It's a wrap......Thank you.

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Events like The Bay Regatta simply don't happen without sponsorship or competitors.

Over the past 26 years, the regatta has been able to attract an impressive line of sponsors and international media partners offering not only cash and resources, but also international coverage that spreads the regatta brand worldwide, highlighting the region as a top sailing destination.

But, not only the big names matter. The regatta is being supported by a broad platform of local businesses, many whom have never been involved with the event before. These businesses, supply the regatta with rooms, boats, publicity and various other services at a discounted rate.

From the organisers to all sponsors, supporters and competitors of The Bay Regatta, big and small - Thanks you for your support.

Co-Sponsors: Coca-Cola, Really Good Deli. The Tourism Authority of Thailand, & Vacation Village.

Local Sponsors: Asia Catamaran, East Marine Asia, LEO, Octopus Electrical Service, Singha & VMC.

Venue Partners: Holiday Resort Koh Yao Noi, Kan Eang II, Supalai Scenic Bay & Vacation Village.

Local Supporters: Ao Po Grand Marina, B & G, Contract Charters, Electrical Marine, Phuket Boat Lagoon, Phuket Cruising Yacht Club, Phuket Yacht Club, Port Takola Marina.

Media Partners: aBoat, Phuket Marine Guide, SEA Yachting & Southeast Asia Pilot.

Photography and Daily Reports: Scott Murray

Event Organizer & Supporting Authorities: IRC, the National Parks of Thailand, Regattas Asia, The Sports Authority of Thailand & the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand.

A record breaking day for all classes at The Bay Regatta

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Report  By Scott Murray - Sea Yachting Magazine.

With 18-20 knots of breeze forecast, the fourth and final day of the 26th Bay Regatta got underway as PRO and race organizer Simon James set off the yachts in 2 starts exciting starts, with the multihulls enjoying clear air for the first start followed by the mass monohull classes for the Coca Cola Haad-Thip Race, a 35-mile sprint back from Krabi to Ao Chalong, anchorage on Phuket.

The wind was definitely not a problem today as it increased to 20+ knots with a spring tide against the wind creating challenging conditions. For the first time in many years, all classes sailed course 12, taking them around the islands and directly back to Ao Chalong.. 

Starting from an off-wind line between the committee vessel & Koh Yaman, yachts passed the famous "Chicken islands" Koh Dam Hok & Koh Dam Khwan to starboard before heading west, passing through the gate at Hin Mu Sang Nua before a 15-mile south-westerly sprint to the finish, at the entrance to Ao Chalong. - For the first time

Dirk Weiblen and his crew on No Fear capsized just south of Koh Yao Yai – while competing with the Firefly 850's, but the sea state caused them to nosedive and pitchpole into the water. Twin Sharks and Blue Nose immediately stopped racing to assist while the race committee was alerted.

After a failed attempt to right the vessel due to the conditions and sea state, the inverted hull was towed to shelter, where its waterlogged hull and rig were eventually righted with the assistance of 2 race-committee support vessels and Shiraz, a passing yacht. Once the boat was again under control, it was towed into Ao Chalong near the Phuket Yacht Club. 

Except for ego, all crew were uninjured, with the full rigging remaining intact. 

A big shout-out to the on-water support team and the crew on Shiraz,  who just happened to be cruising by at the time of the incident and who hopped into the water to assist the less experienced crew on No Fear in righting the vessel.

Twin Sharks and Blue Noze, who suspended racing when No Fear went over, were compensated by being awarded finishing points equivalent to their known race position when they stopped racing.      

The seven-boat OMR Multihull class saw Dan Fidock’s Parabellum winning their fourth straight race, their fourth line honour SMASHING the Krabi-Chaolong course in a time of 1:34:40. Making it a family 1-2 on the day, Dow Fidock's Stealth 11.8 Saffron came in second with Glywn Rowlands’ Twister II, a Stealth 12.1, finishing third and showing the strength of the locally built Stealth boats from local sponsors Asia Catamarans.

James Haste and his crew on Bonza were on their way to set their own course record when they ran into rudder trouble and ended up finishing fourth. Overall the series concluded with Parabellum first, Twin Sharks second and Twister II third.

In the IRC-Racing Class, Aquarii led the way, with line honours and a handicap win, closely followed by the single-handed Thomas Valentin on his Classe Mini 6.5, in second place and DSA Venture in third place.

Overall the 5-boat IRC Racing Class saw Peter Winter’s Australian team win on Aquarii, a Sydney 40 Mod, with DSA Venture, a First 40.7, coming in second. Niels Degenkolw’s X ¾  Ton Phoenix had to settle for third as the harsh winds hampered their progress on the final day. Thomas Valentin’s Brisk, a Classe Mini 6.5, was fourth – the single-handed sailor received a standing ovation from the other sailors –– while Aliaksandre Racheuski’s Uminoko, a Farr One Ton, rounded out the class.

The IRC Cruising Class saw Paul Merry’s Night Train, a Hanse 415, win every race with Andrey Arbuzov’s Birds & Bees, a First 44.7, and Aleksei Brunov’s Moonshine, a Sun Odyssey 45, tied on points. Moonshine took second overall based on a better performance in the last race.         

