Fabulous yacht charter paradise, Samui Island, will host a good number of sailors at this year’s Samui Regatta, with over 500 people from all over the world participating in a week of high-octane sailing race from May 26th to June 2nd. Organised by Regattas Asia, Samui Regatta is headquartered at Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, with competing held off the Island’s west coast.
11th Samui Regatta, May 26-June 2, 2012
Also known as the ‘Tropical Island Regatta’, sailors descend on Samui’s shores each year to enjoy idyllic tropical sailing and Samui hospitality. 2012 sees crews from Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and as far away as Australia and the United Kingdom taking part, with more than 20 nationalities expected.
Entries for 2012 are looking strong. Many top boats from Hong Kong are taking part, including sports wear manufacturer Neil Pryde and his crew on the sailing yacht HiFi, as well as the largest racing boat to compete in Thai waters, the superyacht Genuine Risk. At 90-foot, her twenty plus crew will be taking part for the first time. They will line-up next to a large international contingent and a growing fleet of Thailand-based boats and crews.
Simon James, Race Director of Samui Regatta said: “The line-up of boats is looking very strong this year with many international participants and regulars returning, as well as a number of new boats and crews. We are also happy to welcome a good turnout of locally-based boats and are looking forward to giving them a regatta week to remember.”
The 2012 programme includes five days of racing with a reserve day, and six parties, concluding with a lavish beach-side Gala Dinner at Host Sponsor, Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui. The Regatta is the final event in the 011/12 Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championship, a series of 5-star racing events held throughout Asia, with trophies being presented to the Grand Prix winners on the closing night.
Samui Regatta continues to go from strength to strength. Eleven years since inception, the Regatta has established itself as a leading sports event on Samui, with a strong track record of contributing to the Island. A 2011 survey found that Regatta participants’ spend on accommodation and food and beverage on the Island during the regatta week was over THB13 million. Further expenditure on inbound travel and organisation on the Island pushes the net benefit to Samui in excess of THB30 million.
Local community support is integral to the Regatta’s success, and the organisers provide Thai youngsters with education scholarships and continue to support grass roots youth sailing.
“Since the Regatta’s inception, the event has received strong support from organisations and businesses on the Island. We work closely with our partners and continue to support and develop community initiatives,” commented Kae Wattana, Samui Regatta Event Director.
The 2012 Samui Regatta is organised by leading regatta services provider, Regattas Asia, with strong support from Samui businesses and staff.
