Phang Nga Bay Regatta at Ao Chalong Yacht Club

Held from February 9 to 13, The 14th The Bay Regatta has once again met with the distinction as being 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 with Scott Duncanson and his crew on Quantum Fusion M winning the Regatta.

Praises of the event are many:

“Enough can’t be said about the fantastic efforts of the Ao Chalong Yacht Club and The Bay Regatta organizing committee. They have staged a truly unique and magnificent regatta amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The party venues were awesome, 5 star food and beverage each night, sleep ashore, sleep on a yacht, the choice was yours. It just doesn’t get much better than this.

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.

The race management under the direction of Simon James and Andy Dowden was simply superb in some very challenging weather conditions. The courses were the best thought out in many years and I’m sure most competitive yachties would agree Simon is providing the most professional race management in the South East Asian region.” Scott Duncanson, Quantum Fusion M, winner of Racing

"We would like to convey our thanks for a fantastic regatta, definitely the best bay regatta in the 14 years of the event.

The opportunity to sail some of the world’s most beautiful sailing areas was again fantastic , the competition was very strong and the parties were needless to say amazing. Count us in for next year hopefully with Simba sailing." Paul Kendall, Sunsail Lychee, winner of Bareboat Charter. (Paul Kendall is the Rear Commodore of the Changi Sailing Club.)

"This has been the best Bay Regatta ever!" Kevin Perrins, Rusalka, fourth in Cruising B

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!""

"This was my 5th Phang Nga Bay regatta, and each year I bring new friends along who have a great time. I think you pitched it just right in terms of venues, and it was nice to see the Chalong YC hosting the final night so well. I hope you will be organising it again for many years." George Eddings, The Frog, fourth in Multihull

The Regatta saw Day 1 of racing in Phang Nga Bay off the east of Phuket with the opening party and the prizegiving and second party held at The Village Coconut Island at Koh Maphrao with that day providing 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 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.

To all participants, sponsors, organizers and supporters of this year's event, thank you for making the Regatta a success. See you out on the water next year!

For more information on The Bay Regatta - Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, see www.acyc-phuket.com/bayregatta.htm . Photos and results are also on the website.