Team Hollywood leads the way in Koh Samui

Koh Samui, Thailand, 27 May 2025 — Ray Roberts and his professional crew on Samurai Shoyou (aka Team Hollywood) continue to do what they do best – win!! The Cookson 50 captured both races today in the IRC Open Class on the second day of the 22nd Samui Regatta. AfterTremor (aka Tenacious), skippered by Olympian Steve McConaghy placed second, and Iolanthe 3, an Archambault A35, led by Australian skipper Terry Foster, was third. Gloria (Philip Harris, David Hepburn & Simon Plunkett) was fourth, with SV Senetor, skipped by Chris Uptegrove, placing fifth. 

The Cruising class was won again by Gloria (an Oceanis 45), while SV Senetor (a Jeanneau 45), with noted Danish yachtsman Nils Degenklow on board, was second.     

The wind continued to play hide and seek with Race Director Simon James, but he eventually lowered the AP at 11:39am and set the sailors off on a windward-leeward course for the first race. Quicker than you can say “Ray Roberts” Team Hollywood was at the top mark and eventually lapped SV Senetor before crossing the finish line in 33:56 on elapsed time. 

The second race was a coastal race as competitors headed out from off of Chaweng Beach passing Koh Kong Ok to port, rounding the Haad Rin buoy to port, then again passing Koh Kong Ok to port before crossing the finish line, The order of finish in both races was the same, with Team Hollywood crossing the finish in 01:01:19, this time. In fact, the same order of finish was the same as day one’s solo race.      

It should be noted that AfterTremor, an Adams 10, was leading Samurai Shoyou for a spell but trouble with their main cost them and Ray Roberts’ boat was again able to take the lead. SV Senetor did not cross the start line yesterday, but showed a lot of moxie today by starting and finishing both races despite dealing with a myriad of issues on their boat.              

The Samui Regatta, a prestigious event in the sailing calendar, runs from May 25 to May 31, 2025, and features all keelboats racing in the same IRC Open class. The event is centered at Nora Beach Resort and Spa, offering an ideal backdrop for both participants and spectators. 

The regatta competition spans five days, from May 26th to May 31st, with May 29th as a rest day and an opportunity for the sailors to explore and experience the hospitality of Koh Samui. The competition resumes on May 30th and continues through May 31st. Each day's competition concludes with a ceremony to honour and award the winners, culminating in a gala dinner at the Fair House Beach Resort and Hotel on the final day. The Nora Beach Resort and Spa Hotel was the gracious host of the opening ceremony, and the host of the daily award ceremonies.

The Samui Regatta Organizing Committee organizes the Samui Regatta 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 Regattas Asia.

The 22nd Samui Regatta (2025) is proud to be supported by an array of sponsors whose collaboration and support are essential to the event's success. Co-sponsors include: Bangkok Airways, Bangkok Hospital Samui, Chaweng Gardens Beach Resort, Chaweng Regent Beach Resort, Haad Thip PCL, Singha, Samui VertiColor, Team Jelik (Frank Pong), Workforce International. Media Partners include SEA Yachting and the Thailand Marine Guide. 

About the Samui Regatta:

The Samui Regatta is the islands longest running sports event and solidifies Thailand’s position as a premier sailing destination and an essential stop in the Asian yachting circuit. Since its inception in 2001 with a modest fleet of beach catamarans, the Samui Regatta experienced remarkable growth up until 2019, rapidly expanding each year and is now in a rebuilding process post covid. The event’s objectives remain focused on increasing tourism to Koh Samui, elevating the profile of sailing in Asia, and promoting water sports activities. 

For more information on participating in the Samui Regatta or to registration, please visit the regatta's website at https://www.samuiregatta.com and update activities on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamuiRegatta