Held from February 9 to 13, The 14th Bay Regatta has once again been hailed as 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 combined to make this a memorable on Asia's yachting circuit.

Impressive course designs through the stunning scenery of Phang Nga Bay and the provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, in addition to great parties, led to this year’s Bay Regatta being hailed as the best yet.

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 organising committee. They've 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.” Scott Duncanson, Quantum Fusion M, winner of Racing Class

"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 Class. (Paul Kendall is Rear Commodore of the Changi Sailing Club.)

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 of The Bay Regatta and they found it to be much more fun! Says London Corinthian's Steven Gear-Evans, Venture, second in Bareboat Charter Class, "This was the most stunning race course we've ever been on. We'll definitely be back!"

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

"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 Ao Chalong Yacht Club hosting the final night so well. I hope you will be organising it again for many years." George Eddings, The Frog, fourth in Multihull Class

Day 1 saw the Regatta racing in Phang Nga Bay off the east coast of Phuket, with the party/prizegiving held at The Village Coconut Island (Koh Maphrao), also the venue for the previous night's opening party. Day 2 followed a course to the anchorage at The Paradise Koh Yao Boutique Resort and Spa. Particularly scenic surroundings took the fleet next day to Krabi at the Sheraton and then, on the last day, off to a more stimulating sail to the southeast point of Koh Yao Yai.

The final party was held by the Ao Chalong Yacht Club (ACYC). Although low winds plagued the first two days, resulting in shortened courses for most classes, the last two days provided some terrific sailing with a particularly invigorating sail back from Krabi.

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 at short notice and organised a successful event that moved approximately 300 people around Phang Nga Bay, from one 5-star resort 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 – a full range of free flow drinks all included in the crew ticket. The final party at ACYC 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 that sees participants returning each year.

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

For racing results, see
www.acyc-phuket.com/bayregatta/results.htm

For more information see
Web: www.acyc-phuket.com/bayregatta.htm
Email: bayregatta@acyc-phuket.com