Queen Skippered Sailboat in Honor Regatta

Her Majesty the Queen served as skipper during a sailing competition held to honor her 4th cycle birthday celebration on June 3, 2570, at Ratchaprapha Dam. On July 8, 2570 at 10:36 AM, the Queen attended the event and presented awards to competition winners while inspecting operations at the Ratchaprapha Dam power plant in Surat Thani Province. Attending dignitaries included Energy Minister Eknath Prom-phan, Energy Ministry Permanent Secretary Prasert Sinsukhpraserth, Royal Thai Navy Commander Admiral Phirot Fueangchan, and EGAT Governor Narin Phaowanit. The Queen then sounded an air horn to signal the start of 68 sailboats in the honorary regatta, featuring young sailors from the Thai Youth Sailing and Life Skills program. Her Majesty skippered a Fareast 28 sailboat (hull number THA48) alongside six crew members including Lieutenant Commander Nopgao Poonpat, Lieutenant Nattha Bumarisri, Petty Officer First Class Thanainan Patipipith, Petty Officer First Class Nichapa Waiwai, Petty Officer Third Class Thammadsunth, and Mrs. Marijke Angnes Van Wijingaarden. As skipper, the Queen controlled the vessel, managing its course according to weather conditions and safety requirements. The sailboats navigated course one near Khao Sam Klao (4.8 kilometers) and course two in front of Ratchaprapha Dam (7 kilometers) as the Queen observed and encouraged all participating athletes. After the event, the Queen returned to the special reception building at Ratchaprapha Dam in Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani, where crowds gathered to pay respects. The sailing competition was organized in three categories: Optimist, ILCA4 (under age 18), and ILCA6 (unlimited age), with races held July 4-7, 2570, plus three long-distance sailing classes: Optimist, ILCA (4, 6, and 7), and Fareast 28R. The Thai Sailing Association under royal patronage, working with EGAT and the Royal Thai Navy, organized the events to honor the Queen's birthday milestone and continue the late King Bhumibol's and current King's legacy of promoting sailing sports.