Phuket –
Her Royal Majesty the Queen made history at the 37th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, steering Team Vayu to triumph in the prestigious international sailing competition.
Competing in the IRC Zero class aboard yacht THA72, Her Royal Majesty served as navigator and strategist during the final round. Drawing on her expertise in aeronautical sciences, she calculated shifting wind patterns with remarkable precision, an essential skill in competitive sailing, where harnessing the wind determines both speed and safety.
Her leadership proved decisive. Team Vayu crossed the finish line first in three of the eight races, securing the highest overall score of the regatta. Crew members praised Her Royal Majesty not only for her tactical brilliance but also for her role as a source of morale and inspiration throughout the competition.
The Queen’s participation shows her commitment to advancing Thai sailing on both national and international stages. Sailing, recognized as a global sport, has long been a focus of her advocacy, particularly in encouraging young athletes to develop their skills and pursue international competition.
This year’s regatta drew more than 365 sailors from across the world, representing countries including Australia, Japan, Sweden, Belgium, China, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia, and France. A total of 120 boats competed, ranging from large yachts to smaller vessels, with categories also open to sailors with disabilities.
Following the conclusion of the races, Her Royal Majesty returned to Kata Beach aboard the royal vessel, where His Royal Majesty the King awaited. In a gesture of honor, Their Majesties granted permission for official photographs with Team THA72 and the regatta organizers, marking a memorable moment in the history of Thai sailing.
The Queen’s active role in the regatta reflects her vision of promoting sailing as a sport of excellence in Thailand, building international recognition, and inspiring future generations to carry the tradition forward.
