THE 15TH '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 1 – 5. 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 15th 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.

Hugely popular yet low-keyed, it has established itself as one of the key fixtures on the Southeast Asia yachting calendar with entrants from Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, The Philippines, USA, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Russia and of course Thailand returning each year to compete for honours in the classes of 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: 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 2012 event, 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, Koh Yao Noi and then racing to and around Krabi for Days 2 and 3. The first evening in Krabi offers participants an evening to explore the area on their own while the evening of the 3rd will see presentations and the party held at the Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort. On Day 4, the fleet will race from Krabi to the southeast end of Phuket. Final award presentations and party will be 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 15th 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-Sponsor' DaVinco Yacht Charters. ‘Official Suppliers and Local Supporters’ include The Paradise Koh Yao Boutique Beach Resort & Spa, Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort, The Village Coconut Island, Lee Marine, Nautica, Manta-Blue Neil Pryde, Quantum Sails, Regattas Asia and S/V Vega. Promotion and publicity of the Regatta comes through media partnerships with aBOAT Magazine, 91.5FM, Phuket Gazette and SEA Yachting. 'Local Supporters' include Asia Marine, Boat Lagoon, SKGF Trading (Barbasol and BOH), Electrical Marine, Elite Yachting, IMAGE asia, ISS Security Services, Octopus Electrical, Phuket International Hospital, PIMEX, Royal Phuket Marina and The Z Machine.

For more information, see http://www.acyc-phuket.com/bayregatta.htm