Held from February 9 – 13, 2011, the 14th The Bay Regatta once again met with the distinction as being labeled the ‘Fun Regatta’.
An astounding sailing route and anchorages leaving from Phuket through majestic Phang Nga Bay to Krabi and back to Phuket with five nights of prize giving presentations and parties have made this event one of the most memorable ones on the Asian yachting circuit.
Varying wind conditions and impressive course designs through the stunning scenery of Phang Nga Bay and the provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi in addition to fantastic parties allowed this year’s Bay Regatta to be hailed as the best ever yet.
Multihull “Miss Saigon” cruises past some limestone outcrops during Race Day 1 of The Bay Regatta. (Photo/www.acyc-phuket.com).
Scott Duncanson and his crew on Quantum Fusion M were certainly lavish in their praise for the event organizers.
“The race management under the direction of Simon James and Andy Dowden was simply superb in some very challenging weather conditions,” said Scott. “The courses were the best thought out in many years and most competitive yachties would agree Simon is providing the most professional race management in the South East Asian region.”
Yacht racing is often a selfish sport but The Bay Regatta offers the opportunity to involve the whole family both on and off the water. Competitive sailors, cruisers, boozers there’s something for everyone.
There’s always a large emphasis on having fun at this annual nautical event. (Photo/www.acyc-phuket.com).
The London Corinthian Sailing Club chartered four boats – Venture, Kinnon, Villon and Rachawadee – and have sailed in many other regattas but this was their first experience in sailing in The Bay Regatta and they found it to be much more fun. Says Steven Gear-Evans, Venture, second in Bareboat Charter, from this club, “This was the most stunning race course we’ve ever been on. We’ll definitely be back!””
The Regatta saw Day 1 of racing in Phang Nga Bay off the east of Phuket with the opening party and the prize giving and second party held at The Village Coconut Island at Koh Maphrao with that day providing Phuket-based sailors the opportunity to participate. The course then followed a route to the anchorage at The Paradise Koh Yao Boutique Resort and Spa.
Particularly scenic surroundings took the fleet to the anchorage in Krabi at the Sheraton Krabi and then off to a more invigorating sail to the southeast point of Phuket Island where the final party was held by the Ao Chalong Yacht Club (ACYC), the organizers of the Regatta.
Although low winds plagued the first two days resulting in shortened courses for several classes, the last two days provided some terrific sailing with a particularly invigorating sail back to Phuket.
In Racing class, Phuket local Scott Duncanson, owner and skipper of Quantum Fusion M took first place while in Bareboat Charter, it was Paul Kendall on Lychee who took top spot on the podium.
Neils Degenkolw’s Phoenix won first in Cruising A and in Cruising B, Jim Ellis’s Remington, a participant and winner since the first rally in 1998, took first.
Multihulls saw first time Regatta participant Sidewinder owned by Alan Carwadine taking honours.
Despite rumours that the event wouldn’t happen, the Ao Chalong Yacht Club (ACYC) stepped in on short notice and organized a successful event that moved approximately 300 people around Phang Nga Bay, from one 5-star hotel to another. Fantastic food, great entertainment (DJ Jay Le Shark at The Coconut Village Island and a band), and bands at The Paradise Koh Yao Boutique Resort and Spa and at the Sheraton Krabi Resort and for the first time, free flow drinks (booze) (no tickets had to be purchased). The final party at ACYC also saw outstanding food and drinks with two bands.
The Bay Regatta is a non-profit event. Thanks to the support of sponsorship, the Regatta can continue to provide varied and interesting race courses through some of the most breathtaking maritime scenery in the world to reach unparalleled anchorages and party venues – all factors which contribute to this exciting event which keeps participants returning each year.
For more information on The Bay Regatta – Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, see www.acyc -phuket.com/bayregatta.htm.
