Preparations set for the ‘Fun Regatta’
PHUKET: The provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi will again provide the backdrop to The Bay Regatta as the event celebrates its 15th anniversary this year.
Friday 20 January 2012, 11:05AM
The regatta, formerly known as the Phang Nga Bay Regatta, takes place from February 1 to 5 and will take yachts on a tour of the bay’s beaches, limestone karsts and cliffs.
This year’s event will see another international field of entrants, including crews from Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, The Philippines, USA, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Russia and Thailand. Many will be returning crews from previous events.
When they are not socialising, they will compete for honours in five classes: Racing, Cruising A, Cruising B, Bareboat Charter and Multihulls.
The regatta is a unique event in Thailand’s sailing calendar. It is still relatively low-key despite establishing itself as one of the key fixtures on the Southeast Asia yachting calendar, and is renowned as much for its social activities as for its racing.
The Bay Regatta engages casual cruisers as well over the five days, and while the action on the water is a definite drawcard, the action off the water is perhaps what The Bay Regatta is most famous for.
Most participants sleep on boats throughout the event, and many simply meander to different destinations and party venues, earning the event the nickname ‘The Fun Regatta’.
This year the registration and opening party will be held at The Village, Coconut Island. The first day of racing will have the fleet on a northeast course to Koh Yao Noi, with presentations and a party at The Paradise
Koh Yao Boutique Resort & Spa, followed by two days' sailing off Krabi.
The regatta will finish up at the southeast end of Phuket, with the final awards and party to be held at the Ao Chalong Yacht Club (ACYC), which organises the event.
For more information on The Bay Regatta or for sponsorship details, visit acyc-phuket.com or email bayregatta@acyc-phuket.com.
