World-class marinas, spectacular destinations, and enjoyable and interesting waters to sail in, Thailand has a rich culture of yachting. The Eastern Seaboard of Pattaya and the island of Phuket in the Andaman Sea are both notable as yachting hubs not just regionally but internationally as well.
Yachting events showcase the beauty of boats, the adventure of sailing, and the wonderfully sociable side of the yachting set. Regattas and boat shows attract holidaymakers who want to be part of the energy and atmosphere of superyachts and sailboats whilst charters can take them on a cruise to see the tropical delights of Thailand, whether island hopping or a sunset dinner cruise.
Coral reefs with a kaleidoscope of colorful marine life are perfect for snorkeling and dives and Thailand is wonderfully discovered with yachting experiences. The Phi Phi islands are close to Phuket as are the jungle-clad Similan Islands famed ass world-renowned dive sites. Dramatic limestone karsts jut out of the blue waters in Southern Thailand too.
The yachting calendar promises action-packed activities and social occasions with some big-name brands attending. Yachties sail in from across Southeast Asia and beyond staying at luxury villa rentals.
A multi-class event with cruising, yacht charters, multihulls and bareboat yachts, plus IRC racing and sport boats; the Phuket Raceweek is an annual event held at the upscale Panwa Hotel on the eastern shore. The event takes advantage of the south-westerly monsoon season, or so-called ‘green season’, making for four days of fast and furious racing over five days with changeable winds creating a challenging event that excites. Beachside relaxation adds to the charm of one of the most popular regattas in Asia.
When: July 19 – 23, 2017
Where: Cape Panwa Hotel, Phuket
31st Phuket King’s Cup Regatta
One of the longest running, most renowned, and largest yachting events of its kind in Southeast Asia, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is of international note and is a lively, popular, and glamorous occasion. The sailing is mixed in with beachside parties and draws in yachties from across the globe to Phuket’s western coast with races running all week as some of the best sailors compete for the coveted cup.
When: December 2 – 9, 2017
Where: Kata Beach
The particularly incredible climate and perfect sailing conditions in Thailand during December, not to mention gorgeous weather year round, make Thailand an ideal destination for yachting competitions, regattas, and boat shows. In just its third year, the Thailand Yacht Show features superyacht charters with a lifestyle exhibition featuring yachting and supercar exhibitors and even luxury water toys for those who enjoy the fun side of being out at sea. With a fashion show too, the event was created by the organizers of the Singapore Yacht Show and is set to become a ‘must’ on Thailand’s yachting calendar.
When: December 14 – 17, 2017
Where: Ao Po Grand Marina, Phuket
17th Asia Superyacht Rendezvous
A relaxed, yet prestigious three-day event that brings together the crème de la crème of superyachts in a fabulous host location, which in 2016 was the SALA Resort & Spa on the idyllic Mai Khao Beach in Northern Phuket. A long-running event, the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous includes a cocktail party and gala dinner as well as networking and a Winner’s Cup, parades, and private gatherings with motor and sailing yachts over 24 meters long taking part; an exclusive and enjoyable high-end yachting fixture on the calendar in Thailand. Close to the King’s Cup Regatta and the Thailand Yacht Show, December is the yachting month in Phuket.
When: December TBC, 2017
Where: Ao Po Grand Marina, Phuket
Phuket International Boat Show
Celebrating 15 years in 2018, the Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) is probably the most renowned and biggest event in Thailand with thousands of visitors attending the four-day event each year. Yachting fans, boat owners, and luxury brand connoisseurs descend on the upmarket Phuket marina on the island’s Eastern Seaboard with its high-end facilities and luxury villa properties. In 2017, a Superyacht Zone for yachts exceeding 35 meters allowed for private island access whilst greater emphasis was placed on yacht charters. A hugely sociable event, fashion shows, al fresco dining, and live music create a full experience with some fantastic boats exuding the charisma and glamor of the cruising lifestyle.
When: January (early), TBC, 2018
Where: Royal Phuket Marina, Phuket
Sail boat racing in paradise, quite literally, with four days of races and a five-day event that more than comes of age in 2018, with 21 years of sailing around Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga Bay. The 2017 event of the Bay Regatta saw a race from Paradise in Koh Yao to Krabi and a prizegiving ceremony at the iconic Railay Beach in Krabi. A picturesque setting, the beauty of sailing in Thailand is realized.
When: February (mid) TBC, 2018
Where: Ao Chalong Yacht Club, Phuket
Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show
Thailand’s reputation as an international yachting destination comes from excellent marinas, yachting facilities, and charters plus big-brand events such as the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show which is expected to attract over 6,000 visitors in 2017. From small day boats to superyacht charters and dream boats for sale the event is a veritable inspiration for boating fans. The exhibition also features luxury lifestyle exhibitors with supercars. superbikes, and yachting lifestyle accessories.
When: Late November
Where: Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Na Jomtien, Pattaya
Running for 13 years, Asia’s largest multi-class regatta features the best of sailing whilst showcasing the beauty of Thailand as a yachting destination. With over 180 islands, the Gulf of Thailand offers perfect sailing conditions with scenic cruises. The Top of the Gulf Regatta includes the Coronation Cup with International Platu Class Rules from the home of the largest Platu fleet in Asia as well as the Thailand Optimist National Championships where junior sailors take the helm.
When: May 4 – 8, 2017
Where: Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Na Jomtien, Pattaya, Thailand
The Luxury Signature represents and manages reservations of the finest villa rentals in Southeast Asia, specializing in some of the most stunning destinations including the islands of Phuket and Samui in Thailand, and Bali, Indonesia.
