain their winning form
Jomtien 8 Ball Pool League
League leaders San Snack Bar and runners up Simple Simon
both took home victories on May 19, the seventh week of the 2005 season.
Paweena’s were the visitors at San Snack Bar and, on form, did very well
to take three of the games while losing out 6 - 3 to their hosts. As
predicted it was a close result when Woaw’s Pub visited Simple Simon with
the hosts running out 5 - 4 winners of the match. This ended Woaw’s climb
up the table and drops them to fourth place.
Moonshine
Place and Twilight Zone players at the end of round 7.
Country Club continue to progress; they rise to third
overall this week with an impressive 7 - 2 away win at the Lucky Bar.
Moonshine Place showed better form than of late when
hosting visitors Twilight Zone. The singles games were closely fought with
victories going alternately to the hosts then the visitors, making it a
nail-biting affair up to the interval at 3 - 3. Replenished by Ted’s
delicious sandwiches Moonshine Place re-entered the fray with a straight 3 -
0 win in the doubles to take the match 6 - 3. TW’s star of the evening was
Benny, who played great pool, potting soundly while extricating himself from
snookers with skill and safety play.
Bolaget were the visitors at Rose & Thistle and took
the lead 4 - 2 into the interval. Once again however, Bolaget managed to
rescue defeat from the jaws of victory to go down 4 - 5 to their hosts R
& T. Some say the secret of R & T’s success lies in Charlie’s
curry and rice! Whatever, Bolaget drops two places in the table while R
& T rise one to sixth.
Elsewhere, S & N Palace lost heavily to their guests
Hide-a-Way who regained fifth position in the league as a result.
Next week should see some closely fought matches. In particular, Country
Club host Rose & Thistle and San Snack Bar are away to Woaw’s Pub may
see some upsets in the results. Victories are predicted for Hide-a-Way away
to Twilight Zone, Moonshine Place who host Lucky Bar and Paweena’s over
S&N Palace. Bolaget might just revert to their true potential and take
the points from table runners up Simple Simon.
Asian University takes to the high seas
Well not quite the high seas, but we were fortunate enough
to taste a little of the old briny. Courtesy of the ‘Yacht Racing Authority
of Thailand’ and the ‘Royal Thai Navy’, members of Asian U were able to
spend a week sailing and training under the experienced and watchful eye of
the ‘YRAT ‘ at Sattahip.
A satisfied
group of new sailors safely back on land after their stint on the water.
It was a wonderful experience for all concerned as the
majority of the staff and students had never sailed before. At the end of the
week they were able to command a laser dinghy with skill and precision.
Taking most of line honours was Suksun Surapol from the
Asian U sports center, who, while never having sailed before, was a clear
favourite for the “sailor of the week” award. He was however, closely
contended by Dr. Apichat Tunghangthum, the Dean of Engineering. Another first
time sailor, Dr. Apichat was able to master the finer points of the
aerodynamics and technical side of sailing to show masterful techniques and
give Suksun and the other participants a run for their money.
The week has inspired a great interest in the sport with a
permanent sailing club now emerging at Asian U, which will commence training
in August, in line with the start of our new academic year.
Asian U continues to grow in the sports arena in both
local and national competitions and we are pleased to announce that we
competed in the yearly Badminton competition at Mahidol University over the
weekend of May 14 -15 where six universities took part in a challenging
weekend.
For information on all the sports programmes, either local or otherwise
please contact the Director of Sports. Mr. James Saville at:
[email protected]
DSL Pattaya 9 Ball Pool League
Soi 6 Quiz League
Wednesday Quiz League
Mickey Mouse Darts League
Good scores like gold at Treasure Hill
PSC golf from The Grapevine
(l to r)
Mikael Anderson, Jeff Wylie, Nooket Gummer, Tom Herrington and Colin Cronin.
Thursday, May 19 saw The Grapevine players travel to
Treasure Hill for what turned out to be a great day for golf: not too hot, a
light breeze, and no rain.
With only 2 golfers breaking their handicap, the course is a good test of
golf, and in tip-top condition other than a few greens currently having
their regular coring and sanding to maintain their standard. 38 points from
Jeff Wylie off a 4 handicap was enough to just pip Mikael Anderson with 37
off his 9 handicap. The technical prizes were shared amongst Tom Herrington,
Jeff Wylie and Mikael Anderson with Nooket Gummer holing a good one for the
long putt prize. Colin Cronin won the lucky draw. The presentation followed
a fine offering of spare ribs, roast potatoes, and veggies from The
Grapevine kitchen and drew a hearty round of applause from all the golfers.
