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Raimon Land breathes new life into the Varuna Cup
By Peter Cummins
The Varuna Cup, to be held out off the Royal Varuna Yacht
Club over the weekend of 26 and 27 November is not only one of the Royal
Varuna’s but also one of the kingdom’s oldest and most sacrosanct yacht
races.
This time around, the event starts a new and exciting
phase, entering what I would call the ‘Raimon Land yachting era’.
However, the Varuna Cup is just one of the four big regattas now supported
by the environmentally aware developers. Starting with the 18th Phuket
King’s Cup Regatta in 2004, as a co-sponsor, Raimon Land has now taken
over Asia’s premier yacht race week as principal sponsor through till at
least 2008/2009.
 Saranya
Makinson/Gary Baguley’s “Magic Roundabout” will be in hot contention
at the Royal varuna Cup to be held 26 & 27 November.
Then, in May this year, the company provided major
sponsorship to the first of what is undoubtedly to become the Northern Gulf
equivalent of the Phuket King’s Cup: the Top of the Gulf Regatta. Its
inaugural event, held out off the Ocean Marina, was the focus for more than
100 craft, including 70 Optimists and it was a “roaring” success, which
will, no doubt continue.
Mid-year, Raimon Land played a minor role in yet another
new regatta, this one the Evason Phuket Race Week and, now coming up this
weekend we have the Varuna Cup.
It is easy to see why Raimon Land is so enthusiastic to
support yacht racing, for like many marine sports, its own philosophy is to
safeguard nature with environmentally-friendly buildings and concepts.
This philosophy coincides entirely with the aims of the
public sector, too, which is looking to water sports and marine activities
as a panacea for the big drop in tourist arrivals since the December
tsunami. Recently, the Tourism Authority of Thailand singled out the
Pattaya-Jomtien area for a massive disbursement of funds, reaching some 10
million baht and according to TAT officials, this money will be used to
“promote the area as a dynamic and diverse center for all sports,
especially those marine-related”.
So, the Raimon Land Varuna Cup will show-piece the best
side of Pattaya and, according to Principal Race Officer, Dick van den
Heuvel, a big fleet is expected, with many international entries, ranging
from the junior trainer, the Optimist to keelboats, especially the Platus
and the large cata- and tri-marans out of the Ocean Marina. Furthermore, a
big contingent of dinghy sailors from the Royal Thai Navy in Sattahip will
join as of course will a mix of many classes from Royal Varuna’s big fleet
of Nacra and Hobie Cats.
Dick announced that a total of four races for the
catamarans, three for the keelboats and five for Lasers, Optimists and any
other mono-hulls will be sailed over the two days. Sunday will feature a
long-distance race for catamarans and keelboats.
The action will start at the Royal Varuna Club on
Saturday morning, 26 November, with the following schedules: 08.00-09.00am
registration, measurement and briefing; 10.30 first warning signal of the
day. Sunday will start at the same time (wind permitting).
The wind is still a little unsettled, with southerly
storm fronts altering the patterns but being the end of November, the
north-easterlies should be prevailing, making racing ideal.
Anyone who has ever enjoyed Raimon Land hospitality knows
that the Saturday evening ‘happy hour’ and buffet will be up to the
usual exquisite standards of the company.
Further enquiries and additional information should be addressed to the
Royal Varuna Yacht Club. Tel. 038-306290; fax 038-250115; e-mail rvyc@
ptty.loxinfo.co.th. or visit the up-dated website:
royal-varuna-yacht-club.com
Local ladies looking to hit the ‘big time’
in the world of lawn bowls
Mention the name Thong Omen to the majority of Pattaya
residents and the chances are you will be greeted with a quizzical look.
Well, remember that name because Thong is one of Pattaya’s most talented
but so far, unsung sporting stars. The anonymity of this young Thai lady is
hardly surprising however, considering the game of lawn bowls is a
relatively new sport to Thailand and there is currently a lack of playing
facilities around the country. That aside, the fact remains that Thong is
not only the current Thai ladies champion, a title she won in Pattaya last
year, but she is also regarded as one of the brightest young bowling
prospects in the whole of Asia. Thong’s meteoric rise to lawn bowling
stardom can be attributed in part to the hours of practice she puts in down
at the Pattaya Bowling Green, week in week out. Together with her fellow
Pattaya Bowling Club teammates, Jeang Wariram and Netnapar Rarpcharoen,
Thong will help form the backbone of the Thai ladies SEA Games bowling team,
which will be flying out to the Philippines on November 28.
The
Thai lawn bowling team appeared at the Pattaya Bowling Club, Saturday Nov.
19 for a final practice session before flying off to the SEA Games in the
Philippines.
A week after receiving the official send off by Prime
Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Bangkok, the Thai Lawn Bowling Association
brought the entire team for the 2005 SEA Games down to the Pattaya Bowling
Club on Saturday, Nov. 19 to conduct a final practice session. For the three
Pattaya ladies, it was a return to familiar ground as they took on the local
team, which can boast many fine players of it’s own from around Europe and
beyond. After a keenly fought contest, the Thai team emerged victorious by
the narrow margin of 2 points.
 Three
of Pattaya’s finest, (L to R) Netnapar Rarpcharoen, Thong Omen and Jeang
Wariram.
Tony Murphy, the present custodian of the Pattaya Lawn
Bowling Club is keen to promote the game of bowls throughout Thailand and
sees the recent successes of local girls Thong, Netnapar and Jeang as ample
proof that the talent is there and just needs to be given the chance to
blossom. As part of his directive, the Pattaya Bowling Club will be playing
host to the inaugural Thailand Open lawn bowling championships next April
and with a proposed first prize of 100,000 baht, it is hoped that many of
Asia’s top stars will attend, raising further, the status of the game
within this country. Currently in Malaysia, vast sums of money are being
spent on facilities to nurture future lawn bowling talent and this
investment is starting to bear fruit, as the Malaysian team can boast many
Asian champions and will be going into the SEA Games as red-hot favorites.
They will of course first of all, have to negotiate their way past our own
Pattaya girls, whom we know will give our southern neighbours a serious run
for their money.
 Thong
Omen, (far right) looks on approvingly as colleague, Netnapar Rarpcharoen
displays the form, which took her to the runner-up position in last years
Thailand lawn bowls ladies championship
The Pattaya Bowling Club is located on Soi Fueng Fa
between Soi Buakow and 3rd Road. It can be reached by going down Soi Diana
Inn from 2nd Road, or turn toward the ocean at Xyte Disco on 3rd Road. It is
open 7 days a week and everyone is welcome to come and play, with no
membership required. At only 90 baht to play all day, it represents one of
the best value-for-money sports in the entire region.
The 23rd SEA Games will be held in the Philippines from 27 November to 5
December. We will of course be keeping track of all our local stars and you
will find details of their progress in future issues of the Pattaya Mail.
It’s all down to Appleton’s - quips The “Ice Man”
IPGC golf from The Haven
Mon 14 November
Bangpra,
Stableford
Division 1 (0-15)
1st Barry Winton, 37
2nd Norman Isherwood, 34
3rd Ian Bakewel, 33
Division 2 (16plus)
1st Jens Gunnarsson, 34
2nd Peter Johansson, 30
3rd Ole Stamnes, 29
A large group left the Haven for a very welcome return to lovely Bangpra and
despite recent heavy rains that resulted in many bunkers being full of
water, the course was in great condition. Scores were generally
disappointing and one can only presume the notorious greens were the cause,
not lightening fast as they once were, but still very quick down grain!
Barry Winton continued where he left off on Friday, shooting a super 75
gross for his 37 points and ran out an easy winner in division 1, leaving
Norman & Ian trailing way behind. In division 2, the “Ice Man” Jens
Gunnarsson, finally found his form to take an easy victory over Peter &
Ole. In the 2’s competition, Barry Winton, carded the only “2” of the
day to take the division 1 prize, making it yet another rollover in division
2. Prior to the presentation, Richard Livingston, the resident PGA
professional, welcomed Hans Eriksson & David Wolstencroft and welcomed
back Micky Moore.
Wed 16 November
Crystal Bay A & B,
Stableford
1st Yasuo Suzuki, 40
2nd Rodney Nabbe, 37
3rd Takeshi Hakozaki, 36 c/b 20, c/b 6 15
4th Mark Woods, 36 c/b 20, c/b6 13
5th John Clements, 35
A slightly reduced field for the return visit to the old Natural Resort
course, probably due to preparations for Loy Kratong. As it was, the traffic
coming back to Pattaya was pretty horrendous and some players didn’t get
back to the Haven until gone 7.00pm. So a late presentation! The day was
marred by a huge storm that delayed play for 40mins. Undeterred by the
weather, Yasuo Suzuki, managed to shoot a fabulous 79 gross for 40 points,
off his 11 handicap to steal the show from fellow countryman, Takeshi and
Aussies, Rod & Mark, with lone Brit, John Clements making a welcome
return and completing the podium places. The real question of the day was
had anybody carded a “2” in division Two? Yes, the great rollover
jackpot had been claimed and shared by Ole Stamnes & Mark Woods! In
division One, Mark Campbell & Rodney Nabbe shared the prize. So a good
day for the Sydney boys and a good day for Yasuo; with 29 golfers, just one
short of two divisions, that makes for the biggest possible prize! Prior to
the late presentation, Richard Livingston, welcomed Tony Hurst and welcomed
back Phil Groves & John Clements.
Fri 18 November
Green Valley,
Medal
Division 1 (0-14)
1st Al Rolnik, 70
2nd Derek Fotheringham, 72
3rd Rodney Nabbe, 73
4th Yasuo Suzuki, 75
Division 2 (15plus)
1st Tom Sathrum, 68
2nd Barry Chadbourn, 69
3rd Jens Gunnarsson, 70
th Mark Woods, 75
An eagerly awaited return to Green Valley and the larger than usual field
were greeted with total disorder; slow check-in and, what, no carts? Well
Green Valley is no easy walk and several golfers had decided to return to
Pattaya, when attempting to retrieve their bags when they realized some bags
were already on carts, courtesy of the quick-witted caddies! With an array
of bags on trolleys, on carts and others
still outside the entrance and golfers pushing back in to pay for carts that
had been refused, check-in staff running outside to see where the carts had
come from, it was a disjointed starting order that commenced teeing off and
unfortunately a two ball ended up going off last as their playing partners
had already left the course! Still, the day was overcast and remained cool
and dry throughout the round. The conditions clearly suited the Americans,
as Al Rolnik & Tom Sathrum duly won their respective divisions. With
golfers from 14 nations playing on the day it was a truly International
field, also on the podium were, runners-up, Derek & Barry from Britain,
Rodney & Mark from Australia, Yasuo from Japan and Jens from Iceland.
Another Aussie, Trevor Schirmer, carded the only “2” of the day and once
again it is rollover time in division Two. Considering the terrible state of
the cored and sanded greens, it was a wonder anyone made a decent putt and
many a card was ruined, 8’s, 9’s, 10’s and even a 15 were spotted by
Stephen’s eagle eye and adjustments made where appropriate. Back at the
Haven, Richard Livingston, welcomed Nigel Maynard, Derek Fotheringham,
Arthur Tiefenthgler, Jari Lindholm, Joakim Karlsson & Keith Boothroyde
and welcomed back Colin Hardman & Philip Boghurst. After the
presentation, the “Ice Man” Jens Gunnarsson, expounded loudly on his
week’s results and return to form and praised the merits of his favorite
tipple, “Appleton’s” Jamaica Rum, the golden nectar that keeps him in
such great shape!
Nicolai Aagaard’s net 70 just low enough to win on count-back
Eastern Star Chairman’s Cup
Mike Franklin
Another fine and sunny day followed the Friday 11th
November Diana Gold Charity tournament at Eastern Star Country Club &
Resort. The second H.E. Anand Panyarachun Chairman’s Cup, on Saturday 12th
November, attracted a good field of members and local golfers as well as
good representation from the regular golf groups in Pattaya.
 Nicolai
Aagaard collects the trophy as the new 2005 Eastern Star Chairman’s Cup
Champion.
It was a popular 11.30 am shotgun start, quite a few
players having played both tournaments and, with a field just short of
ninety, the pace was comfortable and relaxed. To equalize the wide range of
handicaps, the ’36 System’ was applied to ensure a level playing field
and results related to the player’s performance on the day. Three handicap
divisions were computed for the men and one division for the ladies. Near
pin and long drive technical prizes were also on offer.
The 1,500 entry fee represented good value for a Weekend
tournament as, in addition to green fee and caddy fee, the excellent buffet
came with free drinks, the Chairman’s Cup polo shirt was fine quality and
as well as the performance trophies and technical prizes of golf bags, there
were over fifty valuable prizes in the lucky draw.
The honors were well spread: Near pins went to Joe Pirio,
Arne Max Pedersen, Lee Mi Ae and Granville Swanton. Long drives were on
holes # 7 and # 11. On the 7th, Boonmee Gano was longest for the men and Lee
U Lak for the ladies: On the 11th, Sakniran Tanchalern took the men’s
prize and Mrs. Lotte Boskov for the Ladies.
Miss Maria won the low gross and low net with a gross 79
and net 71. Benny Connor’s gross 90 in Division ‘C’ beat Roger
Tribbett on count-back, but Roger claimed the low net with a 71. Joe Stranks
cleaned up Division ‘B’ with a gross 86 and net 71. Gross 75 in Division
‘A’ was the low gross of the day from Nicolai Aagaard. Nicolai won the
net 70 count-back with Boonmee Kano who took the division, and Nicolai
therefore was declared the winner of the 2005 Chairman’s Cup.
The Eastern Star staff were friendly, efficient and
attentive at registration and throughout the whole day and Khun Chamnan’s
excellent buffet was served at sunset on the Clubhouse terrace in readiness
for the Lucky draw, and presentation of trophies and prizes by GM Saradej
Sudasna. The System 36 scoring was completed on schedule, largely due to the
lightening fast keyboard entry of all players’ hole-by-hole gross scores
by Khun Oui.
Khun Anand’s Chairman’s Cup in its second year has undoubtedly
established itself as a popular weekend tournament and social occasion
hosted by Eastern Star. That gives us another weekend tournament in 2006 to
look forward to.
Andy and Al weather the storm
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday, November 15
Noble Place, Stableford
This course is becoming a regular on Tropical Bert’s
monthly list, not only is it good value but all the players quite like
playing it. The only draw back is the distance away from Pattaya, and for
me, the problem of late is that it always pours down, and this day was no
different.
The day started as normal, complimentary breakfast at
Tropical Bert’s, then a quiet drive up for a change. Quick book in and
onto the start, where we had been allowed a two tee start, on the A & B
Courses. The weather was fine and the course was in good condition and for a
long time we could bowl along at a good pace. Towards the end of the second
nine, the storm clouds started to gather, and as our group putted out on the
last hole the rain drops started to fall: Big wet ones! Pity the groups
behind us. By the time we got the clubs in the car, we were soaked, and a
hot shower became a real pleasure.
Cards collected it was time to depart, and it was still
raining. Out of the gate at Noble Place and onto The 331, and the rain
turned into a downpour, and kept on till at times visibility was minimal and
speed down to a trickle. Suffice to say it did not let up, and a call from
Tropical Bert’s saying it was fine there did not help. The storm seemed to
follow us all the way and at times the water was sill deep. As we finally
pulled into Tropical Bert’s the storm broke over Beach Road, and all had
to take cover in Bert’s with the doors closed.
Bert had prepared ‘Fish & Chips’ that went down
well, but the presentation had to be held up as there was no Max. A quick
call found him coming down Siam Road with water up to his door: He made it
in the end. Who says it is a fun day out? Still it was cozy in Bert’s with
the rain bucketing down outside, and the steam rose gently as Tim did his
first presentation.
The winner on the day was Al Sadhi in the A Div and Andy
Evans in The B Div. Al needed a drink as he waded back with Max. Still we
warmed ourselves up with some cold beer until the rain relented.
T.T.F.N.
Winner A Div: Al Sodhi, Runner Up: Phil Dwyer
Winner B Div: Andy Evans, Runner Up: Vincent Callaghan
Near Pin: Vincent Smythe, Homicide Hank, Jeff Wylie, Colin Bavington, Grant
Dawson, Derek George, Roy Pimblett, Mike Bullen, Frank Pilkinson, Richard
Devon
Long Putt: John Chaukem, Vincent Smythe, Pete Wilson, Gary Harrison, Bob
Kennedy.
I.P.G.C. golf with the Caddy Shack
Tuesday 15 November - 33 golfers from the Caddy
Shack travelled to Pattaya Country Club for a Medal round. On arrival we met
with a Thai competition of 100 golfers starting a competition with a shotgun
start. The staff were very sorry for the inconvenience but “never mind, come
back next week all will be okay”. With a quick phone call to Noble Place to
see if they could fit us in, they obliged and off we went. With 26 golfers
making it, we managed to get going and the cut was made at 14 and under. In
Division Two, Ben Findon managed a net 75 to take 3rd spot with John Henrie on
net 73 taking 2nd. Way ahead of the field with a net 68 however, was Jan Eriksen
who took the top spot. In Division One, Don Francis scored a net 74 to take 3rd
place, Keith Smithson managed a net 73 for 2nd place and the winner of Division
One was Mike Lloyd with a net 71. There were four 2`s on the day; one each for
Bryan Rought and Dave Smith and two for Mark Joshua. Mark was on a very nice
round and looked like having a chance of winning the day, then he played his
ball from the rough, got to the green and found out it was not his ball, he held
his hands up and threw a great card into turmoil. Once back at The Caddy Shack
the management heard of this honest fair play golfer and could not let this go
without reward, so yes you guessed it he walked away with the Bananas. The Lucky
golfer to win the Sunday lunch was Dave Smith.
 Thursday
winner Keith Smithson (right) with Roy Mitchell.
Thursday 17 November - the golfers
travelled to Eastern Star for a Stableford competition.
The course was in very good condition and the weather was
perfect. The cut was made at 15 and under: In Division
Two, Jerry Hough scored 32 points to take 3rd place, just
in front of him with 33 points was Rob Heath to take 2nd
place, but 1st place went to Ben Findon with 34 points.
Division One had Jan Eriksen in 3rd place with 36 points
and there was a great battle for 1st place between Keith
Smithson, playing off 3 handicap and Graham Johnson
playing off 6 handicap; they could not be split as they
both managed a very nice 39 points each. There were three
2‘s on the day; Jan Eriksen, Graham Johnson and Geoff
Hart. The Bananas should have been awarded to Angus The
Horse for his 19 points off a 34 handicap but he fled the
scene: The Sunday Lunch was won by Ben Findon.
Tuesday 29 November - Please Note we
leave the Caddy Shack at 10.00am
Thursday 1 December - we leave the
Caddy Shack at 9.30am.
The Caddy Shack is situated on the second part of Soi
17 on the same road as the Harley Bar. For anyone wishing
to play golf, we leave the bar at 11.00am for a Midday tee
off, we play every Tuesday and Thursday and all are
welcome.
All the shots were Masse’s in the Monthly
IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday November 13
Green Valley - White Tees,
Monthly Medal
1st A Flight: Jason Perry, net 68
2nd A Flight: Troy Misiak, net 69
3rd A Flight: Graham Johnson, net 72
1st B Flight: Jeremy Masse, net 65 - (Monthly Medal
Winner)
2nd B Flight: Jim Munns, net 69
3rd B Flight: J.J. Wright, net 72
1st C Flight: George Jackson, net 67
2nd C Flight: Ian Rippey, net 68
3rd C Flight: Barry Rothberg, net 68
1st D Flight: Matt McInerney, net 68
2nd D Flight: John Ginnane, net 73
3rd D Flight: Mick Brett, net 74
NP’s: #2 Nat Meesuk; #9 Pete Stonebridge; #12 Julian
Clarke; #16 Jason Perry
2’s: Jim Wickstrom; Rick Sharp; Pete Stonebridge; John
Foote; Frank Pilkington; Dene Airey; Paul Shaw
You will note, as you read on in this week’s missive,
that Monthly Medal or not, Jeremy Masse was going to hold the title slot. In
a week of fine efforts he brought out the best on the week’s first outing
and shot a net 65, thereby placing his name in the year-end Gold Medal
competition. Jeremy’s gross 78 was three clear of the field and four clear
of his B Flight competitors. Another consistent effort for the good Capt.
Fogg took him to that four shot distant second in B Flight, still three
ahead of the most knowledgeable 14 handicapper in the game, J.J. Wright.
J.J., it should be noted, needed a count back over the Headmaster to
maintain that last podium spot. Pete’s remorse was assuaged with a Near
Pin of No. 9 and a “2” in the honey pot.
The finest round of golf on the day was shot by Jason
Perry who bettered par off the stick with a 71, leaving him a net 68, one
better than his mate Troy Misiak. G-r-a-h-a-m J-o-h-n-s-o-n edged fellow
single handicappers Johnny McHugh and Nick Strasshine.
The world famous “One-Ball” was holding the biggest
bag of loot on the C Flight podium as his net 67 was one clear of the tandem
of Ian Rippey and Barry Rothberg. The mathematics on Ian’s card were more
favorable than those of Barry’s.
In D Flight, it was another Capt., this time a real one
of the ship variety, who took the day. Matt “Ernie” McInerney, a sailing
colleague of J. McQ, made his last round of what he hopes to be the first of
many visits to Pattaya by throwing a nice net 68 at it. Ernie was followed
across by a couple of the Sugar Shack gang, John Ginnane and Mick Brett.
This scribe might be mistaken but that is believed to be Mick’s first
victory with the Society, and so congrats are in order for two deflowered
virgins, Ernie and Mick!
Monday November 14
Crystal Bay B & C - Yellow or
White Tees, Stableford
1st A Flight: Ray Dell, 38 points
2nd A Flight: Phil Mitchell, 38 points
1st A Flight: David Snell, 38 points
1st B Flight: Tom Sathrum, 40 points
2nd B Flight: Stan Dismuke, 38 points
3rd B Flight: Bob Fagan, 36 points
2’s: Ray Dell; Peter Hynard; John Foote; Peter D.
Wilson; Bob Fagan; Bruce McAdam; Hec Cooper
B Flight’s Tom Sathrum was Man of the Match with an
exemplary 40 points on the B & C nines of what was formerly known as
Natural Park Resort and before that Panya Park Resort. Second place would
have gone to our good friend Kurt-Erik Persson had the scorecard been
corrected prior to signing and submittal. The score for the 18th hole had
been left off and the error not discovered in time. ‘In’ looked like a
blob and what was an excellent round of 39 points looked like 36 points and,
therefore, off the podium. The benefactors of this largesse were our Stan
Dismuke, now simply known as Jeremy’s Friend, and Big Bob Fagan.
A Flight had more 38’s in it than the TQ as Ray Dell,
Phil Mitchell and David Snell all were two clear of their handicap. Ray,
whose game gains more momentum each week, had the most favorable
distribution, with Flipper only slightly chagrined.
Wednesday November 16
Noble Place A & B -White Tees,
Stableford
1st A Flight: Paul West, 41 points
2nd A Flight: Jeremy Masse, 40 points
3rd A Flight: Jim Munns, 37 points
1st B Flight: Bruce McAdam, 37 points
2nd B Flight: Bob Lindborg, 37 points
3rd B Flight: Neil Cameron, 35 points
2’s: Jim Munns; Nick Payne; Neil Cameron
Paul West came a’ ridin’ into town and quickly roped
the top spot in A Flight with a formidable 41 points, one better than our
Title carrier. Capt Fogg. shook off of his moniker just long enough to
prevail in a count over Ian Dale, Gordon Kerr, Nick Payne and Gareth Gill.
Bruce McAdam, holding over between visits from his Aussie
mates took a count back over the Guru of Green Valley, with the Clubmaker to
the Stars two points adrift but still in the pay line.
Friday November 18
Eastern Star - White Tees,
2-Man Scramble, Stroke/Medal
1st: Dene Airey & Ian Rippey, net 55.9
2nd: Jeremy Masse & Stan Dismuke, net 59.0
3rd: Lyn Foote & John Foote, net 61.0
4th: Julian Clarke & Dave Porter, net 61.1 (over
Henshaw/McArdle)
2’s: Porter/Clarke (2), Wright/Mulberry, Lee/Lee;
Emmerson/Hynard, Persson/Spratt
Dene Airey is fast becoming hot property as a scramble
mate and no one appreciates that more than his partner on the day, Ian
Rippey. Ian and Dene were 3.1 clear of the field! That second place slot
went to our title guy and his best mate, Stan Dismuke. On the week, that
gave Jeremy a Monthly Medal and two seconds on the week. Not bad! The Foote
Family came second (and the Lee Family had a “2”) whilst Julian Clarke
and Dave Porter edged two from the Ol’ Sod, Peter Henshaw and Joe McArdle,
on count back.
A double for Dave at The Bunker
PSC golf with The Bunker
The Emerald
Country Club -
Monday 14 November
 Pictured
left to right are David Johnson , Mick Ramshaw and John King. David Johnson
played impressive golf by taking top honors on Monday and Wednesday.
Going south for a stableford competition is not a bad way
to start any week. The field was strong with a 15 and under cut for the
“A” division in which Gerry Cooney returned the winning score with 37
points. Mike Staunton was second with 35 points and Tony Scrambler came in
third with 33 points. In the “B” division David Johnson was equally
impressive with 37 points to win the division and share top score of the
day. Doug Landsbourough finishing in the scoring for the second time in a
row with 36 points, and Roger Privett took third place with 35 points. Near
the pins were won by David Johnson, Gerry Cooney, Roger Privett and William
Macey.
Khao Kheow
Country Club - Wednesday 16
November
Playing a medal competition at Khao Kheow requires a good
night’s rest to take on this difficult challenge. David Johnson was again
up to the test by returning a one over round of net 73. Following closely in
second was Geordie Hudson with net 74 and Stuart Tinkler scored net 75 for a
third place finish. Near the pins were won by William Macey, David Johnson
and Stuart Tinkler.
Phoenix Country Club
Friday 18 November
This week ended with a stableford competition for the
Boys from the Bunker. In division “A” Frank Pinkington returned a score
of 36 points to capture first place honors. Geoff Parker scored 34 points
for a second place finish, and Tony Scrambler took third place with a score
of 33. Division “B” was captured by Charlie Gooch with a score of 36
points followed by Geordie Hudson with 34 points to finish in second place.
Third place was awarded to Granville Swanton and Rod Stevens who both scored
32 points. Near the pins were won by Ian Phillips (2), Danny Green, and
Granville Swanton.
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.
JC simply the Best
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral
Tuesday, November 15, the golfers with the
Pattaya Golf Society chose to play their weekly medal event at the exquisite
Crystal Bay golf course in Bangpra. On a steamy day, which threatened rain
throughout, scores on the “B” and “C” nines were to show that a
course in magnificent shape can draw the best out of quality golfers. The
average score for the day by those completing their rounds was to be net 72,
something rarely achieved, and three golfers stood proud on the podium at
the end of the tournament. In the first group out, Nile Sheehan’s four
pars and two birdies more than made up for his quadruple bogey on the first
and his net 69 set a fine target for those following. Nile and his group had
just managed to finish the eighteenth when an almighty storm descended,
drenching the remaining groups and amazingly the top two places were to be
filled by two saturated golfers in the final group. Rob Dolan was still
wringing out his scorecard as he recorded a finish, at the height of the
storm, of par-par-bogey and this gave him a well-deserved net 68 for second
place. Playing partner John Cunningham, a Scotsman well used to storms on
bleak golf courses, played the round of his life in a score of net 67, his
gross of 76 being his best effort here in the Kingdom, and it included a
level par thirty-six “off the stick” on the front nine. It was admirable
stuff and included the day’s only birdie two, on B6, to give him the large
rolled-over twos pot as a bonus. Former PGS “Player of the Month”, John
in this carefree mode, is awesome to watch, hitting shot after accurate
shot, and greens in regulation time and again. He was simply the best of a
good breed on the day. At the other end of the scale Mr. Denis began with a
ten and only then realised he had forgotten his spectacles and the rest of
his round went unfocussed. Indeed, it was cruelly suggested that he was
guiding his shots by sense of smell, judging by where they ended up, and
scoring his card by Braille! The Booby bevy was his only reward, but for the
others, what a day it had been. A
family affair at Khao Kheow
Thursday, November 17 the Pattaya Golf Society travelled
to Khao Kheow, after an absence of a couple of months, to enjoy a day’s
golf with a stableford format. The course was well presented and the day was
hot after recent days of rain. The showers had refreshed the course well and
the greens were running quite fast. The “A” and “B” nines were the
test and the day belonged to the Riley family with Harry playing
unspectacular but effective golf to post a score of 35 points, just nosing
out John Cunningham’s score of 31. Saranya Chaiyanont took to the first
tee declaring her target to be forty points and her total of 39 came very
close to it, the only blemish being the five greens she three-putted! It
could have been so much better indeed. Her success was down to her ability
to find the greens in regulation and she continues to make excellent
progress in her golf development. Peter Fitton took the day’s twos pot
with his relaxed birdie on “A”3 and Saranya’s putting woes left her
with the Booby Bevy as well. It had been an enjoyable day at Khao Kheow.
Cannon, the gun at The Emerald
PSC golf from The Grapevine
A clear hot day, with a breeze blowing,
sounds like good golfing conditions, throw in an ever improving golf course
and it is certainly a recipe for a good day out. And so it was, with 27
Grapevine golfers heading down to The Emerald at Ban Chang for the weekly
competition. On the day, the course certainly gave plenty, with only 1
golfer bettering their handicap. That was Nigel Cannon (24) who had 37 pts,
courtesy of some good long putts, just pipping the consistent Roy Pimblett
(20) who had 36. Nigel had some good shots on and around the green,
something easier said than done at the Emerald.  (L
to R): Roy, Nigel and Steve
In the 0 - 15 flight, Vincent Smyth (11) had a solid 35
pts to take top money, while Steve Hamstad (14) with 34 was pleasantly
surprised to secure second place.
The technical prizes were spread around with Jeff (2),
Rich, Steve, Nigel, Rolf, Alan & Frank picking up NTPs while Nigel
continued his booty haul with a Long Putt, Rolf grabbing the other putt.
Dave & Ray felt very fortunate indeed to pick up a Lucky Draw, their
scores being rather meager this week. On a slightly different note, good
news for one Mike and we look forward to seeing him back with us soon, while
to our other Mike it is Bon Voyage for a few months & look forward to
his return.
All in all, another good day of golf & camaraderie, a
few quiet drinks, some nice food and some laughter with your mates, both new
and old. I look forward to seeing you soon at The Grapevine, Soi Regent
Marina to sign up for a Thursday’s golf.
Cheers & Good Golfing
Jomtien Pool League
Standings November 17 (week 5)
Lucky Bar alone at the top
It’s only week five of the season but already we see
the usual suspects starting to claim the top half of the table. Lucky Bar
made it five wins from five to hold on to top spot in the standings when
they didn’t have too much trouble with a 6-3 home victory over the
struggling Sky Bar. Rose & Thistle started well at Woaw’s Pub and led
4-2 at the break: Unfortunately for the visitors, Woaw’s were too strong
in the doubles and took the points with a 5-4 score. Woaw’s has a game in
hand and is still undefeated.
The newest team in the League, Echoes in The Jomtien
Complex, have three matches to catch up on but made it two wins from two
played with a close match at Elephant Bar. It was all down to the final game
before Echoes were able to claim the points with a 5-4 victory.
In Soi 4, Moonshine gave visitors San Snack Bar an early
fright by taking the first three singles, however SSB held on to even the
score at suppertime and then took the first two doubles. Moonshine took the
last to give a shaky 5-4 result in favour of the visitors. Simple Simon made
it all equal with SSB on the second rung of the ladder with their third win
in a row, a 6-3 victory at Twilight Zone.
In other matches: Paweena’s finally got some winning
points on the table with their 6-3 win at Scooby’s; at Hide-A-Way, Cosy
Bar had no luck going down 6-3; and Carefree Bar slipped to their second
defeat in a row with a 7-2 result against Country Club.
Next week’s match of the day will be Woaw’s Pub at
San Snack Bar. In view of their recent good form, Woaw’s are confident of
knocking the Champions down the ladder and keeping their own undefeated
record intact.
Wayne finally ends his wait for the Monthly Mug
PSC golf with The Caf้ Kronborg
Monday 14 November Treasure
Hill, Strokeplay
A long drive north was the order of the day as the crew
from the Kronborg traveled to Treasure Hill for this Monday’s challenge.
With the course benefiting somewhat from the recent rainfall and the
previously ‘dry’ water hazards now suitably replenished, a stiff test
was offered up to our boys and even more so as the chosen format for this
week’s competition was the less forgiving stroke play.
 Monthly
Mug winner Wayne (right) with Bjarne.
With every stroke counting ‘the pressure was on’ and
it soon became obvious that anyone who could play to his or her handicap
would have a chance of making the winners rostrum. One man however, namely
Gene Rooney, had no such reservations it would appear as he carded a
splendid net 66 to win the ‘B’ flight by some margin from Frank Kelly
(net 72) in second place on countback from Bob Rasmussen(net 72) in third.
In the ‘A’ flight it was Fergus Brennan once again in
the winners circle taking the honors with a fine net 71 from Tim Douglas
(net 72) in second place just edging Monte Sykes (net 72) into third place
on countback.
Nearest Pin: #2 Walter Bachli, #6 Fergus Brennan, #13 Tim
Douglas, #17 Marty Ellred
Long Putt: #9 Daniel Willetts, #18 Barry Kerr
Thursday 17 November
Pattaya Country Club, Monthly Mug - Medal
This time of year the competitions get pretty busy, and
the Monthly Mug is no exception, being one of the prime days out. This day a
field of 44 players gathered at Cafe Kronborg, nice and early to depart for
Pattaya Country Club, the present home of the competition. The run up was
fairly quiet and soon the players were booked in and lining up at the first
tee to start the round, in warm blustery conditions.
The course was in good condition, with grass on the
fairways and with hard fast greens, so with the way ahead clear it allowed
the early starters to make swift progress. The day being a bit windy, it
seemed the scores would not be great, but sitting in the restaurant after
the round and taking the scores in, it was surprising that the scores were
not better. So far, since we moved there we have not had any really silly
scores.
With the scores handed in to the organisers, the players
got on the transport and went back to the Cafe Kronborg, as this is the only
regular competition that returns there for the presentation. Back at the Caf้,
the results were declared: In the A Flight, 0 to 16, we had a score to
savor, when Marty Allred shot a gross 70 and a net 68 to win. Playing off a
2 handicap, Marty just gets better and better. In second was that old war
horse Ted Morris with a net 69 and in third Ian Colvil with a net 73 on
count-back over Hubert Hammerschmidt and Bob Pearce.
In the B Flight, the winner was Anja Hammerschmidt with a
net 68 ahead of Arthur Bailey in second with a net 70 and Alan Pearce in
third with a net 72 ahead of Kevin Dinan on count-back.
So to the winner of The Mug, and with a fine net 67,
Wayne Koch finally won after many years of trying.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: #5 Kevin Callaghan, #7 Bob Pearce, ##12 Hubert
Hammerschmidt, #16 Uwe Zwickerman
Long Put: #9 & #18 Peter Hammond.
Mai’s Thai Restaurant moves into a tie for first place with VFW Post 9876
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
 200
Bowlers - Paul (P.K.), Kran, Nok & Jeed.
VFW Post 9876 is still in a tie for
first place but instead of being tied with Friends they are now tied with
Mai’s Thai Restaurant. Three Sisters beat VFW Post 9876 three points to
one and Mai’s managed a 2-2 split with Domicil and moved up to a tie for
first. Friends dropped to third after losing all four points to
Shenanigans who remain in fourth place. Caf้ Ole beat Brother D
taking three points, Jack & Tar won three from Caf้ Kronborg and
House of the Golden Coin grabbed three points from Grape Vine. Bowling was
tough on most lanes and in general scores were low.
Best bowlers of the day were:
Paul (P.K.), House of the Golden Coin: games of 190, 218, 196 - 604 series
Nok, Jack & Tar: 220 game - 575 series
Jeed, Spare Bowler: 205 game - 545 series
Mio, House of the Golden Coin - 534 series
Nual, Caf้ Ole - 527 series
Lenz, Mai’s Thai Restaurant - 519 series
Kran, Caf้ Kronborg: 205 game - 515 series
Kaew, (31 handicap) - 500 series
The Beautiful Game?: Advance, Australia Fair
Riz Taylor
Those of us whose nations have already progressed to the
World Cup finals have been basking in relaxed anticipation for a few weeks
now. It’s easy to become complacent after the event and forget the trauma
of qualification, yet for a number of countries the culmination of their
respective campaigns ended as late as last week, and via that most
nerve-racking of scenarios - the dreaded playoffs.
From Trinidad to Turkey, last Wednesday a host of teams
squared up to each other in the knowledge that the next 90 minutes
represented their final chance to reach the promised land of the World Cup
finals and join footballing heavyweights such as the Ivory Coast and Togo on
German soil next year. Each side was under a different pressure of its own -
for the big guns the weight of expectancy of millions, for the smaller
nations a chance to become a generation of heroes in their homelands.
Even the Swiss, those bastions of fair play and
neutrality, were rattled under pressure and found themselves reduced to
fighting with their Turkish counterparts at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul.
It will surely end in heavy disciplinary penalties imposed on both nations,
and it’s yet another reminder to the football authorities that Turkey’s
involvement in trouble is all too frequent and deserving of something
stronger than a slapped wrist. Switzerland scraped through on the away goal
rule to leave the Turks, who placed third in Japan and Korea 2002, five more
years to rue their missed opportunities before the 2010 tournament kicks
off. It’s a long, long wait.
There were other ties in Europe that were worth a look,
but the biggest story of the playoffs came from the world’s most remote
footballing outpost. Australia’s match with Uruguay, delicately poised at
1-0 to the South Americans after the first leg in Montevideo, had
everything. It was also a reminder of all that’s good and bad about the
beautiful game.
After a disappointing Confederations Cup performance in
July, the Football Federation of Australia took a calculated gamble by
sacking long-time manager Frank Farina. His replacement would be required to
iron-out the numerous flaws in the Australian team and, through a
complicated playoff system, lead the Socceroos to their first World Cup
finals since 1974. He would also have less than six months to achieve all
this. It was a job for a super-manager. It was a job for Guus Hiddink.
The Dutchman seems to thrive on difficult challenges. His
resume was already impressive before the last World Cup, but taking charge
of South Korea and not only making them competitive but leading them to the
semi-finals of the 2002 tournament raised his reputation yet further. To
prove it was no fluke he was at it again with PSV Eindhoven last year and
came within a whisker of taking the Dutch side into the Champions League
final: But Australia? The tasked seemed impossible. His methods would be
conveyed to the players in just a handful of games and training camps before
the crunch match against the South American zone’s fifth placed side. And
then the news got worse. That side would be Uruguay, the team that edged out
the Aussies at the same stage last time around.
At least the Socceroos arrived in Montevideo two weeks
ago with an idea of what to expect. In 2001 they’d been met by spitting
fans at the airport whose vitriol also ensured that the team didn’t leave
its hotel complex. But this time around it would be the Uruguayan officials
that would attempt to sabotage the Australian effort. They changed the
kick-off time for the game on several occasions, finally settling on a later
start that would ensure the Socceroos missed the next available flight and
so delay their return to Sydney. In the end it backfired after Qantas laid
on a chartered flight for the Aussies, leaving the Uruguayans to take the
next available commercial one.
Uruguay’s inability to press home their possession
advantage and some heroics from Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer left
the tie at 1-0, meaning everything would come down to 90 minutes in
Sydney’s Telstra Stadium. The following Wednesday the teams lined up in
front of 80,000 golden-shirted Australian fans (and a handful of Uruguayan
ones) in what would be the biggest match of their lives.
Mark Bresciano latched onto a misplaced pass from Harry
Kewell and thumped the ball home for a 1-0 lead midway through the first
half. The Australians dominated for much of the game but couldn’t finish
the tie off, and the Uruguayans, running out of steam, brought timewasting
and cheating to new, unthinkable levels. Keeper Fabio Carini ran up to take
a goal kick, then stopped. The coach halted the game by persistently
crossing the technical area boundary. “Players were clipped on the ankle
and rolled around clutching their heads,” said the Sydney Morning Herald
in disbelief.
In the end it would be penalties that decided the
encounter; Schwarzer raising his game yet further to produce two outstanding
stops that left journeyman striker John Aloisi to coolly convert his penalty
and send the delirious Australians on their way to Germany.
Midfielder Vince Grella summed up the side’s
achievement. “We worked hard for this,” he said. “It’s an
unbelievable feeling. This is the maximum for a player. It was my first
dream when I was young to play in the World Cup. I’m a very lucky person
and I’ll make sure I honour the shirt every time I play.”
Had Australia lost it was clear that Hiddink would not stick around to
assist in another rebuilding process. As it is, the Dutchman will lead the
Socceroos into their first finals in 32 years. His World Cup CV is
impressive - two semi finals with the Netherlands and South Korea. It might
be too much to expect the same thing this time around, but whatever happens
the result in Sydney was a victory of good over evil for ‘Australia
Fair’, who’ll go into the finals in high spirits and with little
expectancy from their fans. It sounds like a recipe for success.
The Square Ring
Yesterday was Thanksgiving in the USA. Boxing promoter
Don King has a lot to be thankful for. The heavyweight division is now
under the influence of Don King, as he controls all the top heavyweights
but James Toney. The future of the Heavyweight division is up to “Mr.
Only in America”. One of the unlikely players is Oleg Maskaev (31-5). The
highways of boxing are littered with boxers who try to re invent themselves
only to end up as road kill. Oleg had two loses early in his career to
Oliver McCall and David Tua: That was in 1996-97. Maskaev then went on a 10
fight winning streak before being matched against undefeated Kirk Johnson
(29-0). For the better part of 3 rounds, Maskaev wailed away on Johnson
with everything but the kitchen sink. At the end of the third is wasn’t a
matter of “if” but when Johnson would be counted out. Early in the 4th,
Maskaev had Johnson on the ropes when the lights went out...for Maskaev:
Johnson landed a desperation punch and the fight was over.
Six months later, same scenario against Lance Whitaker:
Maskaev KO’d in 2. Then after a couple of mis-matches he got Corry
Sanders. Not the former heavyweight champ Corrie Saunders but journeyman
Corry Sanders. For seven rounds Maskaev lands everything he throws and he
throws a lot. 8th round Sanders turned the light out with one punch. By now
you’ve seen a pattern emerge. Maskaev became a shot fighter hanging on
for just one more payday.
A year off and Maskaev starts on the road back. He wins
9 in a row, doesn’t get knocked silly and actually beat some heavyweights
that can fight. He gets to the number 2 spot in the WBC rankings but has to
go to Germany to meet Sinan Samil Sam (24-2). He wins a UD
(118-110,118-111,116-112) and becomes the #1 WBC Challenger for the title
that is now held by Hashim Rahman, courtesy of Mr. V. Klitschko. How about
them apples? From the outhouse to the penthouse.
Yep, it’s now official the WBC has named Hashim Rahman
their heavyweight champion. At the same time they’re naming Vitali
Klitschko the “WBC World Champion Emeritus” which means that if he
decides to un-retire, the chances of which are great, he’ll be the #1
challenger. Kinda’ like the punter with many baht naming #27 as a backup
in case #12 no come back from short time visit to Mother. Got to have a
date to dance at the prom.
While Maskaev is the #1 challenger, James Toney has
cancelled a fight scheduled for next Friday in the hopes of facing Rahman.
That fight would take place sometime in early 2006. The WBC will decide who
Rahman will fight, whether it be Toney or Maskaev. One has to wonder why
Toney would cancel a “tune-up” on December 1 for a fight maybe in
February or March of the next year. Cause he knew something? “The WBC’s
Board of Governors has voted to elect James Toney as the official
challenger against newly appointed WBC heavyweight champion Hasim
Rahman.” The WBC Board voting was preordained by ‘he who do runeth the
ABC’. That would be Dr. Jose’ Sulaiman. The fight makes sense. Toney
can sell tickets, can fight and put ass’s in the seats. Might be a very
good fight. The two promoters, Don King for Rahman and Dan Goossen for
Toney, have until December 15 to hammer out an agreement. Then it would go
to bid.
One fight that’s definitely on for those months next
year is the long awaited match between Jeff Lacy (17-0) and Joe Calzaghe
(40-0). Just a couple of weeks ago, after Lacy disposed of Scott Pemberton
with ease, Lacy’s promoter Gary Shaw said “We don’t have to go to
Wales to fight Calzaghe. We hold all the cards. The fight will be in the
USA.” The fight will be held in Cardiff and broadcast live back to
America. That’s means another 2 a.m. start in Wales. It was that start
time that many used as an explanation of Ricky Hatton’s win over Kostya
Tzysu: Like it was a different time for Hatton?
Writing of Hatton, (that’s called a segue in the big
time writing business), Ricky Hatton (39-0) laces them up with almost
unknown Carlos Maussa (20-2) on Sunday morning at the Hallam FM Arena in
Sheffield. Hatton will be defending both his IBF and WBA jr. welter titles.
Hatton had hoped for a “super fight” with Floyd Mayweather jr. but that
wasn’t to be. Mayweather jr.(34-0) would rather fight an “opponent”,
in this case Sharmba Mitchell (56-4), yet again dodging any meaningful
encounter.
Back to Hatton; Some of you think and write that he’s
doing the same thing as Mayweather jr. in taking on Carlos Maussa. “Au
contraire” I write. Maussa was thought to be an “opponent” for Vivian
Harris back in June. Harris was one of the “now” fighters after he had
traveled to Germany and defeated WBA light welter champ Okay Urkal twice.
Guess what? Maussa whacked out Harris in 7. If Hatton overlooks Maussa, he
could be in for more than he bargained for.
A fight that promised little, and delivered, was Floyd
Mayweather (34-0) against Sharmba Mitchell (56-4) in Portland, Oregon USA.
This was Mayweather’s first fight at 147 and probably proved little. The
opening couple of rounds looked like the bout might actually be
entertaining for the 6,000 that barely filled half of the Rose Garden
Arena. In round 3, Mayweather landed a straight right that sent Mitchell to
the canvas for the mandatory 8 count. After the knockdown, Mayweather
reverted to the Mayweather of old: Throwing some punches, blocking
everything that Mitchell threw while in a holding pattern. In the 6th, at
2:05, Referee Richard Steele stopped the bout after Mitchell went down from
a body blow that didn’t appear devastating. It looked like Mitchell was
looking for a good place to stop and that was it. Mayweather goes to 36-0.
Ho Hum
Former WBA feather weight champ, he lost the title in
April to Vicente Mosquera over 12, Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai (45-3-1,36 KOs)
got an easy six round unanimous decision over “barely warm body” from
the Philippines, Teofilo Tunacao (26-32, 7 KOs). Also on the card held at
the Hunka school ground in Chainart, former WBA superbantam king Yoddamrong
Sithyodthong (44-2-1,19 KOs) easily knocked out fighter, Omik Kolisaday who
had no record of a previous fight.
Up and coming bantamweight boxer and school teacher,
Terapong Kaewnongsamed (24-0) got a 12 decision (116-112, 115-113. 114-114)
over Dante Cantiga (11-3-2) of the Philippines. The contest took in the
city of Hua Hin where His Majesty King Bhumipol Adulyadej resides. After
taking the first stanza Kaewnongsamed dislocated his shoulder in the
second. Promoter Jimmy Chaichotchuang said “Terapong showed great courage
to win this bout with only one good hand. He is ready to challenge Rafael
Marquez in an optional title bout for the IBF Bantamweight Championship.
Terapong will defeat Marquez.” Most honorable promoter is full of bull,
which by design makes him a good promoter.
It’s enough to turn a man from water to the golden elixir and not a
moment too soon!
Thailand on two wheels!
Do you fancy taking a bicycle trip around
Thailand? Well that’s exactly what Pattaya residents Marc Bouet and his
wife Corinne, together with 21 other intrepid cyclists recently set out to
accomplish. First of all, you might well ask just who is Marc Bouet? Well,
Marc was born in Paris in 1944 and started his professional career as a
nuclear physician at the famous CNRS (National Centre for Scientific
Research). After working 18 years as a physicist, he quit his job to form a
sporting adventure association. You see Marc is one of those super fit,
multi-discipline athletes that lives for sport and adventure and makes the
rest of us mere mortals experience pangs of guilt about our more sedate life
styles and rather more rapidly expanding waistlines.  Marc
and Corinne pose for the camera during their marathon tandem tour of Canada.
Just to list some of Marc’s more minor achievements: He
is an excellent swimmer and swam the English Channel in under 11 hours; He
also loves running and ran the 100km Millot/France marathon in less than 10
hours. In between times, Marc has organized a marathon running and biking
adventure from Paris to Gao and Dakar in Africa. Similar trips have also
been organized from Paris to Greece, Paris to the North Cape (Norway) and
Lima (Peru) to Rio de Janeiro.
In 1997 Marc set up a new, original venture in the USA
biking 4000km from Chicago to Los Angeles. Thereafter, he set up another
tour, riding one month with his wife Corinne on a tandem bike through the
Rocky Mountains to Canada. The following year, he decided to open up these
tours to his friends and these trips in the USA and Canada have been very
successful and repeated several times since.
More recently, Marc and Corinne decided to retire and
live in Thailand. They cite their reasons for moving here as the kind Thai
people, the delicious Thai food and the beautiful scenery, mountains and
seascapes. With this in mind, Marc and Corinne decided to organize with
their friends, the Cycling Tour of Thailand that began on November 12th and
will, all being well, be completed on December 1st. The Tour got underway in
Bangkok and will initially lead to Khorat before venturing further a- field
to Ubon, Mukdahan, Sakhon Nakhon, Udon Thani, Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai, Mai
Hong Son, Mae Sariang, Mae Sot and Kanchanaburi before finally reaching
Pattaya on November 29th.
