A Phuket call to join The Bay Regatta

PHUKET: The Bay Regatta is back, with yachts taking part in the annual race around Phang Nga Bay ready to set sail from Phuket on February 9.

Although the five-day event is being run by the Ao Chalong Yacht Club (ACYC) this year, the club has confirmed the racing is being coordinated by the same team as in previous years.

Formerly known as the Phang Nga Bay Regatta, the event showcases some of the most stunning maritime scenery in the world: the beaches, limestone karsts and cliffs of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.

Now in its 14th year, the regatta is unique among Thailand sailing events. Hugely popular yet low-key, it has established itself as one of the primary fixtures on the Southeast Asia yachting calendar with boats and crew returning to compete each year.

The event is dubbed the “fun regatta” due to its renowned part-racing, part-party program and the number of entries which is limited to about 50 yachts.

Entrants from Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, USA, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Russia, Turkey and of course Thailand are expected to compete this year for honors in the classes of Racing, Cruising A, Cruising B, Multi-hulls and Firefly 850.

Much of the regatta’s popularity stems from its appeal to the serious as well as the not-too-serious racers, with most participants sleeping on board their boats as the course leads them to a new anchorage and party venue each night.

Boats will roam for four days, from the east coast of Phuket to Koh Yao Noi and then on to Krabi, where racing will continue along the coast and around the islands for several days.

The last day of racing, February 13, will see yachts charge across the bay back to the finish line at the southeast end of Phuket.

The regatta will culminate with the final award presentations and party at the new ACYC bayside clubhouse.

Click here for more information and to register for the event.

To take advantage of sponsorship opportunities, email bayregatta@acyc-phuket.com.