In the eight-boat Cruising Monohull Class, Hans Rahmann's 70ft Yasooda loved the strong conditions and led the monohull fleet back in to Ao Chalong with a new course record of 3:05:11 for the 35-mile course. After handicaps were applied, Yasooda remained in pole position, closely followed by Snap Dragon and Wind of Change. 

Overall, Steven Wong’s Snap Dragon, a Peterson 46, retained top spot with Hans Rahmann’s J/V 70 Yasooda, placing second. Creating another record, with a combined age of over 450 years, Jack Christensen’s crew on Lynda, a Bavaria 49, years was third. They were followed by Sergei Dikanov’s Wind of Change, Fons Wang’s Sumalee, Duncan Fraser’s beautiful Hanse 575 Gale Force and Mayo Hood’s Chinnon 2 with Tony Byrnes’ late entry Zingara rounded out the class.

Defending champion Rick Fielding’s Mojo, a Fusion 40, took home both line honours and the overall title, breaking his own speed record of 19kts in the three-boat all-Australian Cruising Multihull class. Bo Wharton’s Troppo, a Lagoon 410, followed closely in second and Bob McIntyre’s Allegro, a Stealth 13, placed third. Of course, Fielding, who is known for playing to the crowd, did just that during his acceptance speech.      

The final party was once again held at Kan Eang 2 restaurant, overlooking Chalong Bay and a great time was had by all. Since its inception 26 years ago, the Regatta has been described as the “party that sails around”. This year's event just keeps entertaining all those who participate and certainly didn’t disappoint this year.     

The Race Management team did a great job setting the courses, manning the starts and keeping things in order. Kae Wattana and her Regattas Asia team ensured everyone was happy on shore, providing plenty of good food and drink. A big shot out to Simon’s team on the water - Susie, Chandran and Khun Lep - who as always, made sure all the starts and finishes were correctly posted and recorded under some very trying conditions at times.  

Stay tuned as what many competitors decribed as the region’s friendliest regatta will be announcing its dates for 2024 soon.  

See you next year. 

Racing extremely tight as Bay Regatta continues off Ao Nang

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Report  By Scott Murray - Sea Yachting Magazine.

Day 3 of The Bay Regatta finally brought the wind for the Vacation Village Race day held off Ao Nang Beach, Krabi.  Leaving the overall results for all classes open for the last day of the Regatta.

The evening celebrations was held around the pool at host sponsors Vacation Villages’ Pra Nang Inn.  Daily prizes were given out for yesterday’s racing by James Haste representing Phuket’s local sponsors: Asia Catamarans, East Marine and Octopus Electrical Services. Followed by the Day three prizes, presented by The Tourism Authority of Thailand, Krabi office.

The five-boat IRC Monohull Class title is up for grabs as Peter Winter’s Aquarii, a Sydney 40 Mod, has a one-point edge going into the final day with Niels Degenkolw’s X¾ Ton Phoenix and Aleksandr Trofimenko’s DSA Venture, a First 40.7, tied for second with eight points each. Aliaksandre Racheuski’s Uminoko, a Farr One Ton, sits in third spot with Thomas Valentin’s Brisk, a Classe Mini 6.5, and the only single-handed entry in the regatta rounding out the class with 12 points.

The three-boat IRC Cruising Class saw a repeat performance of day two with Paul Merry’s Night Train, a Hanse 415, winning again and Andrey Arbuzov’s Birds & Bees, a First 44.7, coming second with Aleksei Brunov’s Moonshine, a Sun Odyssey 45, placing third. Only a minute on corrected time separated the three boats in this class.  Night Train has this class all but wrapped up, but only a point separates Birds & Bees and Moonshine for second and third spot.        

Meanwhile, the eight-boat Cruising Monohull saw Hans Rahmann’s sleek Yasooda, a JV Custom 70, cross the line two hours before its nearest competitor Steven Wong’s Snap Dragon, a Peterson 46, who placed second edging out Jack Christensen’s Lynda, a Bavaria 49. Next up was Duncan Fraser’s Gale Force, a Hanse 575 Shoal Keel. Sergei Dikanov’s Wind of Change, a Beneteau Oceanis 43, was fifth followed by Fons Wang’s Sumalee, a Sun Odyssey 49. Mayo Hood’s Chinnon 2, a Sun Odyssey 469, and Tony Byrnes’ Zingara rounded out the fleet. Yasooda still has a chance to catch Snap Dragon for top spot in this class, while Lynda and Gale Force have the edge when it comes to securing third place.    

The seven-boat OMR Multihull class saw Dan Fidock’s Parabellum take off like a jackrabbit and they have this class pretty much sewn up with three straight wins, three line honours, and three points. John Newnham’s Twin Sharks, a Firefly 850 Sportsboats, sits in second spot with eight points. But then there’s a bottleneck with James Haste’s Bonza, a PH 1 1100, and Glywn Rowlands’ Twister II, a Stealth 12.1, tied at 12 points each while George Eddings’ Blue Noze sitting in fourth spot with 13 points. Dow Fidock’s Saffron, a Stealth 11.8, with 17 points and Dirk Weiblen’s No Fear, a VLVP YG25 MOD, with 19 points, round out this class.  

