Regattas in Thailand
 Perhaps
one of the most satisfying ways to take a sailing holiday is to
spend part of it racing against local and international sailors
in a local regatta.
Thailand plays host to more regattas than anywhere else in the
region. It all started with the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta 18
years ago and now many newer, fresher events have come onto the
scene.
New and old, all Thailand’s regattas have something in common:
they are meant to be fun (parties feature high on the organisers’
priority lists); they welcome new faces and all have a sizeable
charter contingent.
Below are the key events, together with
dates.
January: Andaman Sea Rally
Power and sail yachts head off to the Andaman Islands after
New Year. Time is set aside for free cruising amongst the islands
before returning to Phuket or cruising onwards to the Med. www.andamansearally.com
 February:
Phang-nga Bay Regatta
A fun-fi lled four days of racing in between the islands of
beautiful Phang-nga Bay. Perfect for families and less serious racers.
Held around Chinese New Year, there is a party in a different beach
venue each night. www.bayregatta.com
April: Top of the Gulf Regatta
Based out of Ocean Marina in Pattaya, it enjoys a big fl eet
of dinghies and beach cats as well as some top racing boats from
Hong Kong. www.topofthegulfregatta.com
May: Samui Regatta
Based in Chaweng, this regatta attracts a growing number of
keelboats. Parties are as relaxed and splendid as you would expect
from the ‘coconut island’. www.samuiregatta.com
July: Phuket Race Week
First held in 2004 and based at the 5-star Evason Resort and
Spa on the sheltered side of Phuket Island, this is the ‘Green
Season’ regatta Guaranteed to be breezy with top beachside
parties. Aims to attract a strong charter element, with attractive
off-peak charter and hotel rates. www.phuketraceweek.com
August: Hua Hin Regatta
Organised by the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand off the
gulf town of Hua Hin. Mostly a one-design class dinghy regatta,
many of Thailand’s top sailors take part. www.yrat.or.th
December: Phuket King’s Cup Regatta
In its 18th year, this high class regatta attracts as many
as 90 yachts and 600 sailors for a week of coastal and inshore racing
and legendary parties. Raced on Phuket’s west coast and culminating
with the Royal Awards Ceremony, it is truly a world class event.
www.kingscup.com
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