The first race of this year’s King’s Cup regatta in Phuket saw windspeed top just 10 knots but it was enough to lay on a start.

In the racing class, Robert Elliot’s Linklaters Mandrake came first, perhaps continuing her winning streak following a victory at the 65th Hoya Round the Island Race (Isle of Wight, UK) where she completed the circumnavigation in 5 hours and 45 seconds to win the much-coveted Gold Roman bowl. Frank Pong’s 77ft Jelik was second after taking a separate route from the rest of the fleet. Peter Ahern’s Asean Regatta winner, Yo, came third following a good start with plenty of clear wind.

In the Premier Cruising class, Hocus Pocus took a well-led first. Australian Maid came second, after competing in the racing class for the past 10 years and, after a close downwind battle, Elektra came third.

IRC 1 saw Jigonda first with last year’s near winner Octopussy second and La Sumudra third.

IRC 2 saw last year’s leading entries again competing for the top spots. Gotcha Lagi came a well deserved second, having only just been able to enter the regatta after being recently struck by lightning in a storm at the Raja Muda regatta. The Thai Navy boats came second and third once again proving they are duel competition.

In the well attended IRC 3 class, which has over 20 entries, last year’s winner Free Wind was first, Salamander 3 took second and Patrice III finished third.

The Classic class which has just two entries had a good race with the 2000 winner Xphias finishing first and Sanook second.

The Ocean Multihulls saw Securior Fine Pitch first with the 1999/2000 winner Summersalt second and last year’s winner, Cedar Swan, third.

Ocean Rover is a new class warmly welcomed by less competitive racers yet only Klondike managed to finish.

http://www.kingscup.com/Results/result.html