King's Cup Carnage

Some of the 11 yachts beached (Later:13 beached) 

they were to be further driven on the beach and irrecoverable (iPhone photo)

Later:Babs Photos: one here >>

Walawala, Hong Kong boat. First 44.7

Arrive at Kata Beach this morning to a scene of carnage: 13 yachts -- nine sloops and four catamarans -- beached in the westerly storm that blew in overnight. 30+ knots; who said it doesn't blow in Phuket?

Later: see Babs' photos here.

Desperate efforts to refloat them so far to no avail. The First 44.7, Walawala, an ex Hong Kong boat, is soundly beached on her side, and a write-off. Two yachts sailed by the Royal Thai Navy also unrecoverable, and one sinking when we left - holed by her rudder punching through the hull. Only the catamarans are safe, hauled onto the beach.

Jing on Kata, just before King's sail-past and race abandoned (iPhone)

Forecast is for the strong Easterly winds to continue through the week, so we decided to get Noel and Jose bring Xena round to Cholong Bay, on the East of Phuket, and In the lee of the storm. Jing and I are here now awaiting her arrival.

Apparently there's news on CNN and Googling Phuket King's Cup storm will get you links.

See Regatta website news reports and pictures here and here.  Pretty dramatic stuff!

Sorry once more for not having photos of this breaking news.... It's the iPad issue again, can't upload photos.... And we are now going to be busy making sure all is well with our Warrrior Princess.