 And the three-boat All Aussie Cruising Multi class saw Bob McIntyre’s Allegro, a Stealth 13, take first on the day with Rick Fielding’s Mojo, a Fusion 40, coming second, followed by Bo Wharton’s Troppo, a Lagoon 410. Overall, Mojo leads Troppo by one point, who in turn leads Allegro by another point, so this class will go right down to the wire.     

With only 3 races passage races completed so far, there will be no discard available to sailors so the final day will be an exciting race home to Ao Chalong tomorrow with three classes still up for grabs and the final awards party set for Kan Eang II.  

A special shout-out to Dan Fidock/John Newnham for freeing up Matt McGrath and their supply boat to be the photography boat for the day, which captured many images of the stunning karst topography that Phang Nga Bay is so famous for.  

Parabellum whisks through the Bay Regatta course

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Report  By Scott Murray - Sea Yachting Magazine.

After a buffet and awards presentation at the Holiday Resort on Koh Yao Noi, the Bay Regatta fleet was well rested and set out for day two of the 2023 Bay Regatta on Friday February 24th, sponsored by the Phuket Marine Industry leaders Octopus Electrical Services, Asia Catamarans and East Marine. And as it is prone to do Dan Fidock’s Extreme 40 Parabellum flew through the course capturing line honours again.

In anticipation of early wind, Race Officer Simon James got the OMR Multihull Class off early, followed by starts for the combined Monohull classes and remaining Cruising Catamarans.

The OMR class took a 20-mile course, which left from east of Koh Yao Noi rounding Koh Pang to starboard, then passing Koh Pak Bia to port, and then passing Koh Ka and Koh Ka to starboard. The fleet moved past through the gate to Koh Kaya (between the island and the committee boat), and then rounded Koh Ngang to port, passing between Koh Daeng and Koh Samet finishing between the committee boat and Koh Ya Man.     

The rest of the classes did a 17-mile course missing out Koh Ngang , but heading straight down through Koh Daeng and Koh Samet to finish off Ao Nang. With light winds, some of the heavier yachts did not make the 4.30pm cut off time, so their positions were taken from the last gate.

The five-boat IRC Monohull Class saw Peter Winter’s Aquarii, a Sydney 40 Mod, bounce back from a disappointing fifth-place finish yesterday to take the top spot. Aleksandr Trofimenko’s DSA Venture, a First 40.7, was next up while Niels Degenkolw’s X ¾ Phoenix was third finishing ahead of Aliaksandre Racheuski’s Uminoko, a Farr One Ton, and Thomas Valentin’s Brisk, a Classe Mini 6.5, which he is sailing single-handed.

The three-boat IRC Cruising Class saw Paul Merry’s Night Train, a Hanse 415, win again but Aleksei Brunov’s Moonshine, a Sun Odyssey 45, and Andrey Arbuzov’s Birds & Bees, a First 44.7, swapped places this time with Birds & Bees coming in second today.    

Meanwhile, the eight-boat Cruising Monohull saw Hans Rahmann’s sleek Yasooda, a JV Custom 70, do extremely well winning the class. Reaching the finish line almost 2 hours infront of her nearest rival Steven Wong’s Snap Dragon, a Peterson 46, in second with Duncan Fraser’s Gale Force, a Hanse 575 Shoal Keel placing third (Gale Force’s crew, btw, travelled up from Darwin to compete in the regatta). Mayo Hood’s Chinnon 2, a Sun Odyssey 469, was fourth followed by Jack Christensen’s Lynda, a Bavaria 49. Fons Wang’s Sumalee, a Sun Odyssey 409, placed sixth and Sergei Dikanov’s Wind of Change, a Beneteau Oceanis 43 finished seventh with Tony Byrnes’ Zingara rounding out the fleet.      

The seven-boat OMR Multihull class saw a repeat victory for Dan Fidock’s Parabellum followed by James Haste’s Bonza, a PH 1 1100, which had a much better day on the water today. Third & fourth place respectively went to two Firefly 850 Sportsboats: John Newnham’s Twin Sharks, and George Eddings’ Blue Noze. Glywn Rowlands’ Twister II, a Stealth 12.1, took fifth while Dirk Weiblen’s No Fear, a VLVP YG25 MOD, placed sixth. Dow Fidock’s Saffron, a Stealth 11.8, rounded out the class.

And the three-boat All Aussie Cruising Multi class saw a shuffle at the top today as Rick Fielding’s Mojo, a Fusion 40, got to the gate first followed by Bo Wharton’s Troppo, a Lagoon 410, Bob McIntyre’s Allegro, a Stealth 13, stretched ahead on the final leg but finishing third again on count back after just missing the finish line cut off time by only 5 mins..

At the ILCA 6 World Masters Championships held recently at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, there was a “Legends Class” of sailors aged 76-85. Well, not to be outdone, the Bay Regatta has its own legend, 84-year-old Hugh Thompson sailing in the regatta for the umpteenth time, this time on Mojo. Speaking of repeat competitors, Mark Pescott, who designed the Firefly 850 Sportsboat (there are two racing in the regatta) is sailing on Yasooda in his 24th Bay Regatta, an all-time record.            

