Bay Regatta - Ready to set sail

Crews are heading to the start line for this years Bay Regatta

Over 40 sailing yachts and 250 competitors arrive in Phuket in February, to join this year’s 21st Bay Regatta. 31st January – 4th February 2018.

Now in it’s 21st Year, The Bay Regatta is different from Phuket famous King’s Cup Regatta, as it takes the fleet from Phuket, through the spectacular scenery of Phang Nga Bay to a new anchorage each evening, holding awards parties in a wide variety of different locations.

The event attracts a range of sailors, from first time racers joining just for the experience of sailing through some of the world’s most amazing maritime scenery, to professional racers, who return year after year for the opportunity to race and stay overnight in some fantastic anchorages, which are carefully selected to allow the participants to have the choice to sleep on their boats or ashore at local resorts. 

Often billed ‘Asia’s fun regatta’, the hallmark of this event is the casual, fun-filled atmosphere with many families and faces familiar to the Phuket yachting scene returning to the race course, preferring the regattas more relaxed approach to racing for the four-day adventure.

Despite the relaxed atmosphere, yachts are divided into 6 classes based on their designs. The “Racing” class see a number of new entries this year with teams travelling from Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore to challenge Sergey Khamtsov’s Megazip.

2017 Racing Class Champions Megazip

The Bareboat charter class returns in force emphasizing that Phuket remains one of the worlds best yacht charter opportunities with a strong entry from the New Zealand, Russia, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Cruising Yachts are split into 2 divisions and sees an every expanding range of yachts joining to challenge locals, Kevin Gillow and Jim Ellis for the title.

The Multihull class is divided into racing and cruising divisions, With 2 current King’s Cup champions, Henry Kaye’s Thor and John Newnham’s Twin Sharks renewing their battle from 2017. The cruising fleet challenge is lead by Robert Hossack’s Raptor, crewed by regatta legends David Yourrief and Alistair Purves.

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The 2018 competition starts on the 31st January with registration and the opening party held at the Chandara Resort and Spa, Ao Po on the north East of Phuket.

The first race day (1st) heads out from Ao Po and races north to the top of Phang Nga Bay, past the famous ramparts of Ko Phanak, the Ko Hong group of islands and James Bond Island. Crossing the bay and anchoring between Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi for a presentation evening under the stars at the Koh Yao Chukit Dachanan Resort.

The second race day (2nd) will see the fleet running through the many secluded islands of the Ko Pak Bia group before heading East, for a free night to sample the delights of Karbi’s Leam Nang Peninsular.  

This years regatta will race in Krabi for 2 nights, encouraging some of the many boats now berthed in Krabi’s new Marinas out on the water.

Day Three (3rd), Consists of a number of “Around the Islands” Courses including the famous “Ko Dam Group”, finishing off Ao Nang Beach for a prize giving Party at the 5-Star “The ShellSea Krabi”.

The final day (4th) sees an early start off Ao Nang for a final race around the islands before a spectacular “Spinnaker downwind sprint” to Phuket's all year anchorage of Ao Chalong.

The last night closing party will be held at Kan Eang II, Ao Chalong and will include live music, a buffet dinner and presentation of the overall prizes.

2018 Regatta Programme

Wednesday 31st January - Registration from noon till 1730 at Ao Po followed by the Opening Party starting at 1800 hrs.

Thursday 1st February - Race Day 1.

Party and presentations at the Koh Yao Chukit Dachanan Resort, Koh Yao Noi.

Starting at 1800 hrs.

Friday 2nd February - Race Day 2.

Racing to Krabi Area (Free Night)

Saturday 3rd February - Race Day 3.

Racing around the Ko Dam Group of Islands.

Party and presentations at The ShellSea Krabi.

Sunday 4th February - Race Day 4.

Party and presentations at Kan Eang II, Ao Chalong. starting at 19.00 hrs.

The Regatta is organised by Regattas Asia under the auspices of the Phuket Yacht Club. The event is supported by the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Co-Sponsors: Chang, The Tourism Authority of Thailand, The ShellSea Krabi, Budget Car and Truck Rental, Raymarine.

Regatta Partners: Chandara Resort and Spa, Haadthip, Jungceylon, East Marine, Koh Yao Chukit Resort, Tonsai Marine Services, Tip Life, Ao Nang Villa.

Local Supporters: Electrical Marine, B&G, Octopus Marine, The Mangosteen Resort, Epic Charters.

Media Partners: Class Act Media, Phuket News, SEA Yachting, Check In Surat Magazine, One Coast, Marine Directory Asia, aBoat.

Routes announced for 2018 Bay Regatta

THE BAY REGATTA ROUTE - 2018

New routes and exciting new venues have been announced for the 21st Bay Regatta (31st Jan - 4th February).

This years racing will start from Chandara Resort and Spa located at Ao Po, Phuket. The fleet will race on the traditional route through PhangNga Bay to the East of Koh Yao Noi. From the finish line, the fleet will then head south and anchor in the sheltered channel between Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai. With a first night presentation party at Koh Yao Chukit Dachanan Resort on Pasai Beach.

Day 2 will take the yachts racing through the Koh Hong Group, passing the Royal Palace and finishing close to Ralaee Beach for the popular "free night" in Krabi.

Day 3 will take the yachts racing around the Ko Dam Group of Islands, finishing off Ao Nang. With competitors heading ashore for a presentation dinner at the new five-star The ShellSea, Krabi,located near the famous Fossil Shell Beach, one of only three known such geological formations in the world.

Day 4 takes the yachts back across to Phuket, via Koh Yao Yai for a final nights presentation dinner at Kqn Eang II in Ao Chalong. 

