Hollywood ending
Ray Roberts’ Team Hollywood clinches second straight Samui Regatta.
Photography by Samui Regatta
04 June 2026
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Ray Roberts’ Team Hollywood won the final race of the 23rd Samui Regatta, cementing its spot atop the leaderboard.
This year, the 23rd Samui Regatta ran from 24 to 30 May 2026. Keelboats raced in the IRC Open class, maintaining the event’s reputation as a prestigious regional sailing fixture. Centred at Nora Beach Resort and Spa, the event offered participants and spectators an ideal backdrop.
Team Hollywood had actually clinched the regatta before the final day, but the last day’s win, factoring in the drop race, meant they officially claimed seven races. Meanwhile, two-time Sydney Hobart winner, Alive played bridesmaid again on corrected time, despite taking line honours in every race.
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The excitement continued in the final race, a two-lap windward-leeward designed to decide third place. Iolanthe 3 (35-foot, seven crew) started the day leading Aftershock (55-foot, 18 crew) by one point.
After one lap, Iolanthe 3 led by just over a minute, but a wind shift on the final leg allowed Aftershock to pull away and win by just over five minutes on corrected time.
With the two boats finishing tied on points and matching in second, third, and fourth-place finishes as well as DNFs, the final race positions served as the tiebreaker. As a result, Aftershock secured third place.
To cap off the week, the regatta’s closing party and awards ceremony was held at The Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel, which laid on a fabulous buffet for participants. The overall prizes were presented by Admiral Chatchai Thongsaard, Vice President of the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand.
During the closing ceremony, the dates for 2027 were announced as 22 to 29 May, with the Nora Group and The Fair House both confirming their support for the future event and promised an earlier start with promotion to develop participation.
Beyond the racing, the Samui Regatta also brings significant economic benefits to the island. Approximately THB1.5 million was spent on Bangkok Airways tickets to fly crews and officials in, while the event drew in competitors, organisers, friends, and family—benefiting everyone from taxi drivers to souvenir shops, clothing stores, bars, restaurants, and hotels.
The Samui Regatta Committee organises the event each year. It works in collaboration with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, the Surat Thani Province, and Regatta Asia.
Key sponsors and supporters of the 23rd Samui Regatta include the Samui Tourism Promotion Association, Nora Beach Resort & Spa, Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel, Chaweng Regent Beach Resort, HaadThip Public Company Limited, Frank Pong’s Jelik, UK Sailmakers, Samui Verticolor Hotel, Chaweng Garden Beach Resort, Bangkok Airways, Bangkok Samui Hospital, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Media partners are Vivaldi PR, Thailand Marine Guide, and SEA Yachting Magazine.
The Samui Regatta is the island’s longest-running sporting event, reinforcing Thailand’s status as a premier sailing destination and a key stop on the Asian yachting circuit.
Starting in 2001 with a modest fleet of beach catamarans, it has grown remarkably and gained recognition among international sailors.
Organised by Regatta Asia, the event aims to boost tourism in Koh Samui, elevate the profile of sailing in Asia, and increase participation in water sports.
Organisers are now gearing up for the 24th Edition, welcoming sailors and participants from around the world to experience Koh Samui’s unique island charm and premium lifestyle.
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