It was a free night in the Krabi area for all competitors as the awards for today’s races will be handed out tomorrow at the Phra Nang Inn in Ao Nang. Day 3 commences at 10.00 with two races scheduled starting in the area of Ao Nang, Krabi.  

Bay Regatta sets sails for 26th time

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Report  By Scott Murray - Sea Yachting Magazine.

Regattas Asia have done what no one else in this region were able to do: stage a regatta every year throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s right, the Bay Regatta didn’t miss a beat – this year’s version being the 26th straight.

Twenty-six international crews registered and were spread over five classes (IRC Monohull, IRC Cruising, Cruising Monohull, OMR Multihull & Cruising Multihull) headed out this morning through some of the world’s most stunning karst topography on their four-day nautical journey. That is the largest number of entries in a big-boat regional regatta since the Phuket King’s Cup in 2019.          

Held from February 22-26, the Bay Regatta is a series of passage races – an event format that catches the attention of the region’s best sailors. This four-day sailing trek throughout Phang Nga Bay focuses on fun. Attracting the serious, the not-so-serious and the not-at-all-serious “racing” sailors, the regatta appeals to those who enjoy the stunning sailing grounds of the area and a different destination each day.

Each evening, the regatta anchors at a different venue and the sailors go ashore. Those staying ashore –the majority 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 the regatta visits - This has been the case since the regatta was launched and it will remain so for the future - an excellent example of how sports tourism works to the benefit of communities and local economies.

Starting just off from Ao Po Grand Marina on Phuket's east coast, after registration and an opening party yesterday evening at the lovely Supalai Scenic Bay resort, the yachts sailed south.

The 25-mile course, sponsored by Really Good Deli, set off from Koh Naka Yai, and passing the lime-stone karsts of  Koh Sup to starboard and rounding  Koh Yao Yai to port, before passing through the gate (located at Hin Mu Sang Mu Nua) and finishing at overnight anchorage of Koh Yao Noi.

At 9am, PRO Simon James set two starts for the competitors: first off were the combined monohulls (15 boats) followed by the combined multihull classes (10 boats). There with 5-6 knots of breeze from the east and a flood tide the heavier boats moved slowly south.  As boats headed to Ko Sup, the wind direction changed numerous times with those boats following the coast of Koh Yao Yai finding slacker tides and a localised wind pattern.

Lead by Parabellum who pulled out over a 1-hour lead over the fleet, the fleet continued south, with the ever changing winds compressing the fleet. With the Impending ebb tide and lightening breeze, the race was shortened off the south-east corner of Koh Yao Yai.  Allowing boats to motor north for the nights festivities.

The five-boat IRC Monohull Class saw Niels Degenkolw’s X ¾ Phoenix, do what it does best – win, finishing ahead of Thomas Valentin, who is sailing Brisk, a Classe Mini 6.5, single-handed. Aliaksandre Racheuski’s Uminoko, a Farr One Ton, was third today while Aleksandr Trofimenko’s DSA Venture, a First 40.7, was fourth and Peter Winter’s Aquarii, a Sydney 40 Mod, placed fifth.

The three-boat IRC Cruising Class saw Paul Merry’s Night Train, a Hanse 415, emerge as the winner with Aleksei Brunov’s Moonshine, a Sun Odyssey 45 taking second and Andrey Arbuzov’s Birds & Bees, a First 44.7. coming in third.

Meanwhile, the seven-boat Cruising Monohull saw Steven Wong’s Snap Dragon, a Peterson 46, come out victorious. Ilya Saldaev’s Wind of Change, a Beneteau Oceanis 43, was a close second followed by Jack Christensen’s Lynda, a Bavaria 49. Hans Rahmann’s sleek Yasooda, a JV Custom 70, was fourth with Duncan Fraser’s Gale Force, a Hanse 575 Shoal Keel, taking fifth overall while Fons Wang’s Sumalee, a Sun Odyssey 49, finished sixth and Mayo Hood’s Chinnon 2, a Sun Odyssey 469, took last place on the day.   

The seven-boat OMR Multihull class saw Dan Fidock’s Parabellum, an Extreme 40, win & take the days line honours. Once handicaps were applied Glywn Rowlands’ Twister II, a Steath 12.1came in second followed by John Newnham’s Twin Sharks, a Firefly 850 Sportsboat; Dow Fidock’s Saffron, a Stealth 11.8, was fourth; and George Eddings’ Blue Noze, another Firefly, was fifth. Dirk Weiblen’s No Fear, a VLVP YG25 MOD placed sixth followed by James Haste’s Bonza, a PH 1100, who had a tough time in the light wind.

And the three-boat Cruising Multi class was an all-Aussie affair as Bo Wharton’s Troppo, a Lagoon 410, took top spot followed by Rick Fielding’s Mojo, a Fusion 40, and Bob McIntyre’s Allegro, a Stealth 13.

