Sunning karst topography highlights Bay Regatta course

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By Scott Murray, Editor - Sea Yachting Magazine.

Every regatta has its own unique selling point, and for the Bay Regatta, it’s the stunning karst topography competitors sail through. Many say, it’s is one of the world’s most beautiful regattas.

After a buffet and awards presentation at the Blue Bay Beach Resort on Koh Yao, the 28th Bay Regatta fleet was eager to let loose for day two of the 2025 Bay Regatta on Friday, February 21. Beginning at 10am, PRO and race organizer Simon James again had two starts for the competitors: first off were the multihulls followed by all the monohulls.

Competitors were set to sail a 25-mile course starting from Blue Bay Resort, which started off Koh Yao Yai to Krabi, passing Koh Chong Lat Nai to port and then Leam Hua Lan to port. The boats then passed through a gate, keeping Hin Mu Sang Neua reef to starboard, passing Koh Samet and Koh Daeng, and finishing at Koh Ya Mann.

The biggest issue today was the wind or at least the lack of it. Competitors had to battle through intermittent gusts all day. The quicker nimbler boats made good use of the early good winds while those unable to harness it struggled all day.

Ray Roberts’ Team Hollywood beat Steve McConaghy’s Aftershock, a Davidson 59, by seven minutes on corrected time to take first place in this three-boat class. Craig Nicholls/James Bury’s Alright (formerly Emagine), a Sydney 40, was five minutes behind Aftershock on corrected time.

In the six-boat IRC Racing Class B, the Estonian team on Gern Kard, led by Matti Sep, took first on elapsed and corrected time. Andrei Mororov’s Gateway Ichi placed second in the six-boat class, with Andrey Novoderezhkin’s Madame Butterfly, a 3/4 ton modified, coming in third.

The eleven-boat Monohull Cruising Class saw Philippe Dallée’s Swan II (a Swan 43 - 1969), cruising to first place with Boris Burmentev’s Winds of Change taking second and Polina Mikhailenko’s Ventura finishing third.

The three-boat Corinthian Class repeated yesterday’s results, with Swan II again winning this class (specific to traditionally designed boats), followed by Mark Sennett’s Madam and Steven Wong’s Snap Dragon. To see Madam, a stunning 70-ft cold-moulded wooden sailing boat set against the regatta’s stunning karst topography, is truly a sight to behold.

The five-boat OMR Multihull class saw David Liddell’s Stealth Wow sail to the top spot with John Newnham’s Twin Sharks, a Firefly 850 Sportsboat, placing second and Dougal Jackson’s Stealth Haruki in third.

Lt Col Brigadier James Baxter (OBE)’s Zephyrus seized the day in the four-boat Cruising Multihull class with Rob Azzopardi’s North Star, placing second in the class and Tim Hawkins’ Quoll II third.

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 Vacation Village, the Phra Nang Inn in Ao Nang. Racing resumes tomorrow with the traditional Krabi Island races with the first warning signal at 10.00 am (wind providing).

A few thanks are in order: First, a big thank you to Premier Composite Technologies, which supplied the start boat, Atari VIII. Next, a big thank you to Martin Woolnough, who graciously supplied the camera boat, an Axopar, a perfect photography boat. And always, a big thanks to Kae Wattana and her team of wonderful shore volunteers, who go out of their way to ensure everything goes smoothly off the water.

Glorious start to 28th Bay Regatta

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In past years, the highlight of the Bay Regatta was sailing in the flat waters off the east coast of Phuket, towards Ko Phanak, the first island in Phang Nga Bay. And the 2025 regatta returns to that tradition start, with a northeasterly beat into Phang Nga Bay, before turning south to follow a slalom course around a series of islands, finishing at a new venue, The Blue Bay Beach Resort on the sheltered west coast of Koh Yao Yai.

Thirty-one sailboats registered and spread over five classes (IRC Racing A, IRC Racing B, Monohull Cruising ( including a new Corinthian Division), OMR Multihulls and Cruising Multihulls) headed out this morning on the Bay Regatta through some of the world’s most stunning karst topography on their four-day nautical journey.

