The 14th Bay Regatta, the 'Fun Regatta' Sets Sail!

The provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi will provide the backdrop to The Bay Regatta (formerly the Phang Nga Bay Regatta), one of the world’s most scenic sailing events, from February 9 – 13. Showcasing some of the most stunning maritime scenery in the world – beaches, limestone karsts and cliffs – the Regatta takes racers on a tour
of the bay and, as an extra bonus, offers a fun-filled time off the water – fantastic parties and camaraderie – for the 40 to 50 yachts in attendance.

Now in its 14th year, the Regatta is unique amongst Thailand sailing events. Hugely popular yet low-keyed, it has established itself as one of the key fixtures on the Southeast Asia yachting calendar with boats and crew returning to compete each year during the late January/early February appointed dates.

Entrants from Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, The Philippines, USA, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Russia and of course Thailand are expected to compete for honours in the classes of Racing, Cruising A, Cruising B, Bareboat Charter and Multihull.

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: an often light wind cruise or heavier race day inevitably leads to post-race beverages and lively conversation to be followed by a casual dinner, prizegiving ceremony and entertainment on shore. Yachts include those which regularly compete in Asian regattas and family liveaboards. 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 the 2011 event, the sailing will adopt a varied route once again:
Registration and the opening party will take place on the 9th from 12pm at The Village Coconut Island, Koh Maphrao.
Day 1: Racing off the east coast of Phuket Island. Presentations and party at The Village Coconut Island, Koh Maphrao.
Day 2: Course follows a northeast course to Koh Yao Noi. Presentations and party at The Paradise Koh Yao Boutique Resort & Spa, Koh Yao Noi.
Day 3: Racing to the southeast side of the bay to Krabi. Presentations and party at the Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort, Krabi.
Day 4: the 13th: Racing from Krabi finishes at the southeast end of Phuket. Final award presentations and party at the venue of the event organizer, the Ao Chalong Yacht Club (ACYC).

The Bay Regatta is a non-profit event. 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 which keeps participants returning each year.

The 14th running of the event sees both new sponsors and several who have been long time sponsors, returning to show their support. This year's 'Co-Sponsors' include The Paradise Koh Yao Boutique Beach Resort & Spa, PTT Group, QBE, Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort and The Village Coconut Island. 'Official Suppliers' include Lee Marine, Manta-Blu Nautical, Siam Winery, Nautica, Quantum Sails, Regattas Asia and S/V Vega. Some promotion and publicity of the Regatta comes through media partnerships with Asian Yachting, IMAGE asia, Phuket Gazette, PGTV, 91.5 FM and SEA Yachting. 'Local Supporters' include Andaman Cabriolet, Andaman Marine Consultants, SKGF Trading (Barbasol and BOH), Big Bamboo, Chang, Hadd Thip, Phuket Sail, Lady Pie, Octopus Electrical, Phuket International Hospital, Seahorse Furniture and Tamarind Villa Phuket.
For more information, the Notice of Race (NOR), Sailing Instructions, Courses and to register for the event, please visit www.acyc-phuket.com/bayregatta.htm.

Special Regatta rates are being offered at the following hotels: The Village Coconut Island, The Paradise Koh Yao Boutique Beach Resort & Spa, Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort and also Aochalong Villa & Spa for the final evening, Sunday the 13th. See the Programme online for accommodation and rates.

The Bay Regatta (formerly Phang Nga Bay Regatta) sails through the three provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi. Now in its 14th running, the event sees 40-50boats participating. The Ao Chalong Yacht Club (ACYC) is the organizer of the Regatta.

52/25 Soi Phon Chalong Moo 9 Chaofa Road East Phuket 83130 Thailand

This release was published on openPR.