The days prizes were presented by Dan Fidock of Really Good Deli held at the Charming Holiday Resort Koh Yao Noi. Tomorrow the racers head off to Krabi for a 20 nautical mile course sponsored by the Phuket Marine Industry.

The Bay Regatta was originally described thus: “The regatta allows participants to experience the best of southern Thai hospitality and the unrivaled sailing grounds in the area. Boats sail amongst 200-metre-high karsts and past hidden bays on their way to nights under-the-stars in idyllic anchorages.”

That description still rings true today.

Registration starts at 14:00 today (22nd)

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Registration for the 26th Bay Regatta starts today at 14:00 in the Library Room, 1st floor of Supalai Scenic Bay Resort, Ao Po.

For those staying at the resort, there will be a shuttle bus operating between the resort and Ao Po Marina between 14:00 and 21:00.

The Skippers briefing will be held at the Beach/Party Area at 17:30 followed by the Welcome Party 18:00 - 21:00

FULL SCHEDULE OF RACES, EVENTS AND PRESENTATIONS

Wednesday 22nd February, Registration and Welcome Event

14.00 – 17.30     Registration

17.30                 Skippers Briefing

18.00                 Opening Ceremony

Venue:               Supalai Scenic Bay Resort & Spa, Ao Po, Phuket

Thursday 23rd February, Race Day 1

09.00                 First Warning Signal

18.00                 Evening Presentation Dinner

Presentation Venue :   Holiday Resort, Koh Yao Noi. (East Coast) 

Friday 24th February, Race Day 2

10.00                 First Warning Signal (Start Line off Koh Yao Noi)

                           Free Night in Krabi

Saturday 25th February, Race Day 3

10.00                 Krabi Race 1 - First Warning Signal (Start Line off Ao Nang)

13:00                 Krabi Race 2 - First Warning Signal (Start Line TBA)

18.00                 Evening Presentation Dinner

Presentation Venue : Vacation Village, Phra Nang Inn, Ao Nang, Krabi. 

Sunday 26th February, Race Day 4

08.00                First Warning Signal (Start Line off Ko Ya Mann)

19.00                 Final Presentation Dinner

Final Presentation Venue :   Kan Eang II, Ao Chalong.

New 1st night stop-over announced

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New 1st night stop-over

We are delighted to announce our new location for the 1st night stop-over on February 23rd as:
Holiday Resort, 25/25 Moo 5, Ko Yao Noi.

Situated just a little further north from our previous venue, the resort offers 30 bungalows and a beachside venue for our presentation evening.

We will be providing the usual transportation from the anchorage to the resort.
The Regatta has negotiated a special room rate of 1,450 Baht per night for Room Rate (Air condition) per night included Breakfast for two people.
This rate is only available through the regatta office.
Email: bayregatta@regattas.asia to make a reservation.

For more details click HERE

Provisional NOR for 2023 available online.

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The Provisional Notice of Race for the 26th Bay Regatta is now available to download. HERE

The Bay Regatta - 2023 Provisional Route

The event is open to boats eligible to complete in the classes as published in the Notice of Race paragraph 4.

Entries shall be open to boats entered or sailed by persons from any nation. However, Boats and competitors shall not display any sail letters, symbols, flags or slogan representing Russia or Belarus on any boat, place or clothing associated with the event.

VENUES

Opening and Closing Venues are currently being confirmed and will be announced in the near future.

We are delighted to confirm that Vacation Village, Phra Nang Inn will return as our Krabi host venue.

The racing schedule in Krabi will now include 2 races. With an additional race scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday 25th February.

The Course book and Sailing Instructions will be available on-line in Early January.

The Bay Regatta Sails through 2022

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While Covid - 19 restriction affected the entry list and route selections this year, Regattas Asia continued to sail on with the 25th Anniversary Bay Regatta.

A late change of venues for the opening took the competitors to the Royal Phuket Marina, who provided complimentary berthing for competitors and the opportunity for boats to test out the newly dredged channel offering all-tide access for boats with a draft up to 2.4m.

While following Covid-19 regulations, registration proceeded without a hitch as a pleasant evening (without speeches) opened the event at the Isola restaurant.

Although the event traditionally passes through the northern area of Phang Nag Bay. Current restrictions limit the use of race marks or groups of yachts joining together in the National Parks. With an alternative route found, boats departed early for the first days racing from a new start-line off Ko Rang Yai and followed the revised Really Good Deli Race Day course around the southern tip of Ko Yao Yai before heading north to Ko Yao Noi.

With the regatta offering the first tourism income (since the last Bay Regatta), restaurants and resorts re-opened, longtails converted to water taxis, and Tuk Tuks serviced. The island greeted sailors with a traditional Thai welcome and transportation to resorts with a smile (behind a face mask).

A very social evening was held at Baan Chang restaurant; the regatta must give many thanks to the local community for supporting the event.

Day Two, with competitors arriving at the start area, racing got off to an early start for the Octopus Electrical Services Race Day. Taking the fleet 25 miles through the Ko Hong Group to Ao Nang, Krabi, where most competitors moved into the Vacation Village - Phra Nang Inn for their 2 night say.

