52 SUPER SERIES Saint-Tropez Sailing Week – DAY 2
Vāyu, the Whitcraft family sailing team, come from Thailand where they had campaigned a TP52 successfully for some years before joining the 52 SUPER SERIES in 2021 fulfilling their ambition to come to Europe and challenge themselves at the highest level they can.
Theirs is a unique program on the circuit with as many as six or seven family members on board at any one time. Co-owners are brothers Tom and Kevin Whitcraft and theirs remains very much a pro-am team with Ben Howett as navigator and mainsheet trimmer Pom Greem running the project.
Working as part the four boat Quantum program, sharing data and coaching, has helped fast track their learning. They are now at a strong, competitive level even challenging for the regatta win in Scarlino in 2023 where they finished third. And then in Newport RI in the USA they put together a fantastic. XS 52 SUPER SERIES Newport RI Trophy regatta where they scored a dream first ever regatta win. And in Puerto Portals they hosted the Queen of Thailand who sailed on board during the penultimate regatta of the season.
The family make a point of supporting young talent at home – Kevin is very active in the Optimist class – and they integrate young Thai sailors into their Vāyu TP52 crew to ensure they have grand prix big boat opportunities early in their careers. In 2025 they will sail with Mallorcan ace Manu Weiler as tactician.
