The event, to take place at Ocean Marina Pattaya from April 30 to May 4, is one of the most pretigious sailing competitions in Southeast Asia and certainly in Thailand several different sailing sailing classes, from keelboats to multihulls, beach cats and dinghies, attract competitors from all over the world.
This will be the third year in a row that young sailors from the PYSC will be able to compete in the annual event. The PYSC is made up predominantly of Thai children from the Phuket Sunshine Village home for orphaned and disadvantaged youth who attend free sailing classes once a week with instruction from local expats and other Thai sailors, headed by Katy Gooch-Firmin.
"The Optimist Nationals is a valuable training ground for junior sailors with over 120 competitors on the start line," read a blog post on the PYSC website regarding the competition.
"A big thank you to Ocean Marina Yacht Club for providing free accommodation and David Rucker who has offered to carry 1 optimist boat and our equipment to the event."
The Club is still looking for donations to help cover the costs – if you can help please contact Katy at phuketyouthsailingclub@gmail.com