Phuket Sports: Phang Nga Bay regatta beckons

PHUKET: Phang Nga Bay’s dramatic scenery will provide the spectacular setting for The 2012 Bay Regatta which is scheduled to run from February 1 to 5.

Limestone karsts, cliffs, sandy beaches and tropical vegetation offer a superlative visual tour for sailors as well as natural objects to navigate around, but it is the parties and companionship and the down-to-earth nature of this regatta that brings racers back year after year.

Celebrating the 15th running of this very informal regatta will see boats roaming through the provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi. Between 40 and 50 boats skippered and crewed by entrants from Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, The Philippines, USA, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Russia and of course Thailand will participate. Classes this year include Racing, Cruising A, Cruising B, Bareboat Charter and Multihulls.

Affectionately billed as “the fun regatta”, the Bay Regatta appeals to the serious as well as the not-too-serious racers with most participants sleeping on boats as the courses lead them to a new anchorage and party venue each night. Camaraderie and fun are cornerstones of the event where light wind cruises or heavier race days inevitably lead to post-race beverages and lively conversation to be followed by a casual dinner, prize giving ceremony and entertainment on shore. Low on breakages, low on protests and sometimes low on wind yet always high on enjoyment, the nature of the Regatta speaks for many.

For 2012, the sailing will adopt a varied route once again and includes registration and the opening party at The Village Coconut Island, Koh Maphrao, a course which follows a northeast course to Koh Yao Noi with presentations and party at The Paradise Koh Yao Boutique Resort & Spa, and then racing to Krabi for days 2 and 3.

On day 4, February 5, the fleet will race from Krabi to the southeast end of Phuket where final award presentations and a party will be hosted by organizers at the Ao Chalong Yacht Club (ACYC).

The Bay Regatta is a non-profit event and thanks to the support of sponsorship, the regatta can continue to provide varied and interesting race courses through breathtaking maritime scenery to reach unparalleled anchorages and party venues – all factors which contribute to this exciting event.

The 15th running of the event sees both new sponsors and several who have been long time sponsors This year’s co-sponsors include DaVinci Yacht Charters, The Paradise Koh Yao Boutique Beach Resort & Spa and The Village Coconut Island. The Phuket Gazette and PGTV are local media sponsors of the Bay regatta.

For more information visit acyc-phuket.com or bayregatta@acyc-phuket.com.

— Neil Quail