The Bay Regatta

17th- 21st February, 2016

Over 40 sailing yachts and 250 competitors arrive in Phuket in February, to join this years 19th Bay Regatta.

Now in it’s 19th 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 7 classes based on their designs. The “Racing” class see a number of new entries this year with teams travelling from Australia, Russia and Malaysia to challenge Niels Dengenkolw’s Phoenix.

After a brief hiatus in 2015, 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 return of last years winner Kevin and Mia Gillow to defend their title against an every expanding range of yachts.

The Multihull class is divided into racing and open divisions, all chasing 2015 Champions, Java. New racing entries include Langkawi Regatta Champions, David Liddell’s WOW. With the Open division being headed by the Phuket based Firefly 850 fleet lead by Phuket King's Cup winners Twin Sharks..

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The 2016 competition starts on the 17th February 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 (18th) 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, ending the day, for a presentation evening under the stars at one of the area’s unique island hideaway's the Paradise, Ko Yao.

The second race day (19th) 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 the 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 (20th), 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 Ao Nang Villa.

The final day (21st) sees an early start off Ao Nang for a final trip 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 the O2 Beach Club, Ao Chalong and will include live music, a buffet dinner and presentation of the overall prizes.

2016 Regatta Programme

Wednesday 17th February - Registration from noon till 1730 at Ao Po followed by the Opening Party starting at 1800 hrs.

Thursday 18th February - Race Day 1.

Party and presentations at the Paradise Koh Yao. - Starting at 1800 hrs.

Friday 19th February - Race Day 2.

Racing to Krabi Area (Free Night)

Saturday 20th February - Race Day 3.

Racing around the Ko Dam Group of Islands.

Party and presentations at Ao Nang Villa.

Sunday 21st February - Race Day 4.

Party and presentations at O2 Beach Club, 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: The Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, 100 PLUS, Neil Pryde, O2 Beach Club.

Regatta Partners: Chandara Resort and Spa, Haadthip, Jungceylon, Mont Clair, Ao Nang Villa, Paradise Beach Club and The Mangosteen Resort.

Local Supporters: Electrical Marine, B&G, Canvas Creations, Octopus Marine, SY Seraph, Krabi Boat Lagoon, Phuket Boat Lagoon.

Media Partners: Class Act Media, Phuket News, Novostl Phuket, Phuket Magazine, SEA Yachting and One Coast Magazine.

For further information contact:

Kae Wattana Regatta Director, Regattas Asia

Email: kae@regattas.asia

Tel: 081 5388848

https://www.facebook.com/BayRegatta