Evans Takes Second on Countback in Thailand
Bermuda's Rockal Evans placed second at the Thailand Pathu Championships in Jomtien before preparing for Pan American qualifiers in Rio de Janeiro.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Surfing
Rockal Evans finished second on countback at the Thailand Pathu Championships in Jomtien, sailing the British boat Doolalli. Doolalli tied on points with Pine Pacific after nine races, and the title went to Ilhinai Yingsiri on countback.
Why it matters
The result gives Evans momentum ahead of Bermuda's bid in the Pan American qualifiers for the Star Sailors League Gold Cup. Only the group winner advances directly to the Gold Cup, making the qualifying round decisive for the team.
Doolalli finished second in three other races and tied on points with Pine Pacific after nine races, with the winner decided on countback. Evans's team placed fourth of six in the first event and lost a tie-break for first in the second, and this was his fourth event with the team.
The players
Rockal Evans
Bermuda sailor who competed at the Thailand Pathu Championships and is leading Team Bermuda at the Pan American qualifiers.
Colin Simonds
Helmsman of the British boat Doolalli, who won the final race at the Thailand Pathu Championships.
The details
Evans sailed the British boat Doolalli, helmed by Colin Simonds, at the Thailand Pathu Championships in Jomtien. Evans formed a good working relationship with Simonds, and he is now traveling to Rio de Janeiro to lead Team Bermuda.
Timeline
Earlier this week: Evans competed at the Thailand Pathu Championships in Jomtien.
November 12: Pan American qualifiers for the Star Sailors League Gold Cup begin in Rio de Janeiro.
Season Trajectory
The Star Sailors League Gold Cup qualifying structure rewards only the group winner with direct entry, so each regatta result feeds directly into a team's qualification odds. Bermuda's Pan American qualifiers in Rio de Janeiro will test whether Evans's form at the Thailand event carries into a group that includes Cuba, El Salvador and Mexico.
Only the winner of Bermuda's qualifying group advances directly to the Gold Cup, so the November 12 racing in Rio de Janeiro determines whether the team moves on or faces another qualifying round. Bermuda is drawn alongside Cuba, El Salvador and Mexico in that group.
The takeaway
Teams that perform consistently across a multi-event season build the points cushion needed to survive close tie-breaks like the one that decided this Thai regatta. Watching how Evans's team handles the Rio de Janeiro group will show whether that consistency carries into the qualifiers.
What happens next
Pan American qualifiers for the Star Sailors League Gold Cup begin November 12 in Rio de Janeiro, where the group winner advances directly to the Gold Cup and the runner-up faces another round of qualifiers.
Further reading
Explore more in the Surfing section for related coverage of competitive water sports.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Royal Gazette.
