The 32nd championships attracted a total of 119 catamarans from countries including Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain, Russia, Switzerland, Thailand, the Netherlands and hosts France - set sail off Quiberon Bay last Tuesday.

With his younger brother Sakda as crew, two-time Asian champion Damrongsak sailed home in eighth place in the first round on Thursday with 36 penalty points against 64 catamarans after three races in the Gold Fleet competition.

After a total of nine races over three days with the two worst performances discounted, Damrongsak lost 88 penalty points to finish in 10th position overall.

Making their debut in the tournament, the Vongtim brothers also wrote a new chapter in Thailand's sailing history by becoming the first Thais to finish inside the top 10 in a European meet.

Thailand was the only Asian country to make it into the top 10 of the championships, which were dominated by German and French sailors.

"Damrongsak and Sakda were underdogs to only French and Germans, who were used to the weather conditions there and have more experience," said Damrongsak's father, former national sailor Vinai Vongtim.

"Their current splendid form is very impressive and it lifts Thailand's chances of winning at in the Asian Games in Doha. But the most important thing for them is being able to defend their Asian champions title," added Vinai, who won several gold medals for Thailand at the SEA Games in the past.