Report 1 2nd July 2010
Royal Varuna Yacht Club, Pattaya, Thailand
Variable wind conditions over the past few days. Monsoon season brings very hot and humid conditions. We are glad we have plenty of time for the sailors to acclimatise. Our team were one of the first here to collect their brand new Winner boats. Everyone very happy with their gear. Third day of training today, trying to get in tune with the very tidal conditions and quite choppy seas. The breeze has been nice, between 6 – 16 knots each day so far. Training races yesterday with Hong Kong and Thailand including the current world champion. Jimmy’s doing a great job getting the kids into their routine early. The coach boats are good but dark grey and black so when the sun is out Jimmy’s going to have a hot bum!
We have now adjusted to Thai culture, bartering for our evening taxi into town for dinner, shopping and views!!! The team took a stroll down the famous Walking Street. Very vibrant, hot, busy and interesting! We stopped to watch some Thai kick boxing in one of the bars and might go back to watch some more some time. The Thai ladies seem to have taken a liking to young kiwi boys, chasing them down the street for a cuddle. The Thai people are very friendly, nice and polite. The Thai food is very good and cheap, about NZ$ 5 per main. Kids are getting some great deals out shopping, tee shirts, sunglasses etc.
Most teams are staying at the Cosy Beach Hotel where we are. Good accommodation and only a five minute walk to the club. We have a great pool at the club and the hotel which is a must here. We also have a pool bar with cheap cocktails which the ladies seem to be enjoying.
Tomorrow measuring and rest day before getting into the serious side of our stay.
Our team were really excited to see our NAMs team finished 2nd overall in the teams racing in Canada. Fantastic result against some of the best Opti teams racers in the world. Well done.