Thursday at 8 a.m. for breakfast, leave for the course at 9 a.m., an
enjoyable round of golf then back to The Grapevine at Soi Regent Marina for
a good bite to eat and a couple of cold ones. If that sounds like the way to
go, come on down and sign up. Cheers and good golfing.
PSC golf from
Tropical Bert’s Beach Bar
Tuesday, May 17
Eastern Star
Stableford
Bacon Butty and coffee at Bert’s consumed, I jumped in
the car and departed for Eastern Star, in what can only be called ‘dark
and dull’ conditions. All the way down I did not have to put my Sun
Glasses on once. At the course the black clouds gathered, but we are not
fine weather golfers and we can take it. We are not put off by a bit of
rain, mind the sky was pretty threatening.
 Bob
Noble with owners Pu and Bert ‘The Hat’.
First few holes were fine, overcast but cool. That was
soon dispelled as the heavens opened and the rain lashed down for half and
hour or so, whilst we waited shivering under our umbrellas. Then a glimmer
of bright sky hinted at a lull, so off we set for a couple of holes as the
storm circled us, then down it lashed again for 20 mins or so, but this time
accompanied by thunder and lightning. Worried, Us? You bet we were and one
or two departed. Soon however, the Sun came out and we, the brave (and
Stupid) continued for a few more holes. Surely we had rode out the worst of
the storm.
Those who remained ventured onto the back nine, and then
all hell let loose, the storm came back directly above us, and the thunder
and lightning crashed about us at the same time. The ‘night’ was lit by
brilliant lightning that seemed to ground next to us, and the tingle was
felt. In all my years playing golf here I have never been in the middle of
such an intensive storm hit area. Yes, the sensible ones went back, but
another break saw many complete the round, including our three Lady players.
Fortunately no one was hit, but compliments have to go to the caddies who
completed the round with their players. Brave girls!
Round over we all sat in the Eastern Star Bar and dried
out, and took some ‘Dutch Courage’, before taking the trip back on wet
roads and bright skies.
Back at Bert tall tales were flying, but all were quieted
as Bert placed his Monster Big Hot Dog and chips in front of us. Bob Noble
told tales of how he finished Par Par Par, and beat the scribe by one shot,
and a good Bert’s Bar Night was had by all. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Bob Noble, Barry Kerr, Derek Brook, Nooket and
Andy Evans.
Long Putts: Alan Gummer, Bob Rasmussen and Jan Dinas.
Cannon blasts them at Siam
PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar
Monday, May 16, was a good day for golf except that the
greens were not in the best shape. Due to perforating and sanding of the
greens, putting was difficult for some. It did not seem to affect the scores
much as excellent scores were posted.
Sus Ige and Bill Key were fighting for first place with
40 points each. Sus won on countback scoring 20 points to Bill’s 19 on the
back nine. The only problem was that Nigel Cannon had not turned in his
scorecard yet. Cannon blew off the leaders the board with a score of 44
points. Nigel had a terrific score as his game again came together to win
another top spot in our Monday golf competition.
Following close back of Sus and Bill were Ciano Glavina
with 39 points and Jerry Lien with 38. Jerry won two weeks ago at the end of
the month of April. Jerry who has lost weight is hitting the ball better and
chipping well as he stays near the top of our Monday Golf group.
It seems that Paul Donahue has no luck. With Marvin Smith
and Tully back in the line up, Paul figured that he could pass the bag along
for a while. The only problem was that Paul shot one the worst games of his
life and came in with a miserable 16 points. The next closest were Larry
Willett and Marvin Smith with 23 points, well out of the reach of Paul as he
slid into the cellar again. Paul will be heating up his clubs for next week
to see if he can finally get rid of the load that he’s been carrying.
Zed zeros in on Khao Kheow
PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday May 16
Khao Kheow
Stableford
The Khao Kheow Country Club was host to a stableford
competition in Two Flights, A Flight 0 to 17, and B Flight 18 and above. The
course on the day was not in the best of condition, being the only place in
the area that has had a large amount of rain of late, as it did on this day
for about 40 minutes. As usual with this amount of rain the course won on
the day.
