From November 30 to December 6, the Andaman Sea once again became the stage for one of Asia’s most storied sailing events as the 37th edition of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta unfolded against the luminous backdrop of Kata Beach. Drawing elite crews from more than 20 nations, the regatta blended high-performance competition with royal tradition, reaffirming its place on the global yachting calendar.
Now firmly established as Thailand’s premier sailing showcase, the King’s Cup has evolved since its founding in 1986 into a week-long celebration of seamanship, sportsmanship and lifestyle. Racing spanned a broad spectrum of classes, from performance-driven keelboats and multihulls to bareboat charters, dinghies and youth fleets, creating a programme that balanced elite rivalry with inclusive participation. Each morning from December 1 onward, fleets pushed off into the Andaman, returning by afternoon to a lively onshore scene centred at Beyond Kata.
Phuket’s appeal as a host destination remains integral to the regatta’s allure. Consistent winds, clear waters and technical courses set the tone for tactical racing, while more than 100 registered boats competed across divisions including IRC Zero, IRC 1 and 2, Premier, Bareboat Charter A and B, Monohull Cruising and Multihull. Between races, the atmosphere softened into camaraderie, with clinics, social gatherings and a midweek layday offering crews and guests time to recharge. For spectators, the spectacle was free to enjoy from the beach, reinforcing the event’s open, celebratory spirit.
The regatta’s prestige reached its peak on December 6, when Their Majesties the King and Queen presided over the closing ceremonies. Their arrival at Beyond Kata was met with visible reverence, before they boarded a vessel to view preparations by Team Vayu’s IRC Zero yacht. The King’s interest in tactics and performance, alongside the Queen’s engagement with the crew, underscored the regatta’s cultural and national significance, continuing a legacy that honours King Rama IX’s enduring connection to sailing.
On the water, competition was sharp and often finely balanced. The Premier Class delivered one of the week’s most compelling narratives, with Thailand’s Ithinai Yingsiri on Pine Pacific asserting early authority, finishing 28 minutes ahead of Peter Cremers’ Shatoosh on the opening day. Across other divisions, shifting conditions demanded constant recalibration, particularly in IRC Zero and the multihull fleets, where margins were tight and strategy proved decisive. Bareboat Charters offered a more relaxed but no less spirited contest, while Optimist racing highlighted the next generation of Thai sailing talent.
Thai teams featured prominently across the leaderboard, reflecting the country’s growing depth of experience and confidence on the international stage. Alongside seasoned European and Australian crews, women and youth sailors brought fresh energy to the regatta, reinforcing its role as both a competitive arena and a developmental platform. Off the water, beachfront receptions and informal galas mirrored Phuket’s refined resort lifestyle, making the King’s Cup as much a social occasion as a sporting one.
After 37 editions, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta continues to define what sailing in Asia can be: technically demanding, culturally resonant and unmistakably elegant. It is a fixture that speaks as fluently to yacht owners and racing professionals as it does to luxury travellers drawn by the romance of wind, water and royal pageantry — and it shows no sign of losing momentum.
Photos courtesy of Kaato Studios