Simon James and Kae Wattana of 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 28th straight.

Held from February 19-24, 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 evening.

Starting just off of 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.

Everyone sailed the same 25-mile course. It all started at 10am as PRO and regatta organizer Simon James had two starts for the competitors: first off were all the monohulls (22 boats) followed by all the multihulls (9 boats).

The fleet set off from Koh Naka Yai, then rounded mark one to port (approx. four miles to windward). Then the fleet rounded Koh Thanan to port, Koh Sup to starboard, and Koh Lipe to port before finishing off Ao Lo Paret with the committee boat to starboard.

The three-boat IRC Racing A class was ever so close with Ray Roberts’ Team Hollywood beating Steve McConaghy’s Aftershock, a Davidson 59, by just over a minute on elapsed time (2:29:41) and just over three minutes on corrected time to take first place in the class. Craig Nicholls/James Bury’s Alright (formerly Emagine), a Sydney 40, finished a little under four minutes behind Aftershock.

And yes, we did say Ray Roberts, after 28 years, the sailing rockstar finally made it to the Bay Regatta and loved it, promising to come back again, while noting the high quality of the racing and the courses.

In the six-boat IRC Racing Class B the three boats that were worried about doing well in this class finished one, two, and three with Sergei Musikhin’s DSA Venture taking first on elapsed and corrected time. The Estonian team on Gern Kard, led by Matti Sep, placed second in the six-boat class with Andrey Novoderezhkin’s Madame Butterfly, a 3/4 ton modified, coming in third.

The eleven-boat Monohull Cruising Class saw Polina Mikhailenko’s Ventura take home top honours with Philippe Dallée’s Swan II (a Swan 43 - 1969) placing second and Aleksei Brunov’s Moonshine finishing third.

David Hery, who is on the foredeck for Phoenix in the regatta couldn’t say enough good things about the event, “The scenery, the around-the-islands racing, the wind, the number of boats – it was all great. Throw that in with good organization and it’s just a very positive experience.”

Swan II then won the new three-boat Corinthian Division for traditionally designed boats, followed by Mark Sennett’s Madam and Steven Wong’s Snap Dragon.

The five-boat OMR Multihull class saw Dougal Jackson’s Stealth Haruki, take the top spot with John Newnham’s Twin Sharks, a Firefly 850 Sportsboat, placing second and David Liddell’s Stealth Wow finishing third.

A third Stealth from Asia Catamarans, Mark Thornburrow’s Bliss started the race, but suffered mast damage on a downwind leg and had to retire. Luckily, no one was hurt except for some bruised egos and hopefully they’ll be back at it as soon as possible.

What was really great to see today was that Twin Sharks – a veritable jackrabbit across the water – was fastest on elapse time (2:24:11 elapsed), beating out the iRC BOATS. However, once handicaps were applied in the OMR Multihul class, Haruki (2:28:49) was the winner. Haruki’s co-owner Jen Jackson says the name means “clear weather, bright living” and that Japanese author Haruki Murakami inspired her and husband Dougal today.

Tim Hawkins’ Quoll II won the four-boat Cruising Multihull class with Lt Col Brigadier James Baxter (OBE)’s Zephyrus placing second and Rob Azzopardi’s North Star, coming in third in the class.

Khun Chosika “Rica” Kaewsiriwan, the Managing Director of the Blue Bay Beach Resort presented the awards at the prize-giving ceremony held at her resort.

Bay Regatta Course Diagrams now available for download.

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Course Diagrams for the 2025 Bay Regatta are now available for download in the documents section of www.bayregatta.com. https://www.bayregatta.com/regatta-documents
Courses can also be viewed in “The Route” section of the website. https://www.bayregatta.com/the-route

Laminated Course Books and the final sailing instructions will be available at Registration on the 19th February at Supalai Scenic Bay Resort & Spa.