 Zed
won this in his sleep
In the A Flight, Aussie Zed Beloglavec was the only
golfer who broke par, to win with a fine 40 points. Jeff Wylie was in second
with 34 points and Brian Noguer was in third with 32 points.
Pete Ring took the B Flight with 36 points ahead of Bob
Rasmussen in second with 35 points and ‘ Swiss ‘ Thierry Bibinet third
with 34 points.
Near Pins: A5 Mike Gaussa and B8 Ebrahim
Thursday May 19
Phoenix Country Club
Stableford
On a wet dismal morning the players battled through the
spray down Sukhumwit, to arrive at the course in a steady rain. Whilst the
area needs rain, it always seems to rain when you are on the course, and on
this day it did so, all the way around. Mind a drizzle can be quite nice
here, last week it was it was so hot and humid we were praying for rain.
Some people are never satisfied.
 Derek
Brook
With the rain, actually as said, steady and not too
heavy, the round was quite pleasant, even if the course was tougher and the
shoes wet. During this season the ‘poor’ people always seem to have wet
shoes, whilst the ‘rich’ have more than one pair. So with wet shoes I
set off etc.
With the wet conditions it was not surprised the scores
were not very good, however we did have one good score in each division.
In the A Flight, 0 to 18, Derek Brook came back to form
and won with a fine 38 points. It should have been better as he had 33
points after 13 holes but I guess the cold wet conditions finally took their
toll. In second was the coming back to form, Mike Gerrard with 36 points.
Mike has been struggling with a bad shoulder, caused when he landed a 50kg
ray some months ago. On this day he was a real ray of sunshine. In third was
Bob Rassumen with 35 points.
In the B Flight, 19 up, Alex Backlund came to the fore with a fine 39
points, in second was Tyrone ‘Tower’ Bridge with 36 points and in third
was Lamar Short with 33 points. Lamar hits the ball as far as most single
handicappers. Somewhere, left, right, up, your guess is as good as mine.
When it goes straight watch out on the green, for the chip and four put.
Happy days! T.T.F.N.
The Beautiful Game?:‘We Was Robbed’
Riz Taylor,
“Daylight robbery”, moaned bemused Manchester United
supporters calling radio station phone-ins. “Mugged”, said ‘The
Sun’.
Despite comprehensively outplaying Arsenal for much of
Saturday’s FA Cup Final, United were left to rue missed opportunities as
the Gunners won Britain’s premier knockout trophy, triumphing via the
final’s first penalty shootout in the competition’s 133 year history.
These two sides, without doubt England’s most dominant
and successful during the last decade, arrived in Cardiff in the rare
position of desperately needing a win to salvage something from forgettable
seasons by their own high standards.
To say Arsenal’s victory came against the run of play
would be a huge understatement. United gained far more rushing yardage and
successfully blitzed Arsenal’s quarterback, yet couldn’t find their way
to a single touchdown to please their new American owner that was no doubt
kept busy trying to work out who was who. Whilst it’s rude to point, their
domination from first whistle until last would have counted for more if
veteran wide receiver Ruud van Nistelrooy hadn’t performed with all the
sharpness of a rusty butter knife.
After scraping home thanks to Patrick Vieira’s deciding
spot-kick, and despite not managing a single shot on target during the
regulation ninety minutes, Arsenal will take more than just the trophy back
to London. One major positive is a timely end to an embarrassing recent run
against their friends from Lancashire, this being their first win in eight
attempts. But more than this, as striker Thierry Henry indicated to
reporters after the game, was the fact that the Gunners managed to “win
ugly”.
It’s an important point. Arsenal’s ability to
serve-up mouthwatering football is well documented, but although the fancy
stuff causes major headaches for domestic opposition the team lack a ‘Plan
B’ when facing classier teams than those regularly served-up by the
Premiership schedule. The team will need this kind of gritty showing to
compliment the fantasy football if they’re to make any impact in next
season’s Champions League, or indeed stand a chance of recapturing their
lost league title.
