Thailand’s Best Yachting Events & Marinas
From the Andaman to the Gulf of Thailand, the Kingdom offers beautiful long shorelines, idyllic waters and a cruise for every interest
From the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea, there’s no better place to experience life on a yacht than the Land of Smiles. Thailand has become a favoured destination for putting up sail, and with good reason: beautiful expanses of calm water, postcard-perfect islands and impeccable ground service at marinas are just a few of the draws of docking here.
And thanks to prestigious yacht shows in Pattaya and Phuket, yacht enthusiasts from around the world are heading to Thailand for more than just sailing adventures. Whether for racing, sunset champagne cruises, a weekend getaway or a luxurious stopover, there’s something for everyone.
Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show
Held at Ocean Marina in Pattaya, the boat show has been a catalyst for the Gulf of Thailand’s marine industry, promoting onshore facilities and offshore cruising grounds, helping to position the region as a leading marine destