The Bay Regatta is often referred to as ‘Asia’s fun regatta’, attracting both serious racing yachts and casual cruisers out to enjoy the picturesque maritime scenery. The hallmark of this popular sailing event is its fun-filled and welcoming atmosphere.
The 21st Bay Regatta features four days of sailing, from 31 January to 4 February, with the start and finish in Phuket and the route making its way across the three provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi. Over 40 sailing yachts and some 250 competitors are set to take part.
This regatta offers a different sailing experience to the famous Phuket King’s Cup Regatta that takes place in December, as the race fleet spends each evening in a new anchorage and parties are held at nearby resorts.
The competition starts on 31 January with registration and the regatta’s opening party at Chandara Resort & Spa overlooking Ao Po on Phuket’s northeast coast. The first day of racing will see the fleet head north from Ao Po Beach Bay to the top of Phang Nga Bay, with day two then travelling past islands of Ko Pak Bia and east to Krabi. Day three’s racing is around Ko Dam before concluding at Ao Nang Beach, with a party that evening at luxury resort The ShellSea Krabi. Day four sees an early start from Ao Nang Beach for a final race around the islands, to be followed by the regatta’s closing party at Kan Eang II restaurant on Ao Chalong Beach complete with buffet dinner, live music and presentation of prizes.
The 21st Bay Regatta fleet features six classes of yacht – ‘Racing’ including a number of new entries this year; ‘Bareboat Charter’; two ‘Cruising’ divisions; and ‘Multihull’ racing and cruising divisions in which current King’s Cup Regatta champions Henry Kaye’s Thor and John Newnham’s Twin Sharks will renew their battle from 2017.
