Platu Thailand Championship 2025 - Round 1

Thai Platu Nationals 2025, round 1 © OMJ Media

Last weekend saw the 1st Round of the Platu Thailand Championship hosted by Ocean Marina Jomtien. The event kicked off with a solid gradient breeze in the 12-15kts department, from southwest around 230°. The racing was exceptionally close, and five races were completed. At the end of the day Rolf Heemskerk was leading Ithinai Yingsiri by one skinny point, with Chris Way one more point in arrears.

Thank you to Scott Finsten, OMJ Harbour Master who has been generous, for many years, in his support for the Platu 25 Racing out of this fantastic marina.

Day 2, and there was a shifty E/NE breeze that wanted to clock left and built up to 4-8 kts, and then kept on building all the way up to the fourth race of the day. Plenty happening: starts, top/bottom mark roundings so close. Every small error cost a place. The fifth race was abandoned after a huge rain squall produced a 100° shift and then Quote of the Day from Steve McConaghy - "It's still warmer than Hobart!"

After that, Ithinai Yingsiri was in the lead, with Hugh Rocha close behind along with another Spanish Olympian. OMG things are getting competitive! And just to 'up' the stakes, Rolf Heemskerk has another legend, Olympian Conner Nicholas along for the ride, and Boat Captain Nick Davies always pushing the limits. Then it was back for a few quiet beers at the Grand Pier, with lots of bar karate on the side. Everyone is stoked to see such close racing, and there's a weather lottery promised for tomorrow.

Day 3 started with shifty offshore breeze that thankfully clocked left to build to a solid northerly-ish at 8-12kts. Ithinai Yingsiri had a consistent day sailing, but with the leader board changing after every race. Rolf Heemskerk and his team were in the mix, but Chris Way and team Easy Tiger Racing came away with the Trophy, despite an OCS on the final and deciding race. A smart call from tactician Macca took them from 5th to 1st on the final upwind leg to win the weekend overall.

Congratulations to all competitors: warm weather, cold beer, great breeze and awesome racing, and a special shout out to Denn on Pine Pacific and Nathan Masopust for smashing a 2nd in the final race.

Pine Pacific 2, Thai Platu Nationals 2025, round 1 - photo © OMJ Media

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Results: 1. Easy Tiger (3),(3),1,2,2,1,3,3,1,1,3,1,1: 19 2. Pine Pacific 2,1,3,(4),1,2,1,1,2,3,2,2,(5): 20 3. The Next Factor 1,2,2,1,(3),(3),2,2,3,2,1,3,3: 22 4. Challen Sailcloth 4,4,(5),3,4,(5),4,4,4,5,4,5,2: 43 5. Pine Pacific 2 (5),(5),4,5,5,4,5,5,5,4,5,4,4: 50