CAPT. Pornprom Sagultem, Phuket Dinghy Series Event Director. of the Royal Thai Navy, said, "It is the aim of the Phuket King's Cup Regatta Committee and its associated event partners to increase and build on the level of enthusiasm which young sailors already have for the sport, and to support its ongoing development. The Phuket Dinghy races provide a variety of sailing conditions at different locations, giving the youngsters a mix of experiences and testing their sailing skills.
The Phuket Dinghy Series was introduced in 2010 as part of the Phuket King's Cup Regatta Under Royal Patronage, creating a network between sailing clubs to inspire more youths in Thailand to take up the sport, especially the Optimist challenge for the under 15 years. The Dinghy Series has helped bring to the fore many young Thai sailing talents who will hone their skills and eventually compete in full-size regattas – especially the Phuket King's Cup Regatta, of which the Dinghy Series serves as early precursor ahead of the main event.
The Phuket King's Cup Regatta 2016 will be held off Kata Beach Resort & Spa, Phuket, from 3 - 10 December, 2016, hosting international racing classes across which over 150 boats and 1000+ sailors compete for one of sailing's most prestigious trophies. Phuket King's Cup Regatta has played a part in the development of youth sailing in Thailand, encouraging more young sailors to take up the sport and empowering the development of talented and aspiring skippers.