Hong Kong’s Zannekin Dominates First Day of the 21st Samui Regatta 2024

The 21st Samui Regatta 2024 set sail with competition as Hong Kong’s Zannekin, skippered by Marcel Liedts, secured victories in both races on the first day. The regatta held off the picturesque Chaweng Beach on Koh Samui island, saw keen competition in the IRC Open class. Following Zannekin, Freefire, skippered by Sam Chan from Hong Kong, placed second and Iolanthe 3, led by Australian skipper Terry Foster, came third overall. Steve McConaghy’s Aftershock and Garth Riley’s Tenacious rounded out the competition, finishing fourth and fifth respectively in the IRC Open class.   

Race Director Simon James noted the challenging conditions faced by competitors. "The first race day started with light variable winds of 4-6 knots, but we managed to complete two races. Each race lasted about one and a half hours, with only a few minutes separating most of the fleet after corrected time handicaps were applied." James staged two windward-leeward races with the second race being slightly shorter.

The Samui Regatta, a prestigious event in the sailing calendar, runs from May 25 to June 1, 2024, and features all keelboats racing in the same IRC Open class. The event is centered at Nora Beach Resort and Spa, offering an ideal backdrop for both participants and spectators. 

The regatta competition spans five days, from May 27th to May 31st, with May 30th is a rest day and an opportunity for sailors to explore and experience the hospitality of Koh Samui. The competition will resume on May 31st and continue through June 1st. Each day's competition will conclude with a ceremony to honour and award the winners, culminating in a gala dinner on the beach on the final day. The Nora Beach Resort and Spa Hotel is the gracious host of this year's event.

The Samui Regatta Organizing Committee organizes the Samui Regatta in collaboration with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, the Surat Thani Province, the Sports Authority of Thailand, and Regatta Asia.

The 21st Samui Regatta 2024 is proud to be supported by an array of sponsors whose collaboration and support are essential to the event's success. Co-sponsors include The Nora Hotel Group, Chaweng Regent Beach Resort, Bangkok Airways, Bangkok Hospital Samui, Haad Thip PCL, Frank Pong & Team Jelik, Singha, Samui VertiColor, Chaweng Gardens 

Beach Resort and SUNNE. Media Partners includes VivaldiPR, Thailand Marine Guide, and Sea Yachting Magazine.