With high season fast approaching it’s almost time for the 23 rd annual running of the Phuket King's Cup, Asia's biggest and most popular regatta. Inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand, the event has been held every year since during the first week of December, this years event runs from 28th November until 5th December, and will take place off Kata beach, Phuket, Thailand.

Under the Royal Patronage of his Majesty the King, the Regatta is organised by the Phuket King's Cup Regatta Organizing Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket.

A busy few months have seen entries to the 23rd Phuket King's Cup Regatta pick-up speed. Here's the latest on the fleet and classes.

Racing Class
The 'grand prix' racers often attract the lions share of attention on the water and this year King's Cup Regatta stalwarts return to face some new challenges for the class crown. Seven or more 50-footers are expected. Full Metal Jacket returns, a GP42 is being shipped over from Europe to compete and a Farr 11s pocket rocket intends to shake up the class. Ray Roberts will return to defend his 2008 title, though likely sailing his new TP52, the former Island Fling.

Premier Class
Baby Tonga has joined Frangipani Girl (2008 winner) in a growing Premier Class. The Premier Class attracts some of Asia's largest and finest boats and this year looks to be no exception with many having preliminary entered and planning the transit here.

Sport Boats Class
Sport Boats often provide some of the most exciting sailing, especially in strong winds. A number of Platus have entered (including one helmed by British Olympic hopeful Matthew Mee), Kipsan Beck will be back sailing his Shaw 650 and Scott Duncanson returns to defend his 2008 crown with his Phuket 8 Somtam Express. There are also two brand new Phuket 8's which have been finished and are awaiting their owners in Phuket – at least one is expected to add further spice to the Sport Boat fleet this year.

IRC Class
This is likely to be split into divisions as prescribed in the NOR. Boat numbers are already looking strong with a 'battle of the Beneteau's' shaping up. Two identical Beneteau First 44.7's challenging 2008 IRC 1 Class winner, Ichi Ban (another First 44.7), two Beneteau First 40.7's, one Beneteau First 42.7 and Sailplane (Beneteau 47.7). Royal Thai Navy I and II will return to battle for the IRC2 crown with Madame Butterfly expecting to challenge them hard.

Modern Classic
A new class this year which, according to Race Director Simon James, is 'to encourage the less young yachts who have sailed in may of the past regattas to rejoin the regatta.' Sailed by owner Simon Blundell, who has taken part in King's Cups on a variety of boats previously, El Oro is a newcomer to the Regatta and is the sister ship to the famous 'Whitbread Round-The-World' racer Kriter, built for Baron Bich in 1975 as his cruising yacht. She is expected to face-off against stalwarts Emerald Blue, Big A and Peter Wood's Windstar

Bareboat Charter Class
The entries just keep on coming. Already over 20, the Bareboat Charter Class is looking to break all records. Phuket charter operators Sunsail, Asia Marine, Elite Yachting and more have seen good charter interest in the Phuket King's Cup Regatta and more entries are expected over the coming month.

Multihull Class
A class which has grown over recent years, the Multihull Class is expected to keep on growing with a large fleet of regulars and some newcomers already entered and set to challenge for the Multihull crown. Watch out for Henry Kaye's SeaCart 30 Thor and the Phuket-built runaway Phuket Raceweek winner DaVinci Nina. Word is DaVinci Nina may have a sister ready for the King's Cup and with Thor will be pushing last year’s class winner Cedar Swan all the way.

Firefly 850 Sports Class
Seven Firefly's are expected, with two more possibilities, which could make this the biggest Firefly class ever. Combine the Firefly's and the Multihull Class entries and it's looking likely there will be 15-20 multihulls on the water this year (more than last year?)

Cruising Class
Rod Heikel has entered Skylax. Some may remember Rod who won the Classic Class back in 1996 on Tetranora. Returning this year Rod will be up against a strong fleet in the Cruising Class.

One-Design Class Racing Class
A number of Platu owners are hoping to have six or more on the water this year and have their own One-Design Class, while eight Tasars are expected to have their own class and together with the Optimists will race over the opening weekend of the Regatta.

Classic Class
Never the biggest class by numbers, the Classic Class often produces some of the biggest (in length) entries. Lots of talk from some of the regular class entries and numbers are set to firm up in the next month.

Boatshed Phukett will of course be taking time out from selling boats, to bring you updates and results, unfortunately we are too busy with boat sales this year to take part , but wish all the competitors the very best of luck.