During 11 days of the tour, over 2000km will be covered
on the bikes. The remaining 10 days will be spent traveling between and
experiencing many of Thailand’s well-known and not so well known tourist
attractions. Nine assistants with 3 vans and Thai drivers as well as one
truck for transporting luggage and bikes will support the tour.
In the future, Marc and his wife intend to expand the Cycling Tour of
Thailand to include many more cyclists with a potential of 2 or 3 trips per
year. So, if you would like to see this wonderful country on two wheels
without relying on the assistance of Mr. Honda, Suzuki or Yamaha, write to
Marc and Corinne at [email protected] for more information about next
year’s events.
Ocean Marina Gulf Series rides the crests home
by Peter Cummins
In close-fought racing, sailed over a number of weekends
these past months, the Gulf Charter Series finished with a grand finale last
week with the Ocean Portofino Condominium “Harbour Your Dream Race
Party” at the superb waterfront nautical bar of the Ocean Marina.
The “happy
champs” celebrate following the final event of the Gulf Charter Series.
The average 23 participants in the three scheduled
classes sailed through every possible kind of weather, from vicious
front-line squalls, to drifting calm conditions, which, in effect, gave
every sailor a chance to excel. Furthermore, a new dimension was added to
the Series as teams from Singapore and Japan, together joined with
individuals from China (Markus Maher) and Germany (Ralph Maus), increasing
the international flavour at the Marina.
A canny veteran of many an encounter on the water-line,
David Pollard, helmed his “Foreign Exchange” into first place in the
keelboat IRC, with a strong 1, 2 finish in the last two races for a total of
12 penalty points. No discards were permitted in this strictly controlled
racing.
David’s ever-improving cross-Channel rival, Pascal
Leray, (“Monsieur Le Grenouille”) on “Hi-Jinx”, although finishing
seven points behind Pollard, nevertheless rapidly advanced up the ladder,
especially in the last half of the regattas and will be a sailor to be
reckoned with in the future.
John Vause, helming Bill Gasson’s Thai-built “Buzz
8”, was just two points behind Pascal, in third on 21points, a scant point
clear of consistent performer David Bell’s Fremantle 8, “Pink Pussy
Cat”.
In the Platu class, a similar pattern emerged, with the
2005 Coronation Cup champion team, under skipper Neil Semple, tactician
Morton Jakobsen and their (t)rusty crew on 12 points after eight races, well
clear of a nevertheless determined Alex Skaria, sporting a super suit of
North sails but trailing on 20 points. A Singaporean crew, no doubt aware of
the outstanding success of their Optimist sailors just last week, thought
they would give the Gulf waters a try and finished third overall on 28
points.
The third category, the Multi-hulls, saw Olaf Reese’s
Samui-built “Voodoo Child” winning, on eight penalty points, seven ahead
of host Ocean Marina’s Kirati (Nim) Assakul, helming his huge cat,
“Sonic”.
A very happy Nusara Banyatpiyaphod, President of the
Ocean Marina and Bill Gasson, the driving force behind this remarkable surge
of yacht racing in the Northern Gulf, particularly at the Ocean marina, were
both delighted with the developments during 2005. They appreciated the
efforts made by Phil Harper’s Gulf Charters, which had, indeed, boosted
the regattas.
The Series ended with a great awards ceremony, timed to
coincide with the launch of the Ocean Marina’s new development project,
the Portofino Condominium, to match the San Marino Condominium, already
operational for more than a decade.
The Closing party also signalled the end of the Ocean
Marina’s 2005-weekend racing. Many of the sailors will be moving around to
other regattas, such as the 2005 Raimon Land Varuna Cup, to be held off the
Royal Varuna Yacht Club, South Pattaya, the last weekend in November and,
then, of course, the 19th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta - also a Raimon
Land-sponsored event, held, as usual, over His Majesty’s birthday week,
this year from the 4th to the 11th of December.
“But, we’ll be back again early next year”, said
Bill “and we will look forward to a bigger and better ‘Top of the
Gulf’ Regatta” in May.” he emphasized.
Results, Gulf Charters Series, 2005:
Keelboat IRC: (place, points, first six only): 1. David
Pollard, (“Foreign Exchange”, 12); 2. Pascal Leray, (“Hi Jinx”, 19);
3. John Vause, “(Buzz 8”, 21); 4. David Bell, (“Pink PussyCat”, 22);
5. Pouk Makinson/Gary Baguley, (“Magic Roundabout”, 50)
Platu Class (first five). 1. Neil Semple, (12); 2. Alex
Skaria, (20); 3. Khun Aey, (28); 4. Viroj Nualkair, (31); 5. Khun Pote,
(33); 6. Simon Medd, (46)
Multihull (first four). 1. Olaf Reese, (“Voodoo Child”, 8); 2. Kirati
Assakul (“Sonic, 15); 3. Radab Kanjanavanit, (“Cedar Swan”, 32); 4.
Trevor Whalley, (Treasure Trove”, 33)
Bhanuthat wins Formula Overall Class and
becomes Thailand National Champion
Thailand Windsurf National Championships:
November 14 - Mr Itthiphol Khunploem, Member of
Parliament for Chonburi in his capacity as President of the Windsurf
Association of Thailand presided over the opening ceremony and presented
awards to the winners of the 3rd Thailand Windsurf National Championships
at the Pattaya Surf Club at Jomtien Beach. Mr Wattana Bunsawang, General
Secretary of the Windsurf Association of Thailand and members of Pattaya
City Council were on hand to welcome him.
 Itthiphol
Khunploem (left) presents Bhanuthat Ruamsap with the Thailand windsurfing
Champion trophy. Bhanuthat will be competing for Thailand later this month
in the 23rd SEA games, Philippines.
The event was organized through the cooperation of the
Windsurf Association of Thailand, Pattaya Windsurf Association and Pattaya
City Council to promote windsurfing in Thailand and select windsurfers to
compete for Thailand in international competitions.
The event was divided into eight classes with results as
follows: Race Board Newcomer Class, Mr Aphichart Tiptapmaak; Male Formula
Newcomer Class Mr Paranan Yungkasem; Female Formula Newcomer Class Miss
Duanchai Hermann; Formula Group B Class Yeab Leong Soon; Female Formula
Class Santa Herberhols; Formula Youth Class Aek Bunsawat; and Formula
Overall Class Mr Bhanuthat Ruamsap who also won the Thailand Championships
with Mr Aek Bunsawat and Mr Suhoni Mohamadkasem placed second and third
respectively.
The organizing committee also held a celebration party for Mr Phanom
Kunjaeng a Chonburi born and bred jet-skier who won the world championship
in the Amateur R/A 800 Open in the US at the end of October. The party was
also arranged to send off Bhanuthat Ruamsap and Suhoni Mohamadkasem;
Thailand’s representatives in the 23rd SEA Games in the Philippines which
begin on 27 November.
Tides for Koh Si Chang week ending Dec. 2
Courtesy Mobile Geographics, Seattle, Washington USA,
Web pages copyright ฉ 2005 Mobile Geographics LLC,
NOT FOR NAVIGATION
This table is distributed in the hope
that it will be useful, but without any warranty; without
even the implied warranty of merchantability or fitness
for a particular purpose. Both the author and the Pattaya
Mail assume no liability for damages arising from use of
these predictions. They are not certified to be correct,
and they do not incorporate the effects of tropical
storms, El Ni๑o, seismic events, continental drift,
or changes in global sea level.
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