For details of accommodation offers from our venue partners, please check out www.bayregatta.com, 

• Registration, Skippers Briefing and Opening Buffet - Chandara Resort and Spa, Ao Po, Phuket.

• Day 1 - Race from Ao Po to Koh Yao Noi. Presentation at Koh Yao Chukit Dachanan Resort, Pasai Beach, Koh Yao Noi
• Day 2 - Race from Koh Yao  to Krabi Area . Free Night in Krabi
• Day 3 - Race around Krabi Islands - Presentation at The ShellSea, Krabi
• Day 4 - Race from Krabi to Ao Chalong Bay, Phuket. - Closing Dinner Kan Eang II, Ao Chalong.

Dates for the 21st Bay Regatta 2018

With the Chinese New Year Holiday coming in the middle of February, the dates for the 21st Bay Regatta have been announced as 31st January - 4th February 2018.

The Schedule will be announced in the near future.

The Bay Regatta 2017 wraps with a picture postcard final day

The fourth and final day of The Bay Regatta, the Chang Beer Race Day, saw all the fleet sail a short loop around islands off Krabi’s Railay Beach before heading out for a straight shot back to the southern end of Koh Yao Yai with the racing boats doing a slightly longer course than the cruisers. After crossing the finish, all boats headed back to Phuket where they celebrated the final prize-giving and dinner at iconic Kan Eang 2 Restaurant overlooking Chalong Bay.  

Already decided before the last day, Aleksandr Trofimenko’s Megazip decided to enjoy the scenery a little too much on the final day and opened the door for Gary Baguley’s Fujin to take their first win of the series – a consolation prize which left them in second overall behind the victorious Russian crew.

With wins on days three and four Hellmut Schutte’s Aquavit 6 took top spot in Cruising A finishing with seven points overall. They were followed by Gary Smith’s Baby Tonga (10 pts), but it might have been a different story if Baby Tonga hadn’t accidentally sailed the wrong course on day three. “Ifs” however don't calculate, and Aquavit 6 claimed the top prize with Gavin Wellman’s Rascal placed third overall.

In the final race for Cruising B, the Gillow-skippered Poco broke Canadian Jim “Yee Haw” Ellis’s stranglehold on first-place finishes, but it wasn’t enough to wrestle the overall title from Remington, who finished on seven points, with Poco on 10. Jim was able to add another notch to his The Bay Regatta belt as no one has won has won a class at The Bay Regatta as many times as Jim has. Piccolo (12 points), Aqua (14 points) and Thalassa (17 points) rounded out the class.      

A clean sweep for Kinnon skippered by Stanislav Pechenkin, saw them the runaway Bareboat Class winners with Alan Bower’s All Sail Asia in second and Russel Waddy’s All Sail Venus Hunter in third.

In Racing Multihull Class, Fergus Wilmer’s team on Thor (Fergus and Jenny Wilmer, plus Warwick Downes and James Haste) claimed line honours each day flying around the course at a blistering pace, and again on the final day they claimed line honours in a time of 02:55:08. Thor and John Newnham’s Twin Sharks team of Alfie Rowson, Jason Corall, Tam Keawwantha, and Mark Pescott, ended up tied with seven points each but Twin Sharks won the class on the virtue of its three first-place finishes, which included their final race win by just 38 seconds on corrected time—it doesn’t get much closer than that. In this eleven-boat class, Alan Cawardine’s Asia Catamarans Hurricane finished third overall followed closely by Mick Coleman’s sister ship Java, in fourth.

Multihull Cruising saw Rick Fielding’s Mojo and Sergei Dikanov’s Fenix flip flop first-and-second place finishes throughout the regatta both finishing with six points, but Mojo took the win, based on the results of the last race. Colin Wright’s Swift and Graham Tucky’s Optoloi II came next each with eighteen points, but Swift took third based on the its final-race performance, The Chinese Sanya Yomovo sailing team on DaVinci, had a DNS on the third day and a OCS on the fourth day (they didn’t have a radio on board) relegating them to fifth overall with twenty points. 

Simon James, who has stepped in many times to save this regatta over the years, did a tremendous job as PRO setting the courses, manning the starts and keeping things in order while his team on the water—Susan, Susie, Cathy, Chandran and Ron—as always, made sure all the starts and finishes were correctly posted and recorded. Kae Wattana and her Regattas Asia team made everyone happy on shore, providing plenty of good food and drink, and good entertainment. Sean Getchell’s Epic Charters stepped up and provided a superb committee boat, Hakuna Matata, and Tristan Hinxman did great work steering the photographer’s rib, graciously provided by Raymarine’s Mick Kealy. 

Krabi waters deliver a spectacular Day 3 of The Bay Regatta 2017

The cruising classes enjoying the good breeze on Day 3, The Bay Regatta 2017. Photo by Scott Murray.

Opting for just two starts each day – monohulls and multihulls – has proven a successful strategy for the 2017 The Bay Regatta, getting the boats off early and enjoying the good breeze and eye-candy that is the Andaman triangle of Phuket-Phang Nga-Krabi.

Day 3, the Raymarine Race Day, saw the racing monohulls and multihulls enjoyed a 24 nautical mile passage while the cruising classes (monohulls and multihulls) raced a 17 nautical mile course with all finishing off Railay Beach in Krabi where the prize-giving and evening party was held at Railay Bay Resort & Spa.

