Course set for “fun’ regatta

PHUKET: The Phang Nga Bay Regatta 2010, one of the world’s most scenic sailing events, will be the center for the Southeast Asia’s yachting community this February 3-7.

Encompassing four days of racing and five days of partying that covers the three provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, the regatta’s success in past years has helped it earn the nickname, ‘the fun regatta’.

Now in its 13th year, this year’s regatta 2010 is expected to be the biggest yet. With over 60 yachts participating, the regatta has established itself as one of the key fixtures on the South East Asia yachting calendar.

Entries from Thailand, Malaysia, Malta, Singapore, France, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom will compete for honors in six classes: Racing, Cruising A, Cruising B, Bareboat Charter, Firefly 850 and Multihull.

The regatta’s date has traditionally coincided around the time of Chinese New Year, thus encouraging regional competitors to participate.

The route takes participants close to the limestone karsts that have made the bay famous. Though beautiful, the area can be a challenge for racing yachts, due to light winds and strong currents.

The race is widely popular because, unlike other regattas, it is a ‘roaming’ regatta, meaning it follows a course with a different stop-over each night.

The unique flavor of the event makes it a hit with sailors who prefer a daily change of scenery throughout the race, as well as sailors who enjoy distinct differences from other major regattas, such as the overall theme of having a great time.

The racing committee endeavors to pursue the fun-loving credence throughout the race.

The Regatta is organized by the PNBR 2010 Organizing Committee under the auspices of the Ao Chalong Yacht Club. The courses are set by local Phuket sailing personalities Andy Dowden and Simon James.

As a media sponsor of the event, the Phuket Gazette will be providing comprehensive cov-erage of the action.

Boat registration and the opening party will be held at Absolute Chandara Resort and Spa at Ao Por on Wednesday, February 3.

The following day, the racing day begins from the north east corner of Phuket and races north to the top of Phang Nga Bay, past the famous ramparts of Koh Phansak, the Koh Hong Islands and James Bond Island, ending the day at one of the area’s famed beachside restaurants.

February 5 will see the fleet running south to one of the many secluded islands of the bay and another party venue. The race then heads west to Krabi on February 6 for another beach party at the Sheraton Krabi hotel.

On the final racing day, February 7, sailors head home to Phuket through the open waters of Phang Nga to meet the closing party in Chalong Bay.

The regatta offers perfect beachside locations and a chance for sponsors and competitors to meet and share interesting stories. Live music, fire dancers and fire balloons, plus a slide show of each day’s racing highlights provide the evening’s entertainment.

A prize-giving ceremony will celebrate each of the top three places in the six racing classes.

The closing party sees the top awards presented to the overall winners of each class, those who most successfully navigated the challenging conditions and, last but not least, those who arguably had the most fun.

— Gazette Events