Demanding conditions for all on Day 2 of Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek 2019

Startline action. Day 2, Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek 2019. Photo by Guy Nowell.

PHUKET, Thailand – Anticipation was high this morning as the dark clouds started to lift and the sky clear. It didn't last too long, sadly, as the rain soon returned forcing an AP onshore while the Race Management team went out to look at the options. The oscillating winds and near two-metre swells, where the wind direction was different to the track of the storm cells  – “due to the Lunar Eclipse” said some – made today a challenge for all. Wave surfing and near broaches kept competitors on their toes while Race Management worked hard to set a race for all and officially got the 2019 Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek underway.

The Discover Sailing in Asia no-show in IRC Zero means the organisers have decided to score IRC Zero + IRC I for one result, and score IRC I separately for a second result. That will start tomorrow, however, meaning for today Ray Roberts and his crew on Team Hollywood were the unchallenged winners in IRC Zero.

The Russian crew on Megazip got the better of all-comers in IRC I; second across the line, first on corrected time and their first bullet on the board. Despite crossing first, East Marine Emagine (AUS) had to settle for second today ahead of last year's winner, AquarII (AUS) in third.

Note: when factoring in Team Hollywood's corrected time today, they would've been fourth in the combined IRC Zero/ IRC I class. No doubt Ray and team will be hoping for some longer courses tomorrow to help unwind their handicap.

The ever-green Phoenix (DEN) got their defense off to the best possible start with a win in today's race in IRC II – they lead from early on to cross the line first and claim the win on corrected time. The Dragon, a 25-foot Platu, got the better of Sydney Premier Karting Park, another 25-foot Platu, to finish second and third respectively.

Cruising Monohull class is the largest class at this year's regatta with 10 entries, and it was late-entry Phalin (AUS), skippered by Ian Loderwyckx, who romped away with the win today. Lady Bubbly (AUS) and Venture (AUS) sailed hard but had to settle for second and third on the day.

With seven starters in Multihull Racing, just four managed to finish the race and a number mastered their swell-surfing skills. Winner of the recent Multihull Solutions Regatta, Phantom V (AUS), skippered by designer Alan Carwardine, made the best of the conditions crossing the line second and correcting out for the win. The new Fugazi (AUS), skippered by Dan Fidock claimed second ahead of Bonza (GBR), the old Fugazi, skippered by Warwick Downes, in third.

Close battle between Voodoo and Twin Sharks in the Firefly class. Day 2, Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek 2019. Photo by Guy Nowell.

Looking to defend their Firefly 850 title, Twin Sharks (GBR) won today's race and put their first bullet on the board. Arch rival Voodoo (GER), however, weren't far behind and will be looking to make Twin Sharks' life difficult over the final two days of the regatta. Mono Inzi (FRA), under the new ownership of Marc Chapus, slotted into third.

Organised by Media Business Services, racing continues tomorrow off Phuket's southeast coast.

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About Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek
Coming into its sixteenth year, Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek is comprised of four days of world-class yacht racing and four nights of beachside parties. Run over six or more classes including IRC, multihull, charter and one-design classes, Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek has gained a reputation for its competitive racing for the serious boat crews and moderate courses around islands for the less experienced racers. It is also the first event of the prestigious 2019/20 AsianYachting Grand Prix.

Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek enjoys the support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sports Authority of Thailand, Phuket Yacht Club and the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand.

Regatta Sponsors and Partners
Sponsors and partners of the 2019 Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek include: Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket, Kantary Bay Hotel Phuket, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mount Gay Rum, Castle Creek Wines, East Marine Asia, Intentional Law Office, Phuket Island Radio, Cape+Kantary Magazine, IMAGE Asia, Luxury Society Asia, Phuket Magazine, SEA Yachting, Yacht Style, Asia Catamarans, ISS Security Services, North Sails, Phuket Siriroj Hospital, Electrical Marine, Phuket Boat Lagoon, Krabi Boat Lagoon, Workforce Marina Asia and Infinity Communications.

Cape Panwa Hotel
Set on the coastal slope in a sheltered cove amidst the swaying palms of a former coconut plantation, Cape Panwa Hotel offers a selection of elegant, sea-facing suites and pool villas.  All feature large private balconies and spacious, tastefully decorated interiors with all the comforts of modern day living, such as Internet connections, iPod docks and DVD players. The six two-bedroom Pool Villas offer an infinity pool and sun deck in stylish privacy while the Panwa Lodge is a luxurious, three-bedroom, colonial style home located right on the beach.