In the Racing Class, Megazip seems to have the measure of Fujin with another win today making it three from three and an unbeatable lead going into the final day. In Cruising A, however, there were some changes as Hellmut Schutte’s Aquavit 6 won today's race and with it now lead the series. Second on the day went to Gavin Wellman’s Rascal’s with Woodrow Christensen’s Linda rounding out the top three. Gary Smith’s Baby Tonga went walkabout and ended taking the wrong course (the racing monohull/ multihull course), thus finishing last today, but their previous strong finishes keeps them in second overall.

There's no stopping Canadian Jim “Yee Haw” Ellis’s Remington in Cruising B Class who's third win from three races sees them comfortably on top. The Gillow-skippered Poco and the Robert Camera-helmed Piccolo swapped second and third spots from Day 2 giving Poco second spot overall with nine points, while Piccolo (a 1976 Sydney-Hobart winner) sits in third with ten points. Kevin Gillow has amazingly competed in all twenty The Bay Regattas.     

Kinnon skippered by Stanislav Pechenkin finished one minute ahead of Aussie Alan Bower’s All Sail Asia on corrected time in the Bareboat Class, and a half-an-hour ahead of All Sail Venus Hunter (Russel Waddy) repeating the 1-2-3 of yesterday. 

It was a third straight line honours for Fergus Wilmer’s Thor. Despite finishing eight minutes ahead of John Newnham’s Twin Sharks they could not convert it to a win on corrected time, and had to settle for second place behind Twin Sharks with Java, skippered by Mick Coleman, finishing in third.  

Multihull Cruising saw Sergei Dikanov’s Fenix and Aussie Rick Fielding’s Mojo flip flop first-and-second place finishes again with Fenix taking the bullet. Graham Tucky’s Optoloi II finished third on the day and sits fourth overall.

The final day's racing concludes on Sunday (19th February) with a the series prize-giving held at Kan Eang II in Chalong (Phuket).
 

Nothing but blue skies…and good wind

Jim Ellis on Remington, hold his lead in the Cruising B division by 46 seconds after 5 hours racing on day 2.

Participants in the 20th Bay Regatta continued to enjoy great sailing weather as the party that sails around continued to do just that.   

Principal Race Officer Simon James again staged two starts for the competitors today: first off were all the monohulls followed by all the multihulls, and again there were no major incidents to report – just a nice clear spinnaker run down Phang Nga Bay.

Today’s 24nm course left from Koh Yao Noi, rounded Koh Le Mann to starboard, passed Koh Pang & then Koh Pak Bia to port, Koh Ka to starboard, rounded Koh Kaya to starboard through the gate at Koh Hong (keeping the committee boat to port), then rounding Koh Ngang to port before passing between Koh Deng and Koh Samet and finally finishing off of Railay Beach..     

The two-boat Racing Class results were the same as yesterday as Megazip, skipped by Russia’s Aleksandr Trofimenko, beat Aussie Gary Baguley’s Fujin by thirty-five minutes on corrected time, so they lead the class with two points, while Fujin has four.   

By easily winning the Cruising A Class today, Garry Smith’s Baby Tonga jumped to first place overall with three points, as the boat finished forty minutes ahead of Hellmut Schutte Aquavit 6, whose second place finish put them in second overall with 5 points. Gavin Wellman’s Rascal came third today, but sits in fourth spot with 8 points overall. Philippe Dallee’s Tintin, who won yesterday, was forced to retire from the race, registering a DNF, but still held on to third overall with seven points.     

Cruising B saw Canadian Jim “Yee Haw” Ellis’s Remington, continue to exhibit both his skill and lucky charm as he won for the second day running to hold on to the class lead with two points. The Gillow-skipped Poco and the Robert Camera-helmed Piccolo swapped second and third places from yesterday and sit tied with five points.     

The Bareboat Class same the same results as day one with Kinnon skippered by Stanislav Pechenkin finishing over two  hours ahead of Aussie Alan Bower on All Sail Asia in second, while All Sail Venus Hunter (Russel Waddy) did finish this time around, fifteen minutes behind All Sail Asia. 

Fergus Wilmer’s Thor claimed line honors again, blasting off as if shot out of a cannon, never slowing down crossing the finish in 3:04:02. But after corrected time they had to settle for second spot behind John Newnham’s Twin Sharks who crossed in 3:15:55. Thor still leads the eleven-boat class with three points while Twin Sharks moved into second overall and a five-point tie with Alan Cawardine’s Asia Catamarans Hurricane, who finished third on the day with an elapsed time of 3:24:07.   

Multihull cruising saw Sergei Dikanov’s Fenix and Aussie Rick Fielding’s Mojo swap first-and-second place finishes from yesterday leaving them tied on the leaderboard with three points. The Chinese Sanya Yomovo sailing team on DaVinci, with the help of Libby Boyd, repeated their third-place finish of yesterday and that’s where they sit in the standings. Graham Tucky’s Optoloi II competed today, after missing out yesterday, and finished fourth overall. Hugh Thompson’s Sahm Loy did not start for second straight day.

The Bay Regatta takes sailors through the three provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi allowing participants to experience the best of southern Thai hospitality and the unrivaled sailing grounds in the area. They sail amongst 200-metre high karsts and past hidden bays on their way to a party under-the-stars on an idyllic beach.

In the deep channels between the spectacular, vertical rock walls, the Bay Regatta’s philosophy of fun-amidst-beauty shone through for all to see. The hallmark of this event is a casual, fun-filled atmosphere. Many friends join together to sail the four-day event and while the sailing is serious for many racing class yachts, a large number of cruisers join for the experience of sailing through some of the world’s most amazing maritime scenery. 

Tomorrow is the Raymarine Race Day, consisting of island courses around the famous Koh Dam group of islands, with an evening presentation dinner on the spectacular Railay Beach.

