16/11/2025
Platu Thailand Championship – Final Rounds 5 & 6 Report
Round 5 – October 27–29,
A massive Thank You to Scott Finsten & Ocean Marina Jomtien who not only Hosted the Rounds but also supplied the delicious Burgers & Ice Cold Beer.
Importantly we would like to Thank all of the Competitors that took the time to Race on these picturesque waters just a few hundred metres off the harbour.
If you want to join in the fun, send a message, we would love to see you all here in 2026 for;
Round 1, February 27 - March 1
Round 2, May 1 - 4 !!!
More Dates to follow soon.
Day 1:
Race Officer Thammasak Meeyousamsen successfully completed five races in challenging conditions, with wind shifts of up to 80 degrees, fortunately, mostly between races. The breeze varied from 5 to 15 knots, swinging between North and East.
Easy Tiger Racing (AUS), helmed by Ian McConaghy, took the day on countback from Rolf Heemskerk’s Next Factor(MAS), both tied on 8 points. Colin Simonds(GBR) followed closely in third, just three points adrift, with Nathan Masopust(USA) also in strong form, only four points behind.
Newcomer David Aylward(AUS) impressed in his Platu class debut, delivering solid results. Racing was exceptionally tight, with close tacking duels and mere seconds separating boats at the finish.
Day 2:
Another five races were completed in a North–North East breeze ranging from 5 to 17 knots.
Colin Simonds had a standout day, climbing to the top of the leaderboard. Rolf Heemskerk’s Next Factor maintained consistency to finish second for the day, while Easy Tiger Racing slipped to third.
Dylan Whitcraft(THA) made a welcome appearance on Stingray, adding depth to the fleet with competitive performances. The start line was very active with an occasional OCS, one boat rounding the pin to exonerate & while attempting to thread the needle on port had a minor glance that resulted in another penalty turn. The racing was tight as usual throughout the upwind legs.
Day 3:
The final three races of Round 5 were sailed in 10–15 knot North–North East breeze.
Colin Simonds continued his strong form, securing the overall win for Round 5. The Doolali team celebrated their first Platu Thailand regatta victory.
Nathan Masopust posted two race wins and remains a podium contender. Team Tiger had a breakdown & retired.
Dylan Whitcraft, despite commitments to organizing the SSL Series, managed to get a strong team out racing.
Round 5 Final Standings:
🥇 1st: Colin Simonds (Doolali Team GBR)
🥈 2nd: Rolf Heemskerk (Next Factor MAS)
🥉 3rd: Chris Way (Easy Tiger Racing AUS) (on countback from David Aylward (My Way Thai AUS))
Round 6 – October 31–November 2, Ocean Marina Jomtien
Day 1:
The final round began in warm conditions with an East–South East breeze of 8–14 knots. Rain squalls provided brief relief from the heat. Five races were completed, with Easy Tiger Racing taking Boat of the Day honours, leading by three points over Colin Simonds and Rolf Heemskerk.
The teams were extremely competitive in every situation, mediation was required in one mark rounding incident with a friendly agreement agreed to after.
Justin Brownbill(AUS), Dylan Whitcraft, and Nathan Masopust had mixed results but remained competitive. A lighter breeze was forecast for the remaining days, promising tighter racing.
Day 2:
Racing was postponed due to a large low-pressure system off Vietnam, leaving the Gulf of Thailand with zero breeze. AP over A was displayed, and no races were held. Teams found some free time in the afternoon to enjoy the sights of Pattaya and surrounds.
Day 3:
The final day saw a delayed start as teams waited for wind, which eventually settled at 6–8 knots from the West–North West.
Three races were completed, with tactical shift management proving decisive.
Justin Brownbill’s Botany Access surged with a 1st and 2nd place finish.
In a dramatic final race, Colin Simonds picked a winning shift to claim the race and secure second overall on countback.
Easy Tiger Racing clinched the regatta win by a single point and was crowned the 2025 Platu Thailand Champion.
Round 6 Final Standings:
🥇 1st: Chris Way (Easy Tiger Racing AUS)
🥈 2nd: Colin Simonds (Doolali GBR)
🥉 3rd: Justin Brownbill (Botany Access AUS)
