Let the sailors do the talking – Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek 2014

PHUKET: They say word of mouth is the best type of advertising. Organizers of the Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek have always known this and since the regatta’s inception, they have always put the sailors first.

“When Phuket Raceweek was launched in 2004, sailors’ needs were central to the planning and organization,” said Byron Jones, Managing Director of organizers Media Business Services (MBS).

“The regatta was designed to be a sailors’ regatta, with a sailors-perspective at the heart of the decision-making process. Eleven years on, this remains the same and it is this thinking that is core to the success of Raceweek over the years.”

Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek will be held from July 16 to 20 – four days of back-to-back racing incorporating a weekend, has proven to be a successful formula.

The July timing provides some of the Island’s best sailing conditions and with a mix of windward-leeward or passage races, crews can expect some great racing.

“With a serious yet fun attitude Raceweek attracts a great range of boats from fast multihulls to cruising boats to state-of-the-art monohulls.” says multihull specialist Alan Carwardine, of Asia Catamarans.

Diversity breeds diversity, and with the Regatta well established after eleven years, its reputation reaching far and wide, new entries are welcomed to Phuket shores each year. Foxy Lady VI, Jessandra II, Blue Note, Foreign Affair, Bullet and Island Fling are all newcomers to the Raceweek experience this year, making the 2014 edition one of the most competitive yet.

“Phuket Raceweek is an event that the crew on Island Fling are looking forward to very much. None of the crew have competed in this event before. Our crew are all international overseas competitors coming from Hong Kong and the UK, and are flying in from different parts of the globe as they are competing in other regattas prior to this event,” said Steve Dodd of Island Fling.

Putting the sailors first, the organizers have created a one-stop regatta where everything is together, in one place. All the parties and facilities are located at one site, the host venue, Cape Panwa Hotel.
It’s private pier and seafront access make it an ideal regatta base.

“Regatta headquarters at the Cape Panwa Hotel is a fabulous location. Its white sandy beach and expansive grass area scattered with palm trees makes an excellent setting to enjoy a few beers and catch up with all the yachties that I have become great friends with over many years,” said Peter Ahern, owner/skipper, Oi!.

Within meters of stepping off their boat, sailors are in the Regatta Village where they can check the results, latest news, enjoy a bite at the restaurants or just chill out and enjoy a drink while overlooking their boat on anchor.

“The popularity of the venue is evident in the feedback we receive. The service is fantastic, the facilities are second-to-none, and the parties and dining are top notch. Raceweek has long been recognized for the quality of its parties and the catering, and Cape Panwa Hotel outperforms sailors’ expectations every time,” noted Jones.

Skipper Ahern added: “This is one of our favorite regattas and provides a great escape from the middle of our winter with four days of exciting racing in pristine tropical waters.”

“Combined with great parties, what more could you ask for in any regatta around the world?” agreed Mr Carwardine.

Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek will be held from July 16 to 20 off Cape Panwa Hotel. For more information, visit www.phuketraceweek.com.