New Route for 2025.

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In past years, the highlight of the Bay Regatta was sailing in the flat waters off the east coast of Phuket, towards Ko Phanak, the first island in Phang Nga Bay.

For 2025, the regatta will return to that tradition start, with a North Easterly beat into PhangNga Bay, before turning south to follow a slalom course around a series of islands, finishing at a new venue, The Blue Bay Beach Resort on the sheltered west coast of Ko Yao Yai. https://www.bluebaybeachresort.com/

On day 2, the regatta will then continue around the southern point of Ko Yao and continue to our Krabi host venue, Vacation Village in Ao Nang, Krabi.

Days 3 and 4 will continue with the sailor’s favourite, around Island Racing in Krabi before the traditional day 4 sprint back to Phuket.

Full details of special hotel rates will be published soon in venues section of the website.

Four great days of sailing weather hi-lite the 27th Bay Regatta

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By Scott Murray - Sea Yachting

The fourth and final day of the 27th Bay Regatta saw PRO and race organizer Simon James start the multihulls first and then the monohulls second in the Coca Cola Haad Thip Race for a 26 mile reach back from Railay to Ao Chalong.

Wind to start was definitely not a problem today as everyone started the 26-mile course 15, which started using the downwind committee boat to port & preceded through the gate at Mu Sang Nua, to the finish at the entrance to Ao Chalong (the course was shortened for the Multihull Cruising Class at the Mu Sang Nua).

The Davidson 59 Aftershock, skippered by Olympian Steve McConaghy, four out of five races to capture the three-boat IRC Premier Monohull class, finishing with four points after their drop race (both the IRC Premier Monohull & OMR Multihull classes could drop a race as they each sailed five races). Craig Nicholls Alright (formerly Emagine), a Sydney 40, snuck by Hans Rahmann’s Yasooda, a JV Custom 70, for second spot beating them by two points when the drop race was factored in.

After a shortened course at the Hin Mu Sang Nut gate, the five-boat IRC Racing Class went right down to the wire with Andrey Novoderezhkin’s Madame Butterfly, a 3/4 Ton Modified, beating fellow countrymen Aliaksandre Racheuski’s Uminoko, a Farr One Ton, by two points. Niels Degenkolw’s X ¾ Ton Phoenix had to settle for third place overall, an unusual spot for Niels, who is used to being atop the podium. While Kirill Stashevskiy’s Platu Andaman Discovery- Som Tam Pu was fourth followed by former Sydney-Hobart winner Piccolo, with its Canadian crew and skipper Andre den Braven, in fifth spot.

Sergei Musikhin’s Wind of Change, a Beneteau Oceanis 43, had a great regatta, winning three of four races to capture the eight-boat IRC Cruising Class. Paul Merry’s melodic Night Train, a Hanse 415, was second, followed by James Duke’s Kimikimi, a Dufour 455GL.

The four-boat Cruising Monohull class was dominated by Philippe Dallée’s sleek Swan II (a Swan 43 - 1969), which won every race in its class with Steven Wong’s Snap Dragon, a Peterson 46 coming second in each race.

The seven-boat OMR Multihull class saw Dan Fidock’s Parabellum put on quite a show, cruising across the course and taking line honors in every race on the way to winning the class. The Extreme 40, cast against the region’s karst topography, made for some stunning photo-ops. John Newnham’s young crew on Twin Sharks, a Firefly 850 Sportsboat, placed second overall, with David Liddell’s WOW, a Stealth, coming in third, a point ahead of Dougal Jackson’s Haruki after the drop race was factored in. Parabellum’s line honours time today was 02:35:47.

Sea Mi Amore, a Catana 47 Ocean Class, won the seven-boat Cruising Multihull class, while Rick Fielding’s Mojo, a Fusion 40, placed second, and Rob Azzopardi’s North Star , a Lightwave 38, came in third.

