All ahead to Samui Regatta 2016

Boat owners and sailors from across Asia and around the world already have Samui Regatta 2016 on the sailing calendars. Boats ranging in size from 23 to 72 feet will compete in the waters around Thailand's second largest island during the 15th edition of the Samui Regatta, scheduled for 21^st to 28^th May and hosted by Centara Grand Breach Resort Samui, on Chaweng Beach.

“Sailors recognize the importance of this international event to sailing in Asia, what with it being the final event of the AsianYachting Grand Prix championship," commented Simon James, Race Director of organisers Regattas Asia. "For over a decade Samui has closed out the racing season in Asia with a superb event that sets the standard for next year."

Everybody loves a comeback story and the comeback class for 2016 is expected to be the Multihull Class. The number of multihulls are expanding in the region and playing a major role in the region’s regattas. A new edition to the class this year is the six metre Pulse 600 design, produced by Corsair Marine in Vietnam, and there are a number of these competitive two person yachts available for charter. At the other end of the size range is a 67-foot catamaran expected to line-up this year, and many of varying sizes and designs in between.

A notable component of the Samui Regatta since day one has been the IRC racing classes. Expect another heavy dose of Hong Kong-based entries this year that feature many new designs among the boats racing. While there may not be the number of classes that were commonplace a decade ago, the significance of a class win is unchanged and in many cases provides the victor of the AsianYachting Grand Prix.

"It feels fantastic to win the AYGP Championship here in Samui," said Bill Bremner after winning the 2015 regatta and 2014/15 championship on his King 40 Foxy Lady VI. “Everybody is so ecstatic. We can't wait to get the whole crew up on stage at the awards Gala Dinner."

"Where else would you want to be in the last week of May?" asked Race Director, James. "We see many professional and amateur crews returning year after year. It doesn't seem to matter which class or boat they race on – the conditions are always terrific, the race committee work and event management is unsurpassed, and the competition is always full on. When I mention sailing in the Gulf of Thailand, everybody always mentions Samui Regatta."

“For some, the onshore part of the regatta is almost as important as what happens on-the-water and this year the local support from Samui businesses has been overwhelming. A number of new resorts have offered their support and we welcome back many long-term supporters, and are excited to be working them again. The regatta has really become a true community event. Making the sailors stay refreshed, we will be serving Mekong, Mount Gay Rum, Finca de Malpica wine and Chang beer, all supplemented by 100 Plus, Coke and our Samui Regatta Signature Cocktails at the parties.”

For those who wish to get a taste of the action, Serenity Yachting are offering a spectator experience, where their catamaran will be positioned at the startline to watch the start action every day. Tickets are available at 800THB per person and pick-up and drop-offs are on Chaweng Beach in front of Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui. Food and drinks can be bought onboard. Contact info@regattas.asia for more details.

The Samui Regatta will take place 21st to 28th May, 2016 headquartered at Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, and is organised by Regattas Asia in conjunction with the Samui Yacht Club Regatta, under the auspices of the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Municipal of Koh Samui and the Sports Authority of Thailand.

For more information:

Website: www.samuiregatta.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SamuiRegatta

Twitter: www.twitter.com/samuiregatta