Young Sailors Shine at Phuket Yacht Club
Fourteen enthusiastic O’pen Skiff sailors took to the water last weekend for the 4th Phuket O’pen Cup, a two-day regatta hosted by Phuket Yacht Club. After weeks of heavy rain, sailors and parents alike welcomed the break in weather, enjoying steady 7–12 knot Westerly breezes that delivered ideal conditions for competitive and fun racing.
Under the expert guidance of Race Officer Coach Garfield, the fleet was split into Gold and Silver divisions, with four sailors making their debut in competitive sailing. Across ten races — featuring Windward/Leeward, Olympic Triangle, and Adventure formats — the young athletes showcased skill, resilience, and sportsmanship.
Day 1 Highlights
• Gold Fleet: Thai sailor Punthida Werotjanakul led the charge, closely followed by Ella Lung and Alex Kramer.
• Silver Fleet: Alicia Siao impressed with a strong start, trailed by Ivan Shnaider and Ethan Stein.
Day 2 Consistency Shines through.
A light wind delay gave sailors time for a thorough warm-up before the breeze returned and the lighter sailors capitalized on the conditions:
• Gold Fleet: Punthida claimed more race wins, reinforcing her consistency in the top three.
• Silver Fleet: Newcomer Joshua Sykes celebrated his first-ever race victory, while Alicia finished the day with 3 consecutive wins and on overall victory.
As the wind built throughout the day, consistency became key — and the final standings reflected the sailors’ growing confidence and tactical awareness.
Awards & Appreciation
Back at the club, the atmosphere was filled with smiles, laughter, and stories of adventure. Event organizers Scott and Garfield of Seahorse Sailing Phuket led the awards ceremony, recognizing not just the sailors but the many parents in attendance — those who traveled from the north of the island and the United World College (UWC) team Coach Yod and Coach Nicky for their on-water support.
The Phuket O’pen Cup continues to grow as a cornerstone of youth sailing in the region, fostering community, confidence, and a love for the sport.