Fresh breeze on Day 1 of The Bay Regatta 2017

Thor claimed the daily double in Multihull Racing on Day 1 of The Bay Regatta 2017. Photo by Scott Murray

The first day of the 20th anniversary The Bay Regatta was greeted with fresh breeze and as the crew on Top Cat called it, “Champagne Sailing”. Following the opening party at Chandara Resort & Spa on Phuket's east coast, the 31-strong fleet headed north through the stunning rocky outcrops of Phang Nga Bay.

The day's passage race started at Koh Naka Yai and send the sailors north leaving Koh Phanak and Koh Na Ka Ya to port before rounding the first mark, northeast of Koh Yai, to starboard and then heading towards Koh Yao Noi leaving Hin Mot Daeng to port and Koh Batang to starboard before finishing off of Koh Kudu Yai – approximately 17 nautical miles in length.

PRO Simon James made two starts for the competitors today: first off were all the monohulls (15 boats) followed by all the multihulls (16 boats). In the Racing Class, Megazip, skipped by Russia’s Aleksandr Trofimenko, beat Aussie Gary Baguley on Fujin by just over three minutes on corrected time to take first-place honours on day one in this two-boat class. 

Philippe Dallee’s Tintin took top shot in Cruising A finishing five minutes ahead of Garry Smith’s Baby Tonga, while Smith’s boat in turn finished four minutes ahead of third place Aquavit 6, skippered by Hellmut Schutte.

Cruising B saw Canadian Jim “Yee Haw” Ellis’s Remington, who has won his division in this regatta many times, jump out to an early lead with Thai-registered and Gillow-skippered Poco coming second, followed by Thai-registered Piccolo, helmed by Robert Camera in third. The father and daughter team of Kevin and Mia Gillow on Poco had two other crew mates on board this time, but two years ago, the two of the them sailed Poco to victory just nine months after Kevin had suffered a debilitating stroke.    

The Russians were the only nationality to take two classes today capturing also the Bareboat Class with Kinnon, skippered by Stanislav Pechenkin finishing half-an-hour ahead of Aussie Alan Bower on All Sail Asia and All Sail Venus Hunter (Russel Waddy), who ran into some trouble, recorded a DNF.

Fergus Wilmer’s Thor claimed the daily double in the Multihull Racing class, roaring off the start line and never slowing down, ending up with a time of two hours and 42 seconds. Thor was followed by Asia Catamarans Hurricane and Java, who finished only a few minutes behind after corrected time was applied in the eleven-boat class.   

Multihull Cruising saw Sergei Dikanov’s Fenix win convincingly over Aussie Rick Fielding’s Mojo, while the Chinese Sanya Yomovo sailing team on DaVinci came third in the six-boat class.

The Bay Regatta takes sailors through the three provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi allowing participants to experience the best of southern Thai hospitality and the unrivaled sailing grounds in the area. They sail amongst 200-metre high karsts and past hidden bays on their way to a party under-the-stars on an idyllic beach. The party and prize-giving for day one was on the beach at Paradise Koh Yao.

1 Day to go until The Bay Regatta

Over 30 yachts will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the iconic Bay Regatta, between the 15th and 19th February 2017. The Bay Regatta stands out as one of South East Asia’s finest yachting events. Taking place in some of the most beautiful scenery the region has to offer, the four days racing and daily presentations will bring a buzz of excitement to Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.

John Newnhams Firefly 850 returns to challenge the 11 boat  Racing Multihull Class.

What’s Going On...

Taking place just two months after the Phuket’s King’s Cup Regatta, The Bay Regatta 2017 will be the scene for the regions yachting community coming together. The action is spread over four days of exhilarating competition in the surrounding bays of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi. This year’s competition will be split into Seven classes, Racing Monohulls, Cruising A&B, Bareboat Charter, Racing & Cruising Multihulls.

Kae Wattana, Managing Director of organisers Regattas Asia comments "The Bay Regatta is now in its 20th year and is more popular than ever with competitors joining from all around the world and we are all looking forward to another great event." 

Racing and locations

The four days of racing are a mixture of “coastal passages” and “around the islands” encompassing the provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi and includes some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands.

The Regatta opens with event registration (12.00 - 17.30) held at Chandara Resort and Spa, situated just south of Ao Po Marina. Yachts usually anchor off the resort with complementary longtail taxi service available from 12.00 until 21.00.

The official activities kick off with the Skippers briefing at 17.30, followed by a welcome buffet dinner for competitors and guests, with entertainment provided regatta favorites, the Majesty band.

Racing starts at 08.30 each day off the beach at each of the overnight stops.
There are a number of different courses used during the regatta. Courses are designed to offer competitive sailing to all types of yachts and are selected on a daily basis by local sailing personalities Andy Dowden and Simon James, who will choose courses based on the day’s weather conditions.

Traditionally, yachts will race from the start off Ao Po, through Phang Nga Bay to Ko Yao Noi, heading East to Krabi and returning to Ao Chalong Bay on Phuket.

The action can be viewed from the look out points at the regatta venues:

Thursday 16th - Ao Po, 

Friday 17th Paradise Resort Ko Yao Noi, 

Saturday 18th Ao Nang/Koh Dam Group, 

Sunday 19th Ao Nang/Cape Panwa.

Sailing Instructions and Courses now available online

The Sailing Instructions and Course Diagrams for the 2017 Bay Regatta are now available to download from the Regatta Documents section. http://www.bayregatta.com/regatta-documents/

Raymarine announced as Co-Sponsor of The Bay Regatta 2017

PHUKET, Thailand – Leading water sports event management company Regattas Asia – organisers of The Bay Regatta – confirm global marine electronics brand Raymarine, as a co-sponsor  of the 20th anniversary event held 15th to 19th February, 2017.

