The Phuket King's Cup Regatta, Asia's largest keel boat regatta, was recently announced 'Asian Regatta Of The Year' at the inaugural Asia Marine & Boating Awards, held in Shanghai, China.
The Asia Marine & Boating Awards were presented at a lavish Gala Dinner at the 15th China (Shanghai) International Boat Show held 8-11 April at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre in Puxi, Shanghai, China.
'The standard of nominated entries to the Asian Marine & Boating Awards was exceptionally high and all winners should be justly proud of their success,' said Alistair Skinner, who helped establish the inaugural awards on behalf of the China International Boat Show (CIBS) organisers.
'The Asian Regatta Of The Year award went to the Phuket King's Cup Regatta who continue to innovate and lead the way in regional sailing regattas. Its international recognition is evident with participants coming each year from all corners of the globe to take part, including more boats and crew from China each year,' continued Skinner.
The Phuket King's Cup Regatta, now in its 24th year, continues to expand its participant-base with over 2,000 people of 33 nationalities taking part in the 2009 Regatta. Showing continued year-on-year growth, the Regatta's organisers continue to work closely with the global yachting community to make each year better than the previous.
Working with the Chinese Yachting Federation and its Secretary General Li Quan Hi, who is also President of the Asian Yachting Federation, a special annual trophy was introduced in 2006 for the Best Chinese entry. This was first won at the 2006 Regatta by Konka Hummingbird who was in the Racing Class that year.
'We have entries from all around the world each year, and China is a growing market with considerable potential for us. Our open-arms approach and ongoing collaborative efforts with the Chinese Yachting Federation is a sign of our desire to foster a long-term relationship with China and Chinese sailors,' said Simon James, Race Director for the Phuket King's Cup Regatta.
This year, the Regatta's organisers are developing a China-specific marketing campaign, including producing the website in Mandarin also, with the aim of targetting more China and Hong Kong entries.
To facilitate entrants and crew at the Regatta, the organisers will produce all racing documentation in Mandarin and there will be Chinese personnel on-site during the event to act as translators and facilitate Chinese crews where needed.
'The interest in the 2010 Regatta is already strong with many new participants showing interest. We look forward to another potential record fleet and even more boats from China and Hong Kong this year,' added James.