The Vacation Village group has family-run resorts in Krabi and Ko Lanta and has been a longtime supporter of The Bay Regatta. They have committed to supporting yachting in the area and have already agreed to support the 2023 event.

Day 3, The Vacation Village Island Race, saw very light winds, which slowly filled in from the west before disappearing by lunchtime. Racing was restricted to a two-leg race before racing was abandoned for the day. Everyone returned to the shore for the Vacation Village social prize-giving event with great food supplemented by the Really Good Deli.

Day 4, After a short delay, racing started in light winds on a straight-line course for The CocaCola Haad Thip Race. Cutting out the Krabi islands and heading directly for the gate off Ko Yao Yai. All classes were shortened at the gate after a long 5 hours in the Sun. Yachts them headed back to Ao Chalong for the final presentations at Kan Eang II.

The Results

Niels Dgenkole's Phoenix dominated the Monohull Classes with the double with four wins in the Monohull Racing Class and three wins in the Monohull Performance Class.

Phoenix was again first in the Monohull Racing Class with 2017 champions Megazip, helmed by Aleksandr Trofimenko in second, followed by Andrew McDermott's Jessandra II in third place.

In the Monohull Performance Class, Phoenix was similarly followed by Megazip in second, with Hans Rahmann's Yasooda celebrating their return after 14 years, with third place.

It was all down to the last race in the Multihull Classes, with Dan Fidock's Stealth design Saffron coming out on top for the double win.

In the Multihull Racing Class, the Asia Catamarans built Stealth designs dominated the positions, winning all top 3 places. Dan Fidock's Saffron led the way, followed by Glywn Rowlands' Twister 2 in Second and John Spencer's Zero in third place.

In the Multihull Performance Class, Dan Fidock's Saffron again came in first, followed by Rick Fieldings Mojo in second, with Warwick Downes' Bonza 69 Slam coming in with third place on a tie break with Twister 2.

This year, the on-water team was a little leaner due to Covid restrictions with Chandran and Captain Nee managing marks and gates on "Rainman", with Eddie with the boat crew assisting Simon on the Really Good Deli's sponsored "Azure 3". Thanks, must go to Peter Dyers' Sunshine Yachts and Bob Mott for providing the boats at special rates to the regatta.

Let's not forget Kae Wattana's Regattas Asia Shore team, led by Boston. It takes many people to organise an event that spans three provinces in three days—especially dealing with daily changing government rules and restrictions.

With tourism numbers down and limited employment opportunities in Phuket, many volunteers have travelled from Bangkok, Songkla and Ko Samui to support this year's event.

A special thanks should also go to Earth, Ploy and BeBe, who have been on Regattas Asia events for over ten years, taking time off from their full-time jobs to assist.

To all competitors, venues, supporters, sponsors, volunteers and casualties of events that meant you could not join us this year.

Thank you for supporting us. See you next year.

The 26th Bay Regatta: 22nd - 26th February 2023

The 25th Bay Regatta - Supported by:

Authorities: Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, Provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.

Sponsors: The Tourism Authority of Thaiand, Vacation Village, Octopus Electrical Services, Coca Cola Haad Thip, Singha/Leo and The Really Good Deli.

2022 Venues: The Royal Phuket Marina, Baan Chang, Vacation Village-Phra Nag Inn, Kan Eang II.

Boats supplied by: Sunshine Yachts - Azure 3, Rainman.

Local Supporters: Electrical Marine, Phuket Cruising Yacht Club, Port Porta Takola, Phuket Boat Lagoon, Electrical Marine, Phuket Cruising Yacht Club, The Phuket Yacht Club and VME Entertainment systems.

Light winds remain as fleet return to Phuket

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After checking weather predictions and receiving reports from around the race-course. The fourth and final day of the Bay Regatta started with a combined start for all competitors on the Coca Cola Haad Thip Race Day, for their long race back to Ao Chalong.

Based on the conditions, for the first time in many years a direct line course was set, rather than the traditional circuit of the Ko Dam Group.

Some yachts, including Bonza and Yasooda, decided the best approach was to head North towards the Royal Palace where the wind traditionally fill-in. Others, including Mojo and Saffron headed south, looking for thermals from "Chicken Island" before heading west towards the Hin Mu Sang Nua gate.

In this race, where traditionally the start boat has to race at full speed to get to Ao Chalong before the first finisher, winds remained light throughout. Warwick Downes' Bonza 69 Slam were first to see the shortened course flag at the Hin Mu Sang Nua "gate" after 5 hours 13 mins in the sun, closely followed by Dan Fiddock's Saffron.

15 mins later, Hans Rahmann's Yasooda lead the Monohulls to the shortened course, closely shadowed by Niels Dgenkole's Phoenix.

When handicaps were applied, the yachts who sailed south at the start came out on top. Phoenix headed the Monohull classes, closely followed by Jessandra II and Megazip.

Dan Fiddock's Saffron came out on top in the Multihull Racing Class, closely followed by Glywn Rowlands' Twister 2 and John Spencer's Zero. This result produced another 1-2-3 for the locally built Stealth design boats from Asia Catamarans.

