Pattaya Festival Regatta: An Outstanding Success

When the Mayor of Pattaya City requested the Royal Varuna Yacht Club stage a regatta off the beach as a highlight of this year’s festival, he reasoned that such an event would bring the sport of sailing closer to the people. At the same time, it would act as a catalyst in improving Pattaya’s image by promoting the resort as a marvellous venue for all water sports.

With the strong support of the Royal Garden Resorts, the Mayor was right on both counts, as the success of last week’s regatta proved.

Peter Cummins reports from Pattaya Beach

Murray Maunder, sailing solo on the Hobie Cat, overcame the handicap penalty for one-upmanship to scrape in first in the multi-hull division of the 1999 Pattaya Festival Regatta, from a rapidly-improving Alberto Cassio/Chalida (Hobie Cat) and a fast-moving Alex Skaria on a Nacra 16 Square.

The Pattaya Mail scribe (DEN-1278) arrives at the beach in fine style. Photo Josef Hoppen.

Morten Jakobsen continued his winning way to lead the mono-hulls into the beach on his Laser, followed by other Laser-ites Shin Suenaga and Royal Varuna Flag Commodore, Rut Subniran.

It was a great performance from the juniors, some of whom were only seven years of age, sailing alone all the way to Pattaya Beach. Leading lady little Samantha Hamilton finally beat her erstwhile lord and master Sam Phanpho, relegating said l. and m. to second, just ahead of Damien Paulhiac and Phroi Kovalevsky.

There had never been an armada like it since "D Day" at Omaha Beach back in 1944, when last week the Royal Varuna Yacht Club fleet descended onto the strand of Pattaya Beach in front of the Royal Garden Resorts to contribute a yachting extravaganza as part of the 1999 Pattaya Festival - an impressive flotilla of 54 craft.

Hobie Cats, various types of Nacra catamarans ranging from the high-tech single-handed Nacra 16 Square to the powerful Nacra 5.8, smaller dinghies such as the Laser, the Enterprise and the OK and a large fleet of Optimists, the tiny universal junior training dinghy, sailed in to the Royal Garden beachfront to the amazement and delight of the large crowds strolling the seafront boulevard. Royal Garden’s Somsak Tangrungsri, Supadit Maneeratjarasri and a bevy of staff beauties were at the beachfront to welcome the sailors.

The city fathers, under the direction of Pattaya City Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat, requested the co-operation and assistance of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club to stage a sailing race as a feature of the 1999 Pattaya Festival. The Mayor wanted a race which would be "close to the people". Yacht racing, of course, due to the necessity of holding events some way off-shore, has always been a rather vague - albeit spectacular - form of competition to the average person.

Thus, last weekend put a different face on the sport by bringing it to the people of Pattaya. The Mayor reasoned that this would be an obvious lure for promoting the resort as a haven for water sports, especially one so environmentally-friendly as sailing.

"It was a great success Mr. Mayor," was the consensus of the sailors, the city officials, the spectators and particularly the efficient, courteous and friendly staff of the Royal Garden Resorts which sponsored and hosted the event.

The race started from the Royal Varuna Club property at Kasetsin Beach, Pattaya Point at mid-day Saturday and, in spite of the huge difference of speed between the various craft, such was the excellent management of the handicap-adjusted staggered starts that the various fleets - even the little Optimists - arrived at the finishing line, set just 50 metres offshore, almost simultaneously.

The only person having trouble arriving, in fact, was the guest of honour, the aforementioned Pattaya Mayor, Khun Pairat, who was to preside over the awards ceremony at 14:10 but was caught in a monstrous traffic jam along Beach Road. The Mayor started to sound off about - what he had been informed was - a bunch of people standing in the middle of the road, seemingly having a good time, oblivious to the traffic chaos they were causing.

The Mayor had good cause to be a trifle peeved: he had worked so hard to make sure that the endless construction along Beach Road ceased and the mountain of earth-moving machinery was cleared for the duration of the Festival. Now a bunch of "no-goodniks" was obstructing the traffic and he was running late for his official function.

Multi-hull winner - sailing solos - Murray Maunder receives his award from Pattaya City Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat. Photo by Annie.

Of course, the distraction was on the road in front of the Royal Garden Plaza and it was the Mayor’s OWN show. The thirsty and hungry sailors were being regaled by the Royal Garden while awaiting the Mayoral entourage. Not a word was mentioned about traffic delays and the Mayor - by then in very high spirits - proceeded immediately with the impressive prize-giving ceremony.

Although the Pattaya Festival race was basically a Pattaya affair for Pattaya people, it took on a new dimension with the arrival in town of Herr Doktor Hans Luther, an economic adviser to the Laotian Government who had motored over from Laos to assist Varuna Club manager Cheerut Sudasna with race management. Formerly resident in Thailand where he was an active and avid sailor, Hans had no problems being back among the world of dinghies and those who sail them.