With all the talk of Michael Glazer’s takeover at
Manchester United, which will no doubt dominate the news during the summer
break, Stuart Pearce’s acceptance of the manager’s role at Manchester
City almost slid by unnoticed. ‘Psycho’ took the reigns following Kevin
Keegan’s shock departure, taking the side to an almost unheard of seven
match unbeaten run as City’s league campaign drew to a close. UEFA Cup
football was but a penalty kick away until Robbie Fowler’s late miss
ensured that visitors Middlesbrough will have another chance to bore TV
audiences across Europe in the competition next year.
Pearce has taken time out to learn his trade, and this
didn’t go unnoticed by the City players and board who were immediately
impressed with his methods. His former manager Frank Clark, speaking in his
role as League Manager’s Association vice chairman, told the Press
Association: “I think it’s terrific. It would be very easy for him to
say, I’m Stuart Pearce, so I deserve a job as a manager.”
“But he didn’t do that, he’s gone out and learnt
his trade. He’s got the highest possible coaching qualification, went to
Warwick University to study Applied Management and acquired knowledge from
working with Kevin Keegan.
“He’s prepared himself for the job and this is the
way forward for managers. All those qualifications coupled with the
leadership he showed as a player makes him a formidable addition to managers
in the league.
“We hope young managers will work do the same. Hands-on
experience is vital but you give yourself every chance if you’re fully
prepared.”
Whether a degree in Applied Management can convince Shaun
Wright-Philips to hang around remains to be seen.
Fat Lady yet to sing
Put your cricket whites and your lawnmower away - the
football isn’t quite finished yet. Aside from an upcoming England Third XI
tour of the USA, this weekend sees the culmination of the playoffs in the
Championship, League One and League Two. We all have our opinions of this
system, and there’s no doubt that the side finishing third deserve an
automatic promotion berth. Just ask Ipswich Town fans, who are becoming used
to their boys falling at this hurdle each year.
But, if you’re anything like me, you sneakily enjoy the
playoff finals and the joy and heartache they bring to the clubs playing in
them. There’s also that moment following the final whistle when
uncertainty suddenly dawns on the winning players, who’ve just realised
that they’re probably lacking the talent to be kept-on for the following
season’s higher level football. In what other profession can you reach the
pinnacle of your career one moment and yet find yourself at the unemployment
office the next? Marvellous entertainment.
The games are so often edge-of-the-seat affairs, too.
Remember Charlton’s classic against Sunderland a few years back? Let’s
hope for a repeat of that on Monday (yes Monday, it’s a UK Bank Holiday)
as Preston take on West Ham in a rematch of the 1964 FA Cup Final, this time
for a chance to become next season’s Premiership whipping-boys.
Can’t wait for that? Well how about Hartlepool
United’s clash against the once-mighty Sheffield Wednesday for a League
One place on Sunday? And of course you’ll all be tuning in for the glamour
fixture of Southend United versus Lincoln City tomorrow. That’s of course
if anywhere shows it!
Up in Scotland the Scottish Premier League outdid it’s
more glamorous neighbour and other, supposedly more competitive divisions
across Europe by going right down to the final minutes. Rangers clinched the
title on Sunday after Motherwell’s Scott McDonald grabbed two goals in the
final three minutes against Celtic to send the trophy to Ibrox. You
couldn’t make it up.
Sorry Liverpool fans, the PM goes to print before the
Champions League Final so you’ll have to wait until next week for that.
Send your comments and feedback to: sports@ pattayamail.com
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Some times there is a little slip between the cup and
lip. Seems that your honest erstwhile reporter took the word of “an
undefiled source” to bring you the scoop that Amir Khan would make is pro
debut on the under card of Hatton-Tszyu June 4th. Whoops! Not going to
happen. Instead he will step into the ring in his home town of Bolton
against a member of the TBA family. This is the third change for Khan’s
debut. The second venue was London on the July16. Promoter Warren must have
been thinking that maybe Kahn on the card would save the Matt Skelton-Danny
Williams snoozer. Might have. Amir’s hopes that this first step will be
the start of a journey that will hopefully lead to him becoming Britain’s
youngest ever World Champion, “I am really excited and looking forward to
it”. Who said that? Why, Frank Warren.
