Change of pace
Top racers from around Asia to compete and Premier Cruising Class makes a come-back at the Samui Regatta.
20 May 2019
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Asia’s favourite “Tropical Island Regatta” is set to return to Samui Island’s shores from 25 May to 1 June on Chaweng Beach and this year will be at a new venue, Synergy Samui Resort. Known for its high calibre of racing and tropical-chic parties, Samui Regatta is popular with sailors from around Austral-Asia and organisers expect to welcome competitors of more than 20 nationalities in what is also the season-ending event in the 2018/19 AsianYachting Grand Prix.
Speaking of their involvement in the regatta, Sukhatat Chokkanapitak, Deputy Managing Director of Synergy Samui said, “Growing up, seeing Koh Samui develop into a world class destination was something we always dreamed of. We believed and realised in the potential of this home island of ours, and today we are here; being once again picked as one of a few places in Southeast Asia for an international regatta such as this.”
“The resort is just a few hundred metres along Chaweng Beach from our previous home so the popular anchorage remains unchanged, as does the stunning sailing area off the east and north coasts, and our many repeat sailors can continue to enjoy their favourite hangouts onshore,” said Orawintanee Wattana, Regatta Director.
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Organisers are expecting a top draw line-up of some of the best IRC yachts and crews in the region. The ever-green Jelik, which has a new bulb configuration, intends to give the region’s top TP52 crews a run for their money including Kevin and Tom Whitcraft’s THA72, Team Hollywood and Freefire, as well as WindSikher II and Zannekin in IRC Zero.
Returning to the regatta this year is the Premier Cruising Class with MoonBlue 2, Bella Uno and Lawana towing the startline.
Meanwhile in IRC 1, last year’s regatta and 2017/18 AYGP winner, Nick Burns and Fred Kinmonth’s Mandrake III, will be up against some tough competition from the likes of Fujin, Tenacious and Over Here.
Lead by Samui veteran Mick Grover, the ‘new’ MoonShadow2 will race all-comers in IRC Cruising, including a number of boats based around the Gulf of Thailand as well as the Pattaya-based SailQuest Hi Jinks which will be sailed by students from the SailQuest Sailing School, and Holding Patten, a newcomer to the regatta with a well known face at the helm, Michael Spies.
“Early entries are looking good with a strong line-up of boats and crew from Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and Thailand.
We also have interest from sailors in China and are working with Thailand-based cruising sailors to grow a fun and competitive cruising class,” added Wattana.
The 18th Samui Regatta will take place 25 May to 1 June, 2019.
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