The final party was once again held at Kan Eang 2 restaurant, overlooking Chalong Bay and a great time was had by all. Described as the “party that sails around” this regatta just keeps entertaining all those who participate and it certainly didn’t disappoint this year, many promising to be back again next year.

With over 30 boats on the water and more than 250 people at some of the parties the Bay Regatta certainly did not disappoint. Stay tuned as the region’s friendliest regatta will be announcing its dates for 2024 soon.

Tight racing in variable winds as The Bay Regatta continues in Krabi

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By Scott M Murray - Sea Yachting Magazine.

The wind and sun held for the third day of the 27th Bay Regatta as PRO Simon James set all boats off on the 18-mile Course 5 with two starts, first for the multis and then for the monohulls. The course saw the sailors round the stunning islands of Koh Ya Man, Koh Dam Khwan, Koh Khom (South), and Koh Ya Wa Sam all to starboard before rounding Koh Man to starboard and finishing with the committee boat to starboard.

IRC Premier Monohulls and OMR Multihulls participated in a second race in constantly changing winds. With boats rounding the Tourism Association of Thailand branded mark, then rounding Koh Samet and Koh Ya Man, before finishing at the committee boat.

After four races, the three-boat IRC Premier Monohull has Aftershock, a Davidson 59, skippered by Steve McConaghy, in first. With a discard coming into action should they finish the final race, only one point separates Hans Rahmann’s Yasooda, a JV Custom 70, in second spot, and Craig Nicholls/James Bury’s Alright (formerly Emagine), a Sydney 40, in third. A lot of pride will be on the line tomorrow for who gets the overall title.

In the five-boat IRC Racing Class, only one point separates Andrey Novoderezhkin’s Madame Butterfly, a 3/4 Ton Modified, from Aliaksandre Racheuski’s Uminoko, a Farr One Ton. Niels Degenkolw’s X ¾ Ton Phoenix, which is used to winning these events, is ensconced in third place this time around, while Kirill Stashevskiy’s Platu Andaman Discovery- Som Tam Pu (formerly Scott Duncanson’s Somtam Express) is in fourth followed by former Sydney-Hobart winner Piccolo, skipped by Andre den Braven, in fifth spot.

The eight-boat IRC Cruising Class has Sergei Musikhin’s Wind of Change, a Beneteau Oceanis 43 leading Paul Merry’s Night Train, a Hanse 415, by three points going into the final day. Night Train could pull an upset on the final day though, while James Duke’s Kimikimi, a Dufour 455GL, and Aleksei Brunov’s Moonshine, an Oceanis 45, are tied with 12 points apiece and will battle it out for third place on the final day.

The four-boat Cruising Monohull class has already been wrapped up by Philippe Dallée’s sleek Swan II (a Swan 43 - 1969) who has won all three races in the class followed by Steven Wong’s Snap Dragon, a Peterson 46. Both Jack Christensen’s Linda, and Karan Kharav’s Sitka, have suffered a variety of last-minute issues preventing both of them from finishing the series.

The seven-boat OMR Multihull class saw Dan Fidock’s Parabellum, an Extreme 40, fly across the course and take line honours AGAIN!! Parabellum leads John Newnham’s race hardened crew on Twin Sharks, a Firefly 850 Sportsboat, by two points heading into the final day with David Lidell’s WOW, a Stealth, ensconced in third.

Grant Richardson’s Sea Mi Amore, a Catana 47 Ocean Class, leads the seven-boat Cruising Multihull. With all races to count, only a point separates Rick Fielding’s Mojo, a Fusion 40, in second and Bob McIntyre’s Allegro, a Stealth 13, in third, going into the final race.

The evening party was held at Vacation Village, Pra Nang Inn, where prizes were given out racing for day two by Asia Catamarans’ Zam Bevan and Octopus Electrical Services’ Mick Kealy. Day three prizes were handed out by Preecha Poolphokphol, owner of Vacation Village. The final day will be an exciting race home to Ao Chalong tomorrow with many spots still up for grabs and the final awards party is set for Kan Eang II.