Of course, not everyone at the Festival was able to witness the yachting activity. But for those who did not see the show, the alert cameramen of the "Pattaya Mail" were everywhere, with the incomparable Dr. Iain Corness lending a running commentary and interviewing the sailors. It was noted at the beach-front that Dr. Iain can even "out-pun" the "Pattaya Mail" yachting correspondent; but that was unconfirmed at press time!

The good news for the sailors was that the Somsak Tanrungsri was so pleased with the outcome of this, the first such event, that the Royal Garden Resorts will sponsor a "bigger and better" event next year.

CHEERS!

Imola GP - will Ferrari do it?

The San Marino Grand Prix will be held this weekend at Imola, Italy. Last year, David Coulthard in the McLaren had an all the way Pole to Flag win, but the reliability of his car this far into the season has not been good, with 2 DNF’s from 2 races.

On the other hand, Ferrari has the reliability and has THE driver in Michael Schumacher. However, Ferrari has not won a GP at Imola since 1983, while McLaren and Williams have scored 7 victories each.

Another obstacle for Ferrari comes with the newly found form and speed of the Stewart-Fords, Rubens Barichello leading his hometown GP before retiring with an engine problem on lap 42. Until then, he was certainly in the running for the top of the podium.

Neither should one discount Jordan. The Irish team has shown good form and reliability and Heinz-Harald Frentzen seems much more at home than he did last year at Williams. His third placing in Brazil was well deserved.

By Sunday night we will know whether McLaren have managed to get on top of the reliability gremlins or whether any of the others have managed to find just that little bit extra. One fact is assured - if Ferrari breaks that 15 year old hoodoo, the Tifosi (Ferrari supporters) will go mad in the very pro Ferrari Italy.

Welsh duo Davies and Meigh take honours

Play in the Pattaya Golf Society meeting at Siam Country Club on April 20th began with hot humid weather with the conditions interrupted by rain, which eventually cooled the elements considerably.

Two groups competing with the cut off at Handicaps 24 & under witnessed yet again consistent George Meigh, a 19 handicapper leading the field. Winning with a net par round of golf and just one shot ahead of the young prodigy Hanno, PGS’s youngest competitor. Hanno is a mixture of Finn and Swede and has returned to the fold a welcome addition to the field. His infectious attitude to golf is perceived by all.

High handicapper Tony Davies was the winner of group B a with a plus 5 and was surprised to be awarded 1st position. As was Arthur Blakely with a plus 7 for second placing. Arthur’s mentor and 19 handicapper, ex-Guardsman and Playboy "Bolton John" carded a plus 18 for his day’s efforts.

Players form on the day left plenty to be desired. In particular the club’s Dutch member Ger who’s recent good form left him floundering with a plus 15. Even the "Tiger" carded a plus 11 and was out of touch. All who witnessed his appearance on the first "T" obviously indicated he wasn’t going to have a good day.

With plusses of 20, 18, 15, 12, & 11... by Vic, Gordon, Clive, John & Colin the scorer required a calculator to sort out these disappointing results and as scribe I would suggest a visit to Richard the local golf pro for some basic instructions on the game of golf. Otherwise the Society will become a target for all the Carpet Baggers and Bandits in Chonburi.

Regardless of the low standard of golf, plenty of humor released the day’s tensions, illustrated by one club airlifted across a fairway in disgust. Also that players be admonished for paying too much attention to the caddies and to direct the day’s activities to golf exclusively.

PGS bids farewell to Bo their Swedish friend, a quiet and competent competitor regularly in the forefront and at times a target for Ger on occasion for playing out of turn. Return soon Bo and wish you a happy bon voyage... A welcome return will be committeeman John Hopkins, hopefully back from illness and a visit from up north.

It cannot be perceived such disappointing returns in future events and that all members take a positive attitude to better returns and successes.

Nearly forgot, nearest the pin on par 3s: Hanno, Bo & Bolton John. Sounds more like a variety act than a golfing trio.

Kelly & Bremner take TAGGS titles

PSC TAGGS ...golf from the Hare House

Wednesday, April 21 - Natural Park Hills (Bogey)

1st: Brian Kelly, 3 Up
2nd: George Jackson, All Square
3rd: Russell Finch, 1 Down

Englishman Brian Kelly won the TAGGS bogey competition at Natural Park Hills on Wednesday, April 21. This was Brian’s first win out of the Hare House and he could not have picked a more difficult course for his premier Knotted Putter trophy. Someday, not anytime too soon, mind you, but someday all the local courses will be Slope Rated. When they are there will be no surprise if Natural Park Hills is on top of the heap. Built on a mango plantation, this Ronald Fream layout has narrow, tree lined fairways. It also has trees right in the middle of fairways that look like a ride from Walt Disney World. The undulating fairways are equally matched by the undulating greens. It is a gorgeous course in great condition, but it is one tough SOB. When you beat this layout three up, you’ve done something.

