The Andaman region plays host to an ever-increasing number of regattas and other boating events. While traditional, long-running regattas such as the Phuket King’s Cup, the Raja Muda and the China Sea Race are still going strong, newer, fresher events have come onto the scene in the past few years.
The number and diversity of events give you the opportunity to take part in a local regatta whatever time of year you find yourself in the area.
Below are the key events, when they happen, together with contact details. They all have web sites and full information on dates and costs of participation can be found there.
JANUARY
Singapore Straits Regatta
Hosted by Changi and RSYC Yacht Clubs, the first international regatta of the year is held in the straits between Singapore and the Indonesian Riau islands. A series of round-the-cans and coastal races hopping between marinas IRC handicap classes. www.straitsregatta.com
Royal Langkawi Regatta
An established event after a successful debut in 2003. Five days of coastal and round-the-cans racing with a home base at Langkawi Yacht Club. Free berthing for participants at the marina. Raced under IRC, OMR and local handicap system. www.langkawiregatta.com
Phuket International Boat Show
Phuket International Marine Expo (PIMEX) is an annual marina-based showcase for boats, marine equipment and associated lifestyle products. With around 100 companies exhibiting from all over the world, this great waterside event is the place to meet all the main players in the Asian marine industry. Held in the Royal Phuket Marina. Not to be missed. www.phuketboatshow.com
FEBRUARY
Phang Nga Bay Regatta
A fun-filled four days of racing in between the islands of beautiful Phang Nga Bay and Krabi. Perfect for families and the less serious racers. Held around Chinese New Year, there is a party in a different beach venue each night. Racing under IRC, OMR and local handicap classes. www.bay-regatta.com
APRIL
Songkran Festival
Not really a Marine event but certainly wet! Many yachts anchor in Patong, Phuket to enjoy the annual water battle that takes place ashore. If you are around you must see it or join in! www.wetandwild.com
China Sea Race Series
The series comprises a 550 mile race from Hong to Subic Bay or to San Fernando, alternating each year, and is followed by the 4-day President’s Cup in Manila Bay. Organised jointly by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and Manila Yacht Club.
www.rhkyc.org.hk www.manilayachtclub.org
MAY
Top of the Gulf Regatta
Racing out of Ocean Marina in Pattaya this event attracts a large fleet of Platus and dinghy classes are also included. Racing is also organised for keelboats and multihulls. Free berthing for participants. www.topofthegulfregatta.com
Koh Samui Regatta
Based in Chaweng, this regatta attracts around 30+ keelboats and multihulls. Popular with Hong Kong and Pattaya based yachts being on the Gulf side of the peninsula. Raced under IRC, OMR and local handicap. www.samuiregatta.com
JULY
Ao Chalong Yacht Club Multihull Regatta
Based at the new Ao Chalong Yacht Club this 3-day event attracts most of the keen multis in the region. It also serves as a warm up for the race week shortly after. Classes for Fireflys, Corsairs, mixed performance and cruising multihulls.
www.acyc-phuket.com
Six Senses Phuket Raceweek
Based at the 5-star Evason Phuket & Six Senses Spa on the sheltered side of Phuket Island. Virtually guaranteed to be breezy with probably the best regatta parties in Thailand.
Unique in that the racing can be watched from the comfort of the beach-deck bar.
The racing is a combination of IRC, multihull, and charter fleet racing, under IRC, OMR and local handicap systems, this regatta attracts local and regional yachts and an increasing number of international participants. www.phuketraceweek.com
Starting from 2009, Raceweek is the first event in the Asian Yachting Grand Prix circuit, so is likely to start attracting some of the circuit’s competitors who fancy getting a head start on the competition.
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 with many of Thailand’s top sailors. www.yrat.or.th
OCTOBER
China Coast Regatta
Organised by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club this three day event attracts all of the top Asian sailors in IRC racing. Competed off Hong Kong and China. www.rhkyc.org
Hong Kong to Vietnam Race
A 3-day passage race finishing in Nha Trang. This is another favourite with the Hong Kong Racing fraternity.
www.rhkyc.org.hk
NOVEMBER
Raja Muda International Regatta
Starting from Royal Selangor Yacht Club and finishing with inshore racing off Langkawi. Includes overnight and passage racing. Raced under IRC and local handicap systems.
www.rmir.com
DECEMBER
Phuket King’s Cup Regatta
Now in its 23rd year (2009), this high class regatta attracts as many as 100 yachts and 600 sailors for a week of coastal and inshore racing and parties. Raced on Phuket’s west coast and culminating with the Royal Awards Ceremony, it is the granddaddy of regional regattas. www.kingscup.com
While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this book is accurate, the charts of anchorages are based on personal experience and satellite imagery and are intended as a guide only. They should not be used for navigation. Please refer to Official Hydrographic Charts of the respective countries.
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