2026 Pattaya Regatta Features Local Talent

Words and Photos byTim Lee

PATTAYA—To Thanapat Siricharoen sailing is more than a sport. It’s a way to learn about life. Sailboating has led him to many countries and experiences. But its greatest lesson has taught him the importance of education.“School comes first,” said Thanapat. “I have sailed a long time. I must prepare myself to do something after the sailing.”

That knowledge has led the Pattaya resident to study at Mahidal University as a second-year sports science major. But he still has some sailing left in him. On June 12-14, he won the International Laser Class Association (ILCA) 6 Class competition at the seventh annual Pattaya Regatta Race hosted by the Pattaya Sailing Club at Jomtien Beach.

Light winds slowed down the sailors in the early races. The last day was the toughest for all competitors as the winds strengthened in the afternoon. “The wind and water currents made it hard to sail,” he said. “The current was going the opposite way of the wind. I had to go straight and play with the wind. The wind can change, but not the water.”

Thanapat, 20, has previously won two regattas as a member of the local Yacht Racing Association of Thailand (YRAT) sailing club.

He also placed second in team racing at the 2021 Optimist World Championships. He has traveled to many countries to compete in sailboating races, including Italy, China, and Oman.

“I learned that other places have different situations,” said Thanapat. “And the competition is a lot harder.” His experiences in sailing steer him to encourage others to learn the sport. “I just want to say,” he continued, “that anyone who wants to learn how to sail should go out and do it.

Sailing teaches you a lot. It’s taught me how to stay calm. It’s taught me how you live your life.”

Sailing was on each boy’s brain for the regatta. During the event, Chanyachard placed seventh in ICLA 4 Class and Archadwit fourth in ICLA Class 6. “The last race was a strong wind,” said Chanyachard. “The winds were light the last few days and this (Sunday) morning. But in the afternoon, I had to keep a tighter sail. It’s more fun with a harder wind.”

The Pattaya Sailing Club organized the event led by founder and President Chatchai Ittivorakul and his wife, Vice President Natenicha Wiwattanapakkakun. Their multi-sport sons, Chanyachard (13) and Ardchawit (15), competed in the event. Both boys participate on national teams in sailing, beach tennis, and hockey!

“It’s for the brain,” said their mother, who home schools her sons. “Different sports teach them different skills and how to adapt to certain situations. So we like to have them play more than one sport.”

Navigating the wind and boat with expertise is local standout Pailen Jaroenpon. She dominated the field of 10 sailors (six males) in Class 4. Her future looks bright as she continues to outsail her competitors, both male and female. Also a member of the YRAT sailing contingent, she completed a team sweep of the ILCA classes. Santhiti Hirunsart also won for YRAT in the Class 7 competition.

The event also featured up-and-coming teenagers in the Optimist divisions. These boys and girls are 13 years old and younger. Each day of the event, the boats sailed into the bay as one group as optimists competed with ILCA competitors as well as together with males and females. Each race lasts about an hour, and there are multiple races that follow each other every day. The only major difference is that optimists sail in smaller boats. Otherwise, ever yone is on deck for the competition — and for all it’s a learning experience.