Finishing "all square" and taking second place was another Englishman, George "One Ball" Jackson. Just last week, George started using his new Great Big Biggest Meanest Ugliest Big Bertha. He hit it straight and long all day long. He says that he is getting another 20 yards off his drives and hitting them just as straight. Now if we can just get George to buy a new golf hat.

In third place at one down was American Russell "Pin High" Finch. Since coming back to Pattaya, Russell is coming into form nicely and this was his third straight appearance on the leader board.

Friday, April 23 - Great Lake Golf & Country Club (Stableford)

1st: Kerry Bremner, 39 points
2nd: Vic Cross, 37 points
3rd: Serge Straeten, 36 points C/B

The Hare House has another streak going. Alberta native Kerry Bremner became the twelfth consecutive different winner of a TAGGS singles competition. Kerry, who struggled on Wednesday at Natural Park Hills, roared back at Great Lake on Friday in the weekly Stableford tournament and took first place with 39 points. This was Kerry’s first win out of the Hare House since last September when he won a stroke play competition.

In second place, and playing in the same foursome with Kerry, was American Vic Cross. Vic had 37 points off his 22 handicap. He edged out by one point Frenchman Serge Straeten who was also playing in the same group. This proves the old axiom that when you are playing in a group that is doing well, you are likely to play well too. The fourth member of this International Jet Set was Welshman Mike Spear who finished fifth in the tournament with 35 points.

Tom Yam and Apple Pie

The Tom Yam Tasters and the Apple Pie A La Modes cooked up a feast at the weekly Pattaya Sports Club softball game on Sunday, April 18. The A La Modes satiated their hunger as they tasted victory in both ends of the doubleheader.

The Tasters, a team made up of young Thai men from the Darg Samutr School in Sriracha, have only limited baseball experience but proved to be fine athletes and great sportsmen. Although over matched by the more experienced team from the Pattaya Sports Club, the Tasters did manage to score eleven runs on the day and displayed some real prowess on defense. Even more importantly, they competed in the spirit of fun and enjoyment that brought a light heartedness to the game that made winning or losing seem quite irrelevant.

Family and friends turned out in numbers to cheer the players on, while enjoying a picnic-like atmosphere with plenty of good food, drink and laughter. Baseball in Pattaya on this Songkran Sunday had a distinctive Thai flavor. Special thanks to Ball and X for bringing their team out and reminding all of us what the true spirit of sportsmanship is all about.

Games are every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Pattaya School #7 on Sukhumvit Road just past Greenway driving range and Cal-Tex gas station. Equipment is provided and refreshments are available. All are welcome. Please note, there will not be a game on Sunday, April 25th, but play will resume, as usual, o Sunday, May 2nd.

Cheers wins Sunday quiz

With a tremendous average weekly score of 85% for eighteen Sundays, Cheers Bar has carried off the Sunday quiz league trophy once again. Even their bitterest rivals are agreed that having ex grammar school boys in your team certainly pays off. Rising Sun came second in a good season which, none the less, never really took off for them. Billy and Da have another wooden spoon to add to an already colorful collection. The new season starts on May 2 after a wild party at the Poteen Still on April 25. Average weekly scores were:

Cheers Rising Sun Mick’s Bob’s Pleasure Dome Palmer’s Poteen Still Tippy’s Londoner Billy and Da

85% 75.6% 74.3% 72.3% 70.8% 68.3% 67.9% 67.5% 66.7% 60.8%

PSC Golf in May

The May schedule tees off on Sunday the 2nd with Lewiinski’s playing Stableford at Great Lake. Then on Monday the 3rd there is a choice of either playing Stableford again at Great Lake with PSC Golf from the Café Kronborg or stroke play at Natural Park Resort with the PSC Splinter Group from the Green Bottle.

On Tuesday the 4th, PSC Pattaya Golf Society from the Bunker goes to Sattahip for a Stableford competition, while the Smokers from Lewiinski’s go to Khao Kheow to play stroke. Scandic Hotel plays Stableford at Phoenix that day.

On Wednesday the 5th there is a visit to Noble place from the Green Bottle playing Stableford, or a medal round at Phoenix from Hare House.

On Thursday 6th May PSC Golf Café Kronborg goes to Bangpra for a Stableford competition. The week ends on Friday the 7th with the monthly Diana Group Medal at Green Valley while Hare House goes to Sattahip to play Stableford and Scandic Hotel goes to Pattaya Country Club for stroke play.

The highlight of month follows on Monday May 10th when Papasan Ray Rogers celebrates his 84th Birthday with the usual Stableford competition at Pattaya Country Club, followed by the traditional buffet supper and prize giving hosted by Papa Ray back at his house.

Also in May is the annual Eclectic Competition played over four rounds at Pattaya Country Club for the President’s Bowl. The first round will be on May 10th played within the Papa Ray competition.

The full May Schedule can be seen at the PSC Golf Venues, in Pattaya Mail and at our Web Site at www.pattayasports.org.

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