A unique sailing event that starts and finishes in Phuket and sails through the stunning limestone topography of Phang Nga and Krabi provinces, Raymarine are a Co-Sponsor and have secured the sponsorship rights for the prize-giving party at Railay Bay Resort & Spa – an iconic destination that returns to the 20th anniversary programme, and will take place on Saturday 18th February.

Mick Kealy, Managing Director of local Raymarine distributor Octopus Electrical Service, noted that Raymarine had been looking for an opportunity to sponsor a regatta and give back to the local community.

“The Bay Regatta has gained its reputation as the ‘fun regatta’; known for marrying the sailors’ fun with the thrill of voyage and the majesty of the Phang Nga cliffs. Raymarine, as the first choice for the majority of privately owned pleasure boats around the world, feel that many parallels can be drawn between the ideologies of this regatta and their own, and that supporting this regatta is the perfect way to promote the values of both the company and the South East Asian sailing community as a whole.”

Ms. Kae Wattana, Managing Director of organisers Regattas Asia, commented “Raymarine is a major supplier of marine electronics and is likely used and enjoyed by most of the yachts racing in the regatta. Aligning with Raymarine, a recognized and respected international brand, adds credibility to the event and underscores the success of our unique regatta concept.”

“This year’s 20th anniversary regatta is looking like it may be the best one yet,” added Ms. Wattana.

The Bay Regatta is organised by Regattas Asia and will take place 15th to 19th February, 2017.

For more information, visit www.bayregatta.com or www.facebook.com/bayregatta.

The Bay Regatta 2017: Back to its roots for the 20th Anniversary

Krabi's Railay Beach returns to the programme after a few years hiatus

PHUKET, Thailand – Combining travel with sport, The Bay Regatta is a four-day circumnavigation of Phang Nga Bay that takes in three of southern Thailand's most scenic provinces – Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi – and where the emphasis is on fun. Attracting the serious, the not-so-serious and the not-at-all-serious “racing” sailors, the regatta appeals to an international mix who enjoy the stunning sailing grounds of the area and a different destination each evening.

Starting from Phuket on 15th February, organisers Regattas Asia are expecting a large fleet to celebrate this milestone 20th Anniversary edition.

“The successful event format hasn't changed much over the years, but the sailors, types of boats and demographics have. We are seeing more international sailors flying in and chartering boats to take part and we are also seeing more people opting to stay ashore each evening, rather than on their boats,” said Ms. Kae Wattana, Managing Director of organisers Regattas Asia.

The Bay Regatta is an excellent example of how sports tourism works to the benefit of communities and local economies.

“Each evening we anchor at a different venue and the sailors go ashore. Those staying ashore – more than 60% of the fleet – book accommodation and either eat in the local restaurants or enjoy the official event functions which engage with the local community. Most of the expenditure of the regatta goes directly into the local economies of the areas we visit – this has been the case since the regatta was launched and it will remain so for the future,” commented Ms. Wattana.

Held from 15th to 19th February, The Bay Regatta is a series of passage races – an event format that has caught the attention of sailors around the world with participants coming from as far afield as Australia, Russia, the UK and Canada to compete in six classes (Racing Class, Cruising A, Cruising B, Bareboat Charter, Racing Multihulls and Cruising Multihulls)

The 2017 programme is as follows:

• 15th February: Registration and Opening Party at Chandara Resort and Spa, Ao Po (Phuket).
• 16th February: Day 1 – Race from Ao Po to Paradise Koh Yao with prize giving at Paradise Koh Yao Resort (Phang Nga).
• 17th February: Day 2 – Race from Paradise Koh Yao to Krabi. Free night (Krabi).
• 18th February: Day 3 – Race around Krabi's islands with prize giving at Railay Bay Resort & Spa (Krabi).
• 19th February: Day 4 – Race from Krabi to Ao Chalong. Prize giving and Closing Dinner at Kan Eang II, Ao Chalong (Phuket).

Moving gear and personnel around the three provinces, and providing evening social events at different destinations each evening, The Bay Regatta is a logistical challenge that requires a dedicated team to make everything go smoothly.

“To organise and operate the regatta is no small feat. My team work very hard to make the event a success for the participants but we couldn't do it without our sponsors and the excellent co-operation we get from the relevant authorities and local businesses along the route,” added Ms. Wattana.

Day 3 Stop over venue announced.

The Bay Regatta returns to Railay Beach in Krabi for its day 3 (18th February) prize giving for the 20th Anniversary Bay Regatta.

Railay Bay Resort & Spa Located on Railay Beach in Krabi province of Thailand provide maximum comfort with 130 rooms of 5 different types catered. We can guarantee a wonderful stay a the resort, the resort is set in lush gardens stretching from west to east Railay with plenty of coconut trees and tropical fauna placed between our bungalows and walkways to ensure a fantastic location for our 3rd night prize giving party.

For these special regatta rates please email to joy@regattas.asia or call +66 (0)89 605 5016

Latest News from The Bay Regatta 2017

The Provisional NOR is now available online.

http://www.bayregatta.com/nor/

Dates for 2017

The dates for the 20th Anniversary Bay Regatta will be 15th-19th February, 2017.

Bay Regatta closes on high note

The poster says, “Join Thailand’s Fun Regatta with 4 days of great racing while visiting four stunning destinations. Fantastic parties and daily prize giving” — and that pretty well sums it up. The 19th Bay Regatta ran true to its hype.