Where boxing is concerned promoters and ranking bodies
are the whipping boys of the sport. It’s an honor they deserve. One of the
bigger frauds out there masquerading as a promoter is Murad Muhammad who is
always surrounded by his thugs in tight suits and bow ties. For years he
bragged about the great job he had done with Manny Pacquiao when in fact he
had done “**** All.” Pacquiao finally sued. But that doesn’t stop the
fraud Muhammad. Recently Pacquiao sent a letter requesting that Muhammad
stop claiming to represent him. “In a letter released to the press,
Pacquiao claims that Muhammad and M&M Sports participated in a fraud
against him by leaving him with missing funds and a huge tax bill”,
Pacquiao wrote, “I am moving on with my career. My new management team has
reached an verbal agreement for my next two bouts, and I expect to sign a
written agreement within the next two weeks. As of that time, not only will
you remain fired, but there will be a different promoter formally
representing me.” Fraud Muhammad claims he has an iron-clad contract. “I
love you all my heart”, from a “wake me up before you Go-Go Girl would
have more legal standing.
Featherweight Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym (50-3) is a good
boxer. He’s among the top 10 or 15 in the world. Forget the 50-3 cause 45
of those wins are against guys that couldn’t box apples. Maybe had he
gotten on the international scene early in his career he might have done
something. He’s signed a promotional contract with Murad Muhammad with
hopes of challenging IBF/WBA featherweight champion Juan Marquez in 2005.
This is the same guy that had a chance against Manny Pacquiao in October of
2002 only to get clocked in one round. He went down four times, was
unconscious for 20 minutes in the ring and then rushed to the hospital.
Jimmy Chaichotchuang manager of Rakkiatgym said, “I am looking forward to
a successful association with Murad Muhammad. I am very pleased that my
boxer Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym will be promoted by Murad. He has proved himself
to be one of the world’s greatest promoters - he made Manny Pacquaio a
superstar and also promoted the world’s greatest pound for pound boxer Roy
Jones Jr.” Murad Muhammad is a total fraud. His taking credit for Jones
and Pacquaio is like the rooster taking credit for the sun rising.
Well, good and bad news for my pal “OR” - First the
bad news. The NBC TV network has decided that The Contender TV Series has
run it’s course. They’ll run the final next week and then adios. Why was
it cancelled? Not enough female viewers. Of course as the fourth network in
America in a field of four NBC has that problem with all programs. The good
news is that if you got the Lamon Brewster (31-2) against Andrew Golota
(38-5-1) for the WBO heavyweight title on TV the voice you heard was Colonel
Bob Sheridan who is O.R’s favorite boxing guy. The good Colonel does know
his boxing. Prior to the fight he said, “”Lamon Brewster will have his
hands full with Andrew Golota who came with in a point or two of beating
both IBF champion Chris Byrd and then the very tough Johnny Ruiz for the WBA
title... unless Lamon is in the best physical shape of his life, he’s
going to get stopped by Golota who at age 37 is still very dangerous, and
who will have home court advantage in front of a huge Polish audience
expected to flood the United Center in Chicago.” Whoops!
But first Aussie Paul Briggs (23-2) had the chance to
annex the vacant WBC light heavy crown against Poland’s Tomasz Adamek
(29-0). Both fighters were making their first appearances in the USA. In a
fight that could have gone either way, and almost did, Adamek got a majority
decision (115-113, 117-113, 114-114) to claim the title. After the ruggedly
contested struggle Adamek informed the gathered press (they do like to
gather those press types) that his nose had been broken four weeks prior to
the fight. That explained the cotton stuffing the size of golf balls stuffed
in his nose at the post fight press conference. Advised to pull out of the
fight Adamek said, “Dosineski nibleski meinski moraninski.” Roughly
translated that means, “I will fight on.” Still undefeated Adamek is in
line for some decent money fights in the comings months.
The good Colonel Bob Sheridan, like everyone else, was in
for a surprise as were the 20,000 plus at the United Center in Chicago as
Andy “The Foul Pole” Golota faded shortly after the referee said,
“Touch’em up.” It took WBO Champion Lemon Brewster only 13 seconds to
land the first real punch of the fight and score the first knockdown. Next
punch by Brewster, next knockdown. Third punch and third knockdown. The
fight lasted all of 53 seconds. One writer wrote, “The referee stopped the
carnage.” He got it right. But it was exciting. Golota had that “brook
trout” look in his eyes from the opening bell. Brook Trout look? It’s
like the “deer in the headlights” but less confidence. Oh Andy we’ll
miss you.
