Samui Yacht Club Regatta Optimist Team earns respect in Pattaya

On the 1st of May The Samui Yacht Club Regatta sent a youth team of 5 sailors to The Top of The Gulf Pattaya Regatta held at the beautiful Ocean Marina Yacht Club in south Pattaya. The Racing included nearly 130 entries in the Optimist class with competitors coming from many different countries including the United States, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. The youngsters raced for 3 days in mixed seas with the second day being a true test of skill and stamina as the kids stayed in the water for 7 hours while they ran 4 races in mixed winds and where the final race saw gust over 20 knots.

Team SYCR was represented by Nakarin Keawpradid (Beer) age 13, Martin Zach age 12, Amanda Lennartsson age 10, Sky Yudi age 10, and Pa-sweet Betancourt age 9. The SYCR team impressed a number of clubs that later came and invited them to compete in competitions in Hua Hin, Malaysia and Songkla, southern Thailand. The Group finished in the second third overall and displayed some real sailing skill. All the Kids had a great time and were treated to a special party with bouncy castles and slides, banquet meal and a special performance by a guest clown who entertained the adults and children with slide of hand and amazing magic tricks. A special thanks goes to the adults that joined and supported the kids on this trip. Martin Zach senior, Mike Holly, Tony and Maria Lennartsson, Dr. Donya and Geo Betancourt, and Team Leader John Stall who also sailed in the adult competition.

When we look back and consider that 6 months ago none of the SYCR team had ever sailed before joining John Stall at the Trade winds for free lessons, the progress and development of the SYCR youth team is truly incredible. The club now has six boats and a support dingy to insure the children safety. All parents are encouraged to bring their children by the Trade Winds every Saturday and Sunday between 11:00 and 13:00 to participate in the weekly sailing practice. The youth support team of Mike Reeves and Mike Holly are always happy to take the kids out for free instruction.