In the final day of racing the Multihulls sailed a 33nm course; after starting off of Ao Nang they kept Koh Yam, and then Koh Dam Hok & Koh Dam Khwan to starboard, passing the Koh Khom group further on to starboard, through the gate at Hin Mu Sang Nua on to their finish just out of Ao Chalong. The rest of the course sailed a shortened 17nm course out from Ao Nang finishing at Hin Mu Sang Nua.

The Racing class on the final day was won by Megazip with Emagine and Fujin coming in second and third. This meant that Scott Bradley’s Emagine emerged victorious overall with Megazip in second with 9 points and Fujin, featuring the Great Peter Sorenson, coming in third with 13 points. Long-time Bay Regatta Cruising Class winner Neils Degenkolw took fourth on Phoenix and the Fargo Ladies Team, with the sensational Liz Schoch skippering, ended settling for fifth overall even though they did win the first race and Team Ferret came last in the top division, although the Platu battled hard against the bigger boats throughout.

Cruising A honours on the last day went to Thalassa with Lady Bubbly and Remington coming in second and third. This broke Remington’s string of three-straight first-place finishes but Jim Ellis’ team did still the win the overall title with Tony Bynes’ Mohawk coming in second with 11 points and Chris Mitchell’s Lady Bubbly finishing third with 13 points. Fourth spot went Thalassa, 5th to Linda and the mysterious Salina came sixth.

Cruising B saw Tongfah grab top spot on the final day with Poco and Aqua coming next in line. This enabled Ket Mangklaeseranee’s boat, the only all-Thai team in the regatta, to win their division with 8 points, while Kevin Gillow’s Poco, last year’s winner, tied Selma with 12 points, but took second overall based on a higher finish on the last day (second). Rate came 4th followed by Aqua and Sanook in this six-boat division.

Bareboat Charters saw Papasha Grizly win for the fourth day straight day—the only the only boat to sweep its class. Little Eva and *Sumalee *came in second and third on the day. In the overall standings, *Papasha Grizly* and *Little Eva* kept those one, two spots, but Kinnon snuck in to take third place, in a class dominated by Russian sailors. Sumalee, Allsail Isabella and *Allsail Uhuru* came 4th 5th & 6th to round out this division.

Multihulls saw Blue Noze, Asia Catamarans Hurricane come one, two and three. *This meant that Java* took the overall title with 11 points, *Asia Catamarans Hurricane* came second with 12 points, *and Voodoo *was third with 13 points. Twin Sharks was fourth, followed by* WOW, Blue Noze*, Galeforce, Adrenaline and Allegro.

Firefly finishes saw Blue Noze, Voodoo & Twin Sharks finish one, two, three and that’s the way the overall standings finished in this tightly fought class, which saw all entrees finish with an 8-point total, but Blue Noze took the crown on two first-place finishes while Voodoo edged out *Twin Sharks* on the final day to gain second spot.

The final party and prize giving was held at O2 Beach Club in Ao Chalong, as it has been for the last few years.

Co-sponsors for this year’s Bay Regatta were Chang, Mekhong, 100 Plus, Neil Pryde, the Paradise Koh Yao Beach Resort & Spa and O2 Beach Club.

Regatta partners included the Chandara Resort & Spa, Haad Thip, Jungceylon, Krabi Boat Lagoon, Mangosteen Resort & Spa, MOOSE, Nivea & Paradise Beach. Jungceylon & MOOSE.

Regattas Asia is the event organizer and The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Yacht Racing Authority of Thailand (YRAT) and the Phuket Yacht Club (ACYC) are the supporting authorities.

Local supporters include Ao Nang Villa Resort, B&G, Electrical Marine, Infinity Communications, Octopus Electrical Services, Phuket Boat Lagoon, Prestige Marine & S/Y Seraph. The official media partners are Class Act Media, SEA Yachting, the Greater Phuket Magazine  and One Coast. 

The chartered committee boat was the 110-yr-old Seraph, graciously supplied by Tom Howard and skippered by Bruce Issel. Credit much go to all of Simon James’ on-water committee including Chandran, Hugh, Susaan, Phil, Jane, Andy, Gigi and Eddie, while Kae Wattana’s minions performed admirably making shore all the on-shore activities took place without a hitch.

The thing about the Bay Regatta is that anyone who is anyone in the Phuket Sailing Committee has played a role in keeping this regatta going. Some of those folks sailing the 19th event included PYC Commodore - Scott Duncanson, Mark Horwood & Mick Kealy.

Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the Bay Regatta and organizer Simon James has already said he hopes to return Chong Lat, the home of many classic Bay Regatta parties, and one of the most stunning anchorages in this region.

Ao Nang is day three base for Fun Regatta

The Bay Regatta is a series of inshore and coastal races, which prides itself on its parties and ending up in an unusual destination every night. The amazing limestone towers of Phang Nga Bay create ideal backdrops for the vivid sails of the fleet.

This regatta appeals to the serious, the not-so-serious and the not-at-all-serious “racing” sailors, combining spectacular natural scenery with lively parties and some sail boat racing. The region’s yachting community visited three of Thailand's most scenic provinces (Phuket, Phang Nga & Krabi) in four days of racing and five nights of partying. Entrants came from as far as Russia (7 boats), Australia, UK, & Canada to compete for honours in six competing classes (Racing, Cruising A, Cruising B, Bareboat Charter, Multihull & Fireflies).

