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.

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.