Now if you’re not doing anything this day maybe
you’ll want to stroll to the Saraburi province where former WBC Fly King
Medgoen Singsurat (40-3) takes on over matched Filipino Tata Polinar (2-9).
This will be Singsurat’s 11th title defense. Yea he keeps fighting 2-9
guys and he’ll have 100 title defenses. Stinker! Don’t stroll anywhere
except down to the local for a “nice cool one and a little walking to
music.”
Next Sunday (Pattaya Time) Julio Cesar Chavez (107-5-2) will be making
his next farewell appearance. He fights another guy who’s been over the
hill for years in Ivan Robinson (32-9-2). Chavez record of 107 wins won’t
be broken in the foreseeable future. Former Champ Greg Haugen said before
his 1993 fight with Chavez, who had 85 wins at the time, “Half his wins
have come against Tijuana taxi drivers. My mother could whip them.”
Fighting in Aztec Stadium before over 100,000 Chavez scored a 5th round TKO.
After the fight Haugen was asked if he’d changed his mind about Chavez in
pre fight comments. “No, Of course my Mom was pretty tough.” Happy
Memorial Day to all you Yank Expats. Now that I’ll drink too!
Lady player wins Deutsches Haus golf tournament
Elfi Seitz
The golf tournament that is arranged twice yearly by the
Deutsches Haus restaurant took place on May 7, with more than 20 male and
female players participating. Venue was the Plutaluang golf course in
Sattahip.
 Nong
Kanowan estimating the distance to the hole.
There was tough competition for positioning in the first
round. Because of the weather conditions, which improved considerably in the
second round, it was do or die and the scores were promptly enhanced.
It soon became apparent that, regardless of the efforts
of the male players, this time the first prize would go to a lady. Overall
winner was Nong Kanokwan, manager of the Deutsches Haus, closely followed by
Uwe Wegner. Third place was also taken by one of the lady players, Ja-o
Korffmann.
 Runner
up Uwe Wegener.
A party accompanied the award giving ceremony in the
evening, staged at the Deutsches Haus. As players and guests tucked into a
traditional suckling pig dinner, prepared by butcher Karl, the winners
received their trophies from Christian Beckers, president of the
German-Swiss Golf Club and Dieter Floeth, secretary of the club and owner of
the Deutsches Haus. The trophies were tremendous glasses filled with golf
balls. Nong received 60 golf balls, the runner up got 40 and the third
placed got 20 golf balls. All prizes together with a barrel of beer and the
suckling pig dinner were sponsored by the Deutsches Haus.
Armin Korffmann set out 3000 baht for the best male and
2000 baht for the best female player, which had the odd effect of awarding
more money to the runner up than to the winner.
Results: 1. Nong Kanowan, 2. Uwe Wegener, 3. Ja-o Korffmann, 4.
Gerd Schaudt, 5. Dieter Floeth.
Dieter
Floeth handing over the prize to the third placed Ja-o Korffmann.
Ebrahim makes history as first ever Rookie to take victory
Formula BMW Asia round 4
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Fifteen-year-old Indian Formula
BMW Junior and Rookie, Armaan Ebrahim (Team E-Rain), astounded the Asian
racing fraternity today by taking a brilliant victory in Round 4 of Formula
BMW Asia. The youngster made history by becoming the first Rookie ever to
achieve this result, in just his fourth outing in the car. He drove the
20-lap race with a maturity way beyond his years. Second was fellow BMW
Junior Robert Boughey (THA/Team Meritus), followed by series leader Salman
Al Khalifa (BAH/Team E-Rain) in a heart-stopping race.
 Armaan
Ebrahim, just 15 atop of the podium after winning Formula BMW Asia round 4
at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit.
Al Khalifa remains at the top of the championship
leaderboard, but it is now Ebrahim who is in second, just 17 points behind,
with Charlie-Ro Charlez (MAS/Team Meritus) in third on 45.
Said Ebrahim, who has been tipped for a test with
India’s A1GP Team and who has aspirations to follow in the footsteps of
his mentor Narain Karthikeyan: “I never thought I’d win this quickly.
