| [SAILING] Sutee wins coveted prize in Hua Hin Fresh from winning the Fireball title the previous day, experienced sailor Sutee Poonpat conquered the Gulf of Thailand and all challengers over a 25-nautical mile course to land the prestigious Perpetual Vega Rudder Royal Trophy yesterday.A fleet of 17 boats including six two-man mono-hull 420s and two single-handed Lasers took principal race officer Rear Admiral Sunan Monthardpalin’s starting gun at 8.30am yesterday in front of the Hua Hin Naval Yacht Club in the longest race of the three-day Hua Hin Regatta. Sailors had to complete a route covering 25 nautical miles which started at the yacht club and passed several beautiful islands such as Hin Sao, Koh Sadao and Koh Khi Nok. Ideal winds of about 14 knots prevailed over Hua Hin Bay yesterday, giving the gruelling race superb weather conditions. Renowned sailor Damrongsak Vongthim, with his younger brother Sakda as crew, outpaced the fleet to storm home first in two hours, 34.37 minutes. However, because of the different classes of boats in yesterday’s race, the winner was decided on handicap. After handicaps were taken into consideration, Damrongsak, who won the Catamaran title on the previous day, dropped to third place. The Perpetual Vega Rudder Royal Trophy went to Sutee Poonpat aboard a 420, with Nuppasin Attananak as crew. Defending champions Paradorn Chuasa-nga and crewman Krissanasak Piboon failed to repeat the feat. Helming another 420, Paradorn finished second. Teerapong Vatiboonruang and Damrongsak Pongvichart aboard their 420 claimed fourth place, while Aroon Ruangcharungpong and Krissada Vongthim on their Nacra 5.8 Spi were fifth. Meanwhile, 55 sailors aged below 15 competed in two more races in the Optimist class yesterday. After eight races with one bad performance discounted, Polpetch Suk-udom emerged as the eventual winner. Thanakarn Korkerd was second, while Benjamas Poonpat finished third. HM the King graciously designated Privy Councillor Rear Admiral ML Usni Pramoj as the Royal Representative at the awards presentation and he handed out the prestigious Royal Vega Rudder Trophy and boat models to the winners. Preechachan Wiriyanupappong The Nation, Hua Hin
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