Despite again missing out in the "Battle of the Ricks" on the start line and receiving a significant handicap increase (after his victory yesterday). Rick Fielding's Mojo pulled out another win in the Performance Multihull Class, with Saffron coming in second and Twister 2 in third place.

Amazingly, Mojo would have beaten the whole "Multihull Racing" fleet as his OMR equivalent rating would have been the highest for a Fusion 40 in the world this year. We will no doubt hear about this for many years to come....... and at tonight's final presentations at Kan Eang II in Ao Chalong.

The fleet now pack up and head to the final presentations at Kan Eang II at 19:00.

Light Winds for Day 3 of The Bay Regatta.

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After yesterdays Octopus Electrical race day and a free night in Krabi. Crews were ready for the traditional Vacation Village - Krabi Island Races on day 3 of the 25th Bay Regatta.

Boats were held ashore, with light winds forecast in the morning until some wind appeared on the horizon. After several yachts reported breeze of 7+ knots around the racetrack, competitors were called out to the start boat and the line was set for course No.4 chosen as it has plenty of shortening opportunities, should the wind not play fair.

With the breeze lightening, but an increase forecast. The team from Vacation Village, our host sponsor, started proceedings with the Multihulls first away, followed by the monohulls, who had to weave their way through the late starters to get across the line.

A new wind line appeared from the South West earlier than expected, with spinnakers appearing from some back markers as the wind filled in from behind.

While some boats were stationery at times, others charged towards the shore with full spinnakers flying. With some boats 2/3 of the way to Ko Ya Man, the localised breeze left the famous Chicken Island (Ko Poda) sitting in the middle of a Glass like sea.

The light South Westerly breeze now coming down the course was directly from the original start position. The race committee displayed the "R" flag, meaning that all future marks of the course are deleted and boats should round the current island and race directly back to the start area, giving boat a 1.4 miles beat to the finish.

Bonza 69 Slam again lead the way, crossing the new finish line after a frustrating 1 hour 15 mins closely followed by Saffron, Twister and Zero.

After OMR Ratings were applied, Glywn Rowlands Twister II came out on top, celebrating their first regatta win closely followed by Dan Fidock's Saffron and John Spencers Zero.

In the Multihull Performance division, Lady Mia and Mojo had a slow start, crossing the line with the Monohull class. However, with the wind following them around the course and their generous handicaps ,( based on the past two days performances). Both crossed the finishing line, with Mojo finishing victorious by 27 seconds over Lady Mia in second place followed by Twister II in third.

As Mojo's owner Rick Fielding always tells us: "The Cream will always rise to the top !!!".

In the Monohull Racing Division, it was business as usual with Phoenix finishing in-front of Megazip, closely followed by Jessandra II finishing just 15 seconds behind on corrected time.

In the performance monohull class, the winds were too light for the 76 foot Yasooda to stretch her legs to cancel out the rating difference over an hours race. Phoenix again came out on top, but with Jessandra II in second and Megazip in third.

After waiting for the forecast 12 knots of wind, all boats were sent home to prepare for tonight's prize giving at the Vacation Village, Phra Nang Inn. Tonights generous buffet is supplemented with genuine Aussie Beef products provided by Dan Fidock's Really Good Deli.

Tomorrow sees the traditional "Sprint" back to Phuket starting at 8AM from Ko Ya Mann. Concluded with the final presentations at Kan Eang II in Ao Chalong.

Full results and overall standing are available on www.bayregatta.com

The Bay Regatta - All ahead to Krabi.

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With prizes presented by the Really Good Deli, yesterday's racing took the boats from Ko Rang Yai to Ko Yao Noi and finished with a great evening at Baan Chang. (Which, opened especially for the event).

Today is the Octopus Marine Race Day, with competitors experiencing a wide range of wind strengths and constantly changing directions, as the party that sails around continue to journey from Ko Yao, through the Ko Hong Group and on to Krabi.

Most boats decided to leave the Ko Yao anchorage early in anticipation of early fading winds. With the majority ready to race, World Sailing International Race Officer Simon James announce an early start to proceedings. First off were the multihulls, with Bonza 69 Slam leading the way, followed by the three stealth designs and the "battle of the Ricks". For the second day, Lady Mia had the better of Mojo in the starting area.

With the remaining boat, Megazip arriving to join the start, the sequence commenced for the monohulls with Hans Rahmanns 76ft Yasooda keeping everyone on their toes with a Port Tack Start at the Pin end.

Today's course left from the east of Ko Yao Noi, with competitors battling the south going current and a decreasing breeze. After about one hour, the wind started to fill in as the fleet entered the most picturesque part of the course, with Bonza leading the way, rounding Ko Pang twelve minutes ahead of the leading Monohull Yasooda and followed by multihulls Saffron, Zero and Twister II.

All boats passed the "mushroom-shaped" rock of Ko Pak Bia and Ko Ka before turning south and passing through the gate at Ko Kaya. At this point, the classes split with the multihulls rounding Ko Ngang before passing the Royal Palace between Koh Deng and Koh Samet before heading to finish between the committee boat and Koh Ya Man.

