The Bay Regatta, Phuket

Known by some as “the regatta that travels” the Bay Regatta is unique among Phuket’s regattas as it is not based in a single location but instead travels around the stunningly beautiful location of Phang Nga Bay.

Every year The Bay Regatta is held over the Chinese New Year in January or February. More famous for its spectacular settings of the courses and parties than serious, ambitious winning it is advertised as the 4 day fun sailing event on which the participants sleep mainly aboard their boats around the nearest beaches of the different bays every night. This makes it very popular for crews that like to charter a boat and compete without a local captain or crew. In recent years the number of Russian crews chartering boats for the regatta has increased drastically.

The Bay Regatta (formerly Phang Nga Bay Regatta) is unique amongst Thailand regattas and one of only a handful of regattas in Asia in that it races through three provinces (Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi), sailing through some of the most stunning maritime scenery in the world. Not only does it capture some of the most alluring images of the scenic wonderland – beaches, islands and limestone mountains – it is known as ‘the fun regatta’ due to its casual atmosphere thereby appealing to both the serious and not-so-serious racers. Participants follow spectacular course settings and reach a different anchorage and presentation/party venue each night with most sleeping aboard their boats.

Inaugurated in 1998 and now organized by the Ao Chalong Yacht Club (ACYC), this extremely popular four-day event follows a new and varied circumnavigation of the bay each year and attracts a following of approximately 50 boats.

Event website: http://acyc.asia/regattas/the-bay-regatta/