Affectionately known as “The Fun Regatta”, camaraderie and fun are cornerstones of the event and participants end up reliving each day’s sailing with post-race beverages and lively conversation followed by a casual dinner, a prize-giving ceremony and entertainment on shore.

This relaxed sailing experience follows Phuket’s famous King’s Cup Regatta by two months, contrasting with the serious nature of its bigger brother as many participants sleep aboard their boats as the fleet moves around its four-day circumnavigation of the Bay.

Days three racing off of Ao Nang took the fleet around Koh Man, Koh Dam Kwan, Koh Khom, Koh Wa Sam and Koh Ya Man, before heading back to the finish alongside committee boat Seraph.

Racing Class for day three saw Fujin, Emagine, Megazip finish 1,2, 3 with* Phoenix, Team Ferret* & the Fargo Ladies Team finishing 4th, 5th 6th in the order. So Scott Bradley Emagine still leads the group with five points; Megazip is in second with eight points and Fujin moves up to third with ten.

Phang Nga Bay reverberated with the howls of “Yee Ha” as Jim Ellis’ Remington took the Cruising A class yet again with Lady Bubbly in second and Mohawk in third. Thaiassa, Linda & Salina rounded out the Cruising A class. Remington’s three straight wins left it atop this class with three points. Tony Bynes’ Mohawk sits in second with seven and Woodrow Christenson’s Linda is in third with 12 points.

Cruising B saw Selma, Tongfah & Rate finish in the top three with Aqua, Poco in 4th & 5th respectively and Sanook with a DNS. That left Ket Mangklaeseranee’s Tongfah in first with 7 points, a tied for second between Sergei Djkanov’s Rate and Cedric Remaud’s Selma and Kevin Gillow’s Poco in third with ten points.

Bareboat charters saw Papasha Grizly win again with *Sumalee *coming in second* and Little Eva* in third. Kinnon Allsail Isabella and *Allsail Uhuru* came 4th 5th & 6th to round out the placings in this class. After three races, Igor Skvortcov’s* Papasha Grizly* sits first in first place with three points, Stanislas Pechenkin’s Little Eva is second with seven points and Igor Lin’s Kinnon is in third with eleven points.

Multihulls saw Asia Catamarans Hurricane first, Java second, Wow third, *Twin Sharks* fourth, Blue Noze fifth, Voodoo *sixth, Adrenaline* seventh, Galeforce in eighth, and Allegro in ninth. This left *Mick Coleman’s Java* ahead of the pack with six points, Asia Catamarans Hurricane in second with eight points *and Twin Sharks *in third with ten points.

Firefly finishes saw Twin Sharks, Blue Noze &* Voodoo* win place & show, so after three races *Twin Sharks *leads with four points, Voodoo has six and Blue Noze has eight.

The evening’s party and prize giving took place at Aonang Villa Resort with Andy Dowden and Phil Vidal acting as co-Mcs. The regatta heads back to Ao Chalong for the final day of racing tomorrow.

Strong gusts continue thru day two of the Bay Regatta

Hands down – the most photogenic and the most fun regatta in Southeast Asia, continues to live up its reputations as participants sped past the beautiful karst topography of Phang Nga Bay making their way down from Koh Yao Noi to Ao Nang.    

Racing Class for day two saw Emagine, Megazip and Phoenix finishing 1,2, 3, & Fujin, Team Ferret & the Fargo Ladies Team finishing 4th, 5th 6th in the order. That left Scott Bradley’s Emagine (a former Transpac winner as Bull) atop the leader board with three points; Megazip in second with five points and the Fargo Ladies Team with seven points.

Cruising B today saw Rate, Selma and Tongfah, win, place & show with Poco & Aqua in 4th & 5th & Sanook with a DNF. That left a three-way overall tie for first between Djkanov Sergei’s Rate, Kevin Gillow’s Poco & Ket Mangklaseranee Tongfah, each with five points.

Bareboat charters saw Papasha Grizly win with Little Eva in second and Kinnon in third. Allsail Isabella and Allsail Uhuru came 4th and 5th and Sumalee was in sixth spot. So after two races, Papasha Grizly was first with five points, Little Eva was second with four points and Kinnon and Allsail Isabella sat tied in third with seven points each.  

Multihulls saw Java first, Asia Catamarans Hurricane second, Wow third, Twin Sharks fourth, Voodoo fifth, Blue Noze in sixth, Adrenaline in seventh, Galeforce in eighth, and Allegro in ninth. This left Java in first overall with four points, Twin Sharks & Voodoo in second with six points & Asia Catamarans Hurricane with seven points.   

 Firefly finishes saw Twin Sharks, Voodoo swap positions from yesterday and Blue Noze came in third again, so after two races Twin Sharks & Voodoo were tied with three points and Blue Noze had six.   

A protest hearing was pending as Phoenix called out Megazip for a near collision at the start line.

Day two racing started off with the Racing Class, Cruising A and Multihulls charting a 24nm course that left from Koh Yao Noi, rounded Koh Le Mann to starboard, passed Koh Pang & then Koh Pak Bia to port, Koh Ka to starboard, rounded Koh Kaya to starboard through the gate at Koh Heng (leaving the committee boat to port), rounding Koh Ngang to port before passing between Koh Deng and Koh Samet and finally finishing off at Ao Nang.      

Bareboats and Cruising B followed a shortened 17nm course, not heading north to Koh Le Mann, rather rounding Koh Pang to port immediately after leaving Koh Yao Noi.   

The regatta features a different anchorage and party every night and the average course is about 20 miles long.

The regatta is more famous for the spectacular settings of its courses and parties than the sense of sailing triumph, and continues to evolve while maintaining its original brief – to bring the joys of sailing right into the midst of the spectacular environments that surround Phuket. 