In the Multihull Division, Bonza received line honours at 13:57. However, after handicaps were applied, first place went to Dan Fiddock's Saffron, followed by Glywn Rowland's Twister II in second and John Spencer's Zero in Third, with Bonza down to fourth place on corrected time after a frustrating beat around Ko Ngang. In the multihull performance division, results were again taken back to the gate, with Bonza this time coming out on top, followed by Saffron and Twister. In the continuing "Battle of the Ricks", Mojo avenged his second starting defeat by beating Lady Mia by seven mins on corrected time.

The Monohulls followed the slightly shorter 18nm course following much of the same route as the multihulls, except the boats missed out Ko Ngang. 

Hans Rahmann's Yasooda lead the way, finishing just before the leading Multihull. When IRC handicaps were applied, Niels Dgenkole's Phoenix again placed first, ahead of Alesandr Trofimenko's Megazip and Andrew McDermott's Jessandra II in third place. 

Phoenix and Megazip retained first and second places in the Monohull Performance division, with Hans Rahmann's Yasooda taking third place.

Tonight is a free night for crews to relax and sample the delights of Ao Nang and Ralae Beach.

Tomorrow is the Vacation Village Race Day, with racing around the Ko Poda group of islands, commencing at 10:00 off Ao Nang.

Regattas Asia organises the Bay Regatta with support from The Tourism Authority of Thailand, The Yacht Racing Authority of Thailand and the local authorities of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.

The Bay Regatta sets sail on its 25th Anniversary Regatta.

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Regattas Asia return to the water today, staging what few people in this region have done: their third major regatta during the Covid-19 pandemic. Working in conjunction with local authorities and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The 11 boat Bay Regatta, set sail this morning for its 25th Anniversary event from The Royal Phuket Marina. 

The early morning tide saw eleven sailboats leave from The Royal Phuket Marina, through the newly dredged marina channel, Heading out to Ko Rang Yai, to join the event’s largest yacht, Hans Rahmann's 76ft Yasooda and start their adventure, on a four-day nautical journey.         

Traditional held just before the Chinese Lunar New Year. The Bay Regatta is a series of passage races and stop-over social events – an event format that catches the attention of the region's best sailors as they compete in two groups, Multihulls and Monohulls. 

With a wide range of boat designs and sailing experience, each group has two opportunities to achieve the coveted daily awards. Prizes are awarded on a racing handicap and a performance-based system. All boats, including those in "cruising mode" have an equal chance of winning a prize.  

This four-day circumnavigation of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, focuses on fun. Attracting the serious, the not-so-serious and the not-at-all-serious "racing" sailors, the regatta appeals to those who enjoy the stunning sailing grounds of the area and a different destination each evening. 

Each evening, the regatta anchors at a different venue and the sailors go ashore. Those staying ashore –the majority 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 the regatta visits — this has been the case since the regatta was launched and it will remain so for the future — an excellent example of how sports tourism works to the benefit of communities and local economies.

Starting in Sapam Bay on Phuket's east coast, after registration and an opening party yesterday evening at The Royal Phuket Marina, the yachts headed south to comply with the current COVID-19 regulations for the Phang Nga National Park.

The Really Good Deli sponsored 25-mile course, set off from Ko Rang Yai, passing Koh Lipi to starboard and rounding Ko Yao Yai to the south, before heading north, passing Hin Mu Sang Mu Nua and finishing near the Ko Yao Noi Channel.  

The Racing commenced at 09:00 with two starts. First off were the monohull (4 Boats) followed by the multihulls (7 boats). The leading boats at the first turning point (Ko Lipi) were  Yasooda for the Monohulls and Bonza 69 slam in the Multihulls closely followed by the fleet of locally built stealth designs.

Warwick Downes’ Bonza 69 slam,  took line honours and the Multihull Racing handicap prize finishing 1st in 3 hours 10 mins in dying breeze followed by Zero, Saffron and Twister. In the performance division, results were taken back to the gate when Lady Mia was unable to make the absolute time limit. The revised results saw Bonza 69 Slam in first place, followed by Dan Fiddock’s Saffron in second and Zero in third. In the battle of the "Ricks" (Fielding and Delaney) first blood went to Mojo coming in 5th with Lady Mia hard on their heels. Handicps will now be recalculated for tomorrows Performance race.

While Charter entries were decimated by the suspension of the Test & Go arrival scheme, results for the remaining four boat monohull Class – saw line honours going to Yasooda with the racing division results after handicap of Phoenix finishing on top, 4 mins in-front of Megazip on corrected time followed Jessandra II, with Yasooda coming in to win the Performance division beating Phoenix and Megazip by 10 and 14 mins on corrected time.

The Bay Regatta (Originally known as the Phang Nga Bay Regatta) was originally described thus: "The regatta allows participants to experience the best of southern Thai hospitality and the unrivalled sailing grounds in the area. Boats sail amongst 200-metre high karsts and past hidden bays on their way to nights under-the-stars in idyllic anchorages." 

That description still rings true today. 

Tomorrow the fleet starts off Ko Yao, through the Hong Group of islands and heads for Krabi.