Yachts grounded on final day...
By AsianYachting MultiMedia
11 Dec 2010: At about 2:00 this morning, two tropical revolving storms (In the South China Sea & Indian Ocean) caused an uncharacteristic Westerly breeze to increase to 15/20 Knots and bought with it scattered showers/isolated thunderstorms, turning the 2m swell on the West coast of Phuket into rolling breakers on Kata Beach. This made the 100 or so yachts anchored in the bay vulnerable to washing ashore and almost impossible to launch boats from the beach, so crews could venture out to secure the anchor or move the boats around to the East coast for shelter.

In the ensuring melee three King’s Cup series winners, Miss Saigon, Ichi Ban and Team Sea Bees, have been washed ashore and suffered damage in the early hours of this morning. Other boats grounded and wallowing around in the surf this morning are Thai Navy 1, Thor, Walwala, Pagatoon, Rapscallion and Silk Purse.

Ichi Ban's problems began yesterday as the boat dragged its anchor line and almost ended up on the beach. Quick work from crews on other boats helped save the yacht from any major damage. But this morning, Ichi Ban was not so lucky in avoiding damage to its hull and keel.

As a result the final day of racing for the combined fleet IRC and OMR races has been cancelled. The tide is currently out and a tow boat is being organised for high tide to attempt skull dragging the boats of the beach and out into deeper water. It is regrettably an unhappy and unfortunate ending to an otherwise great regatta.

The show must go on, so the Royal Awards Ceremony and series prize presentations will be held in the ballroom of the Kata Beach Resort & Spa this evening and the final prize-giving and Closing Party will be held in the shelter of the host sponsors poolside.

More photos have been posted on Capt Marty Facebook account at: http://www.facebook.com/captmarty?ref=profile#!/album.php?aid=257329&id=768932761

More info and results on the 2010 King's Cup at: http://www.kingscup.com

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AY Race Report 4
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AY Race Report 1
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