A special shout-out to John Newnham and Dan Fidock for freeing up Matt McGrath and Twin Sharks/Parabellum’s 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 well-known for.

Parabellum zips through the Bay Regatta course

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By Scott Murray - Sea Yachting.

After a buffet and awards presentation at the Ibiza Resort on Koh Phi Phi, the 27th Bay Regatta fleet was well rested and set out for day two of the 2024 Bay Regatta on Friday, February 2nd. Beginning with two combined starts for the competitors: first off were the multihulls followed by all the monohulls.

All competitors raced course 2B today, a 14-mile course, which started off Koh Phi Phi Don for a traditionally “windward” course. Passing Koh Mai Phai to port, and then Koh Khom (Lao Pe) to starboard, where yachts experienced a 180-degree wind shift, with most then putting up their spinnaker before passing Koh Dam Khwan to port, and then Koh Dam Hok to port before finishing between the start boat and Koh Ya Man. All competitors but one crossed the finish line. And again, as it is prone to do Dan Fidock’s Extreme 40 Parabellum flew through the course, again capturing line honours.

The three-boat IRC Premier Monohull class saw a repeat of day one as the predominately Chinese crew on Aftershock, a Davidson 59, skippered by Steve McConaghy, took first overall, followed by Hans Rahmann’s Yasooda, a JV Custom 70, and Craig Nicholls/James Bury’s Alright (formerly Emagine), a Sydney 40.

Then in the five-boat IRC Racing Class Andrey Novoderezhkin’s Madame Butterfly, a 3/4 Ton Modified, flip-flopped spots with Aliaksandre Racheuski’s Uminoko, a Farr One Ton, from day one, finishing first with Uminoko coming second this time. Niels Degenkolw’s X ¾ Ton Phoenix placed third again, while Kirill Stashevskiy’s Platu Andaman Discovery- Som Tam Pu (formerly Scott Duncanson’s Kingdom Properties) finished fourth for the second straight day. Piccolo, a former Sydney-Hobart winner, came fifth again, although the five Canadians who had flown in from frigid Edmonton, Alberta, to act as crew on the Farr 1104, skipped by Andre den Braven, were determined to reach the finish line and did.

The eight-boat IRC Cruising Class saw Sergei Musikhin’s Wind of Change, a Beneteau Oceanis 43, win for the second straight day with James Duke’s Kimikimi, a Dufour 455GL, jumping up from a fifth-place finish on day one to second today. Paul Merry’s Night Train, a Hanse 415, repeated its third-place showing from day one (Interestingly, Night Train is always the first boat on the course in the morning – there must be something in their coffee).

The results were the same in the Cruising Monohull class as Philippe Dallée’s sleek Swan II (a Swan 43 - 1969) won again followed by Steven Wong’s Snap Dragon, a Peterson 46.

The OMR Multihull class saw Dan Fidock’s Parabellum, an Extreme 40, do what it does best: win & take line honours in the regatta. Dougal Jackson’s Haruki, an Alan Cawardine Stealth 13.2, jumped up from sixth spot yesterday to finish second today. John Newnham’s veteran crew on Twin Sharks, a Firefly 850 Sportsboat, finished third. Parabellum’s speed continued to turn heads she cruised by to line honours in 01:40:54. Haruki was the next boat across the line in 02:34:28.

Grant Richardson’s Sea Mi Amore, a Catana 47 Ocean Class, won the seven-boat Cruising Multihull class again with Bob McIntyre’s Allegro, a Stealth 13, coming in second. Rick Fielding’s Mojo, a Fusion 40, partied hard and moved up from fourth spot on day one to third overall in the class today.

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 Vacation Village - the Phra Nang Inn in Ao Nang. Simon James plans to hold two races off of Ao Nang in the Krabi area on day three of the regatta.




The Bay Regatta returns to Koh Phi Phi.

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By Scott Murray. SEA Yachting Magazine.

