Phuket Yacht Club is located in one of the safest and most idyllic bays on the island, Ao Yon on Cape Panwa. The club is reminiscent of days long gone, when expats would laze away a Sunday afternoon over cold beers and varied conversation, undisturbed by jet-skis, mass tourism or… well, anything for that matter.

Of course, if lazing isn’t your thing, there is the sailing…

The aim of the club – essentially a small boat/dinghy sailing club – is to introduce people to the sport of sailing and encourage others to participate in sailing, club racing and other water activities.

The club offers recreational sailing, club racing, boat rental and family day barbeques – as well as racing lessons to children. In co-operation with Topper Sail, a whole range of sail training is also available for children as well as adults. Those ‘in the know’ when it comes to sailing say that people who start out in dinghies make absolutely the best sailors.

The club’s community contributions include links with Sunshine Home in Koh Sirey; the club invites the Sunshine children to learn about sailing and participate in free lessons, racing and family days at the club. It is the club’s aim that these children have the opportunity to participate in Optimist racing events around Thailand – and possibly even further afield.

The club’s history goes back 40 years and it’s recognised as the oldest yacht club in Thailand. It has always been based in Ao Yon and has always concentrated on teaching sailing and water sports to as many as possible from all walks of life.

This year is the club’s 40th birthday and, on Saturday, November 21st from 5.30 pm, Skippers in Royal Phuket Marina will be hosting a celebration of four decades of promoting sailing – a celebration that should appeal to all ages. Children’s entertainment, a buffet dinner, silent auctions, happy hour bar, music and raffle prizes from some of Phuket’s most prominent hotels and businesses – not to mention revelers from every walk of life and every part of the island – should make for a party worthy of the occasion.

Apart from the celebratory nature of the party, the objective is to raise funds to promote junior and youth sailing on Phuket and to continue the work providing sailing opportunities to underprivileged children.

Tickets are at 600 baht for adults and 150 baht for kids. Tickets are available on the day. Just show up and enjoy!

If you’re interested in joining the Phuket Yacht Club, please contact call Katy Gooch on 085 2159185 or email phuketyachtclub@gmail.com

www.phuketyachtclub.info