It appeals to the serious, the not-so-serious and the not-at-all-serious “racing” sailors, combining spectacular natural scenery with lively parties and some sail boat racing. The region’s yachting community visits three of Thailand's most scenic provinces in four days of racing and five days of partying.

Affectionately billed as “The Fun Regatta”, the regatta leads participants through a course of different anchorages and party venues. Camaraderie and fun are cornerstones of the event and as participants end up reliving each day’s sailing with post-race beverages and lively conversation followed by a casual dinner, a prize-giving ceremony and entertainment on shore.

Mark Pescott, the Firefly designer, was seen flying around on Blue Noze, a good reminder that he has won this event seven times (six times on Somersault and once on Sidewinder). Mark has also sailed in this event 17 of the 19 years it has been held. Other long-time winners participating this year include Neils Degenkolw on Phoenix and Jim Ellis on Remington.         

Co-sponsors for this year’s Bay Regatta are Chang, Mekhong, 100 Plus, Neil Pryde, the Paradise Koh Yao Beach Resort & Spa and O2 Beach Club.

Regatta partners include Haad Thip, Paradise Koh Yai, Chandara Resort & Spa, Krabi Boat Lagoon, Nivea, The Mangosteen Resort & Spa, Jungceylon, & MOOSE.  

Regattas Asia is the event organizer and The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Yacht Racing Authority of Thailand (YRAT) and the Phuket Yacht Club (ACYC) are the supporting authorities.

Local supporters include Aonang Villa, B&G, Electrical Marine, Infinity Communications, Octopus Electrical Services, Phuket Boat Lagoon, Prestige Marine & S/Y Seraph. The official media partners are Class Act Media, SEA Yachting, the Greater Phuket Magazine and One Coast.

The committee boat is the 110-yr-old Seraph (70ft with bowsprit), graciously supplied by Tom Howard.   

Photography by Celine Verchere

Strong winds greet racers for start of 19th Bay Regatta

Four divisions of six boats—Racing, Cruising A & B and Bareboats-combined with eight boats in the Multihull class to form the fleet for the 2016 Bay Regatta.

On the Regatta’s first day, Liz Schoch’s Fargo Ladies Team took first place in the Racing Class followed by Scott Bradley’s Emagine & Aleksandr Trofimenko’s Megazip. Neils Degenklow’ Phoenix, Mick Tilden’s Fujin and Kevin Scott’s Team Ferret rounded out the racing class finishers in that order.

Liz performed amazingly well at the recent Phuket King’s Cup Regatta winning the Corsair Division and *Fujin, *a Beneteau 44.7, is topping the leader-board in Captain Marty’s Asian Yachting Grand Prix series.

Cruising A saw long-time Bay Regatta Jim Ellis’ Remington take top spot from Tony Bynes Mohawk & Woodrow Christenson’s *Linda *with Chris Mitchell’s Lady Bubbly Audrey Arbuzov’s Thaiassa & Dick Norris’ Salina finishing out the racing in this class.

Cruising B saw the Gillows on Poco continue their amazing Bay Regatta run with Ket Mangklaeseranee’s Tongfah finishing second and Mig Wehlre’s *Aqua coming in third. Djkanov Sergei’s *Rate was fourth with Cedic Remaud’s Selma fifth & Paul Knight’s Sanook *sixth.*

The Bareboat Class saw top honours go to Papasha Grizly helmed by Igor Skvortcov; second was Little Eva skipped by Stanislav Pechenkin and third spot was Allsail Isabella helmed by Russell Waddy. Fourth spot went to Igor Llin’s Kinon with Allan Bower’s Allsail Uhuru in fifth & Olof Thoren’s Sulmalee in sixth.

In the Multihulls, Hans Rahmann Voodoo came first, John Newnham’s *Twin Sharks* second, Mick Coleman’s Java third with Kiril Stashevskly’s Galeforce coming fourth, Alan Cawardine’s *Asia Catamarans Hurricane *fifth, George Edding’s Blue Noze in sixth, David Lidell’ Wow in seventh and Mark Horwood’s Adrenaline in eighth place.

Three Fireflies, competing in the multihull class also formed their own class with Voodoo, Twin Sharks & Blue Noze finishing one, two & three today, and Voodoo claiming line honours for all boats day.

There was a slight hiccup on the water today with the pin boat having trouble setting a mark near Koh Yai because of strong winds; the first five boats went past the said mark searching for the buoy, then using the GPS given, sailed past and continued on their way.

Today’s race started at Koh Naka Yai as the participants sailed north leaving Koh Phanak and Koh Na Ka Ya to port before rounding the first mark, northeast of Koh Yai, to starboard and then heading towards Koh Yao Noi leaving Hin Mot Daeng to port and Koh Batang to starboard before finishing off of Koh Kudu Yai – approximately 17 nautical miles in length.

It was heartwarming to see the Gillows racing through the water on Poco again, the boat that first brought them to Thailand two decades ago. Last year, they won their division with Kevin helming nine months after suffering a severe stoke.

Participants gathered at the Paradise Koh Yao Beach Resort & Spa on Koh Yao Noi for the evening’s party and prize-giving. The Chandara Resort & Spa in Ao Po hosted the opening-night party.

The regatta was started by the Ao Chalong Yacht Club and then taken over by John Everingham and his crew at Artasia for a number of years before reverting back to the stewardship of the ACYC (now the Phuket Yacht Club), who then turned it over to the very capable hands of Simon James and Kae Wattana whose company Regattas Asia have done a great job of running the event the last four years.

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