Thirty-four sailboats registered and spread over six classes (IRC Premier Monohull, IRC Racing, IRC Cruising, Cruising Monohull, OMR Multihull & Cruising Multihull) headed out this morning on the Bay Regatta through some of the world’s most stunning karst topography on their four-day nautical journey.

Starting just off of 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.

Everyone sailed the same 30-mile course, sponsored by Really Good Deli. It all started at 9am with an eight-horn sail salute to the late great Andy Dowden, who participated in and officiated many Bay Regattas. PRO and regatta organizer Simon James had two starts for the competitors: first off were all the multihulls (14 boats) followed by all the multihulls (20 boats).

The fleet set off from Koh Naka Yai, then passed Koh Sup, Koh Kai Nai and Shark Point to starboard, before finishing between the southern-most point of Koh Phi Phi Don and the northern tip of Koh Phi Phi Le. The fleet returns to Phi Phi for the first time in years and skirted the east coast of Koh Yao Yai in doing so.

The IRC Premier Monohull class saw the predominately Chinese crew on Aftershock, a Davidson 59, capture first overall followed by Hans Rahmann’s Yasooda, a JV Custom 70, and Craig Nicholls/James Bury’s Alright (formerly Emagine), a Sydney 40.

Then in the five-boat IRC Racing Class Aliaksandre Racheuski’s Uminoko, a Farr One Ton, took first overall followed by Andrey Novoderezhkin’s Madame Butterfly, a 3/4 Ton Modified, with Niels Degenkolw’s X ¾ Ton Phoenix placing third.

The eight-boat IRC Cruising Class saw Sergei Musikhin’s Wind of Change, a Beneteau Oceanis 43, take home top honours with Aleksejs Halavins’ Megan/Gloria, an Oceanis 45, in second and Paul Merry’s Night Train, a Hanse 415, in third.

Philippe Dallée’s Swan II (a Swan 43 - 1969) took the four-boat Cruising Monohull class followed by Steven Wong’s Snap Dragon, a Peterson 49 in second place.

The seven-boat OMR Multihull class saw Dan Fidock’s Parabellum, an Extreme 40, win & take line honours in the regatta. John Newnham’s Twin Sharks, a Firefly 850 Sportsboat, and George Eddings’ Blue Noze, another Firefly were second and third, respectively. Parabellum’s speed throughout the course even startled the local fishermen as she cruised by to line honours in 1:57:39. Twin Sharks was the next boat across the line in 2:47:07.

Grant Richardson’s Sea Mi Amore, a Catana 47 Ocean Class, won the seven-boat Cruising Multihull class with the Malaysian-based crew on Serendipity, a Whitehaven 11, placing second. Serendipity’s skipper Jeff Harris was the Chairman of the Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta for many years and his boat sailed very well with is brand new sails. Bob McIntyre’s Allegro, a Stealth 13, took third in the class.

Parabellum’s Dan Fidock, who owns the Really Good Deli is a regatta sponsor and presented the awards at the prize-giving ceremony held at the Ibiza Resort.

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.

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.

 

The Bay Regatta - Registration and Opening Party.

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We are delighted to announce that registration and the official opening of the 27th Bay Regatta will be hosted by Supalai Scenic Bay Resort & Spa, Ao Po on Wednesday 31st January 2024.

Located just a few minutes drive north of Ao Po Grand Marina, Supalai Scenic Bay Resort & Spa, sits amidst the beautiful scenery of green forest hill with Luxury Views of Phang Nga Bay on the North Eastern side of Phuket Island.

Registration will be held between 14.00 - 18.00 with the Skippers Briefing taking place at the waterside beach club at 17.30.

The Skippers briefing will be followed by our traditional beachside welcome party and official opening.

Due to tidal restrictions, there is no beach access to the registration area. However, a shuttle bus will operate from Ao Po Marina to the registration and party venue. Boats wishing to use Ao Po Marina should contact the marina office to book a berth (Payable).
Alternatively, boats may anchor to the south of the marina off Ao Po and use their dinghies to transfer to the marina dock.