PATTAYA: The Royal Varuna Yacht Club hosted the Laser National Championships recently with the objective to promote and support sailing activities in Thailand.
With around 40 Thai and international sailors aged between 14 and 75, the three Laser classes of Standard, Radial and 4.7 were contested.
Among the Thai stars, Olympian Keerati Bualong, 22, secured his sixth national title in the Laser Standard while Asian Games medallist Kamonwan Chanyim, 19, claimed her fourth title in the Laser Radial.
Additionally, rising star Arthit Romanyk, 14, was a first time winner in the Laser 4.7, representing the Royal Varuna Yacht Club.
In special recognition, RVYC Rear Commodore Chris Dando announced the first Varuna legend Malcolm Humphreys, 75, who finished the races and left younger men in his wake.
In the Laser Standard, Keerati was in a class of his own as he finished well ahead of compatriot Natthawut Paenyaem who was second and South Korea's Lee Kwang-Yeon.
In the Laser Radial, Kamolwan was challenged by Youth Olympian Apiwat Sringam, 16, who won the first two races, and Chusitt Punjamala, 16, who managed to win the third race.
Kamolwan bounced back to win the title ahead of second-placed Chusitt and Apiwat.
In the Laser 4.7, Alex Frefel won the first race but Arthit fought back with two wins in the final two races.
This left them tied on points but Arthit was declared the winner because he won the final race according to regatta rules.
Phumpraphi Thampthim, 14, finished third overall.