I’ve been getting more experience and have learned from the first three
races. Today I put my head down and am much more confident. You can expect
more from me, but I have to thank BMW for giving me this opportunity and JK
Tyres my primary sponsors for having faith in me.” Not only did Ebrahim
credit the comprehensive Formula BMW Education and Coaching Programme with
his extraordinary progress, but also some well-chosen words of advice from
father Akbar, who was India’s first ever Formula 3 driver.
In the race, Al Khalifa was slow off the start and lost
his pole position advantage immediately, with fellow countryman Hamed Al
Fardan (Team Meritus), starting from third, seizing the lead almost
immediately. Ebrahim was up to second by the end of lap one ahead of
Boughey, and began to close the gap on Al Fardan. Mid-way through the race,
the Indian made a valiant effort to take the lead, but just couldn’t quite
pull it off.
Al Khalifa was on a charge to make up the places he lost
off the start, setting the fastest lap of the race, and there was almost
nothing between the top four. Ebrahim finally managed to grab the race lead
on lap 16, while behind him Al Fardan was coming under pressure from a
determined Boughey. The two battled it out over the next three laps until
disaster struck for Al Fardan on the final lap of the race when the two came
together taking him out of the contention and denying him a precious podium
finish. That handed third to Al Khalifa, a position he later declared
rightfully belonged to an inconsolable Al Fardan.
Aaron Lim (MAS/Minardi Team Asia) was the second Rookie finisher and a
tremendous 4th overall in his second ever motor race, followed by fellow
Malaysian Charlez. Ebrahim’s win puts him on an equal 67 points with
Charlez in the Rookie Cup standings, followed by An on 40. (Motorsports Asia
Ltd)
MotoGP - Technical Matters
Tyres and Brakes
Back in the 50s and 60s racing motorcycles used road
tyres, there were no other options. At that time tyres were of crossply
construction with an almost square profile! In the early 70s Michelin
introduced the rounded profile with their PZ tyre, still a road tyre, but
one offering a contact patch larger than its competitors. This gave higher
levels of grip and consequently an immediate advantage to its riders.
1975 was the year when slick tyres (without a tread
pattern) were first provided by Michelin and in 1976, Barry Sheene won the
500cc world title using the tyres of the French manufacturer.
The next major innovation in tyre construction came in
the eighties with the advent of radial tyres. A new dimension in handling
had arrived and continues through to the present day for both track and
road. The benefits gained include grip, at both ends, stability at speed
around bends and under acceleration out of corners. The front end is also
much more stable under the forces of heavy braking.
Race tyre technology allows a rider to choose between
three different tyre compounds for front and rear (soft, medium and hard)
for dry conditions. Also, for more adverse weather conditions, the choice is
between intermediates and full “wets”.
The drum brakes (internal expanding shoes against a cast
steel drum) were no match for the disc brakes when they were introduced in
the 70s. Although for awhile the twin leading shoe double drum magnesium
hubs did have some advantages over the early disc brakes particularly in the
wet when disc brakes functionality was poor.
Road and race bikes use dramatically different materials
of construction for good reason. A road rider must have brakes that suit all
conditions; cast steel is the best all round performer, wet and dry with
pads that are a composite with asbestos no longer in use. To improve the wet
weather response most discs are ventilated, grooved and / or drilled to
allow rapid dispersion of any water present. A single disc is sufficient for
smaller capacity machines while sports bikes and heavier tourers have twin
discs and two or even three pistons driving the pads.
Race machines use carbon discs and pads because of the
superior friction between the pad and disc and better heat dissipation.
Another benefit is a weight saving of about 1.6 to 1.8 kg at the front end.
Carbon brakes only work well at temperatures in the range 440 to 670 degrees
C, but do heat up quickly. Care is needed when braking during the warm-up
sighting lap and the first few bends, imagine the complications of brakes
not fully functional and cold tyres lacking adhesion. This is why warm-up
lap accidents are not un-common, don’t think the rider is an idiot, if it
were that simple anybody could be a MotoGP star!
So, for the racer with carbon brakes the front end is
lighter (with less unsprung weight), thus it is more agile and turns more
quickly. The downside is that the front end is also less stable. Moreover,
during wet or damp conditions carbon brakes don’t dispell water as easily
and cool rapidly so work very poorly if at all. Riders will switch to their
number two bike set-up with steel discs and composite pads when a wet race
is declared.
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