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Thailand Nationals 1996

The inaugural 2 day event was held at Phatra Yacht Club, Pranburi on 24-25 August using traditional Olympic style courses. Twenty competitors from nine yacht clubs took part, sailing five races with four to count.

On the first day 22 knot winds provided exciting sailing. SE Asian Games gold medallist, Prasertsak Moolprasert, was considered the pre-race favourite but he was pushed to the limit by a strong challenge from Nawee Nuangchamnong, Patrick Helms and Veerasit Puangnak in the first race. Following a poor start Helms, of Phatra Yacht Club, sailed impressively to close on the leaders, Nawee and Prasertsak. Backed by a huge wind shift at the leeward mark he snatched the lead leaving Nawee to finish second and Prasertsak third.

Helms also took the top spot in the second race with Veerasit second and nawee finishing third.

Despite light and capricious winds on the second day Helms continued to outsail all-comers and won the championship. The 16 year old Helms, who is Thailands national Laser champion, was in magnificent form as he displayed his natural sailing talent.