OMYC Platu Championship of Thailand.

by Kev Scott 14 Sep 2022 04:13 BST 10-12 September 2922

Thailand Platu Nationals 2022 © Kev Scott

Thailand Platu 25 Champs 2022 © Nathan Masopust

OMYC Platu Championship of Thailand. Round 4, 10-12 Sep 2022

Once again this regatta provided some of the closest and exciting one design racing that we could hope for. On Saturday the winds were not so favourable, and the start was delayed by half an hour. However, enough pressure came in to allow for five short races. The first race is always pretty much a practice race, and coupled with one drop score for the day, allows new crews time to settle in. Apart from an unusual fourth position in the first race, Platu 117, Stingray, started to show everybody that they were the boat to beat.

Sunday was a perfect day for sailing. Flat seas, sunshine, and a steady northerly breeze made it easy for the RO to run off six races back-to-back. The crews had to work hard! With light winds forecast for the following day, the RO was keen to complete as many races as possible, and the for the tired crews was free beer and hamburgers in the evening, courtesy of FLS.

FLS financially support sailing in general and especially the OMYC Platu Championship with their own Platu 124 previously known as The Ferret, now resplendent in FLS livery.

Thailand Platu Nationals 2022 - photo © Kev Scott

On Monday, the wind was just enough for racing to start on time, and after three races the crews prepared for the final race of the regatta which is always a double points medal race. This always creates extra concentration and tension, and with a good start essential, but an OCS is to be avoided at all costs.

The Thai crew on 257 were the unfortunate ones on this occasion, especially as they were fighting against Platu 124 for podium honours. To their credit they fought back hard to finish third, finishing just 2m behind 124. Stingray rounded off a perfect day with four wins from four to secure first overall for the regatta. The FLS crew came second after their exciting battle with 257 who came a close third. This boat is normally helmed by K Ithinai, who had an accident the previous week, but still entered his two Platus to keep up his much appreciated support for the Platu Class here at Ocean Marina.

And so to the presentations attended by the FLS representative K. Toby. As usual, all crews scored a bottle of whisky to recognize that their contribution is what makes for some very close and exciting racing, and then the “lucky” winners were presented with their trophies as a reminder of a great weekend.

Thailand Platu Nationals 2022 - photo © Kev Scott

Congratulations to 117, 124 and 257. Thanks to OMYC for providing support on and off the water. Thanks to K Thammasak, the JRO (Joint Race Officer). Thanks to the staff on the mark boats. Thanks to the hard working ladies of the Food Truck for their excellent service at the party. Thanks to Nathan for photos of the prizegiving. Thanks to FLS for their generous support of yachting. Thanks to all the competitors for making this Championship so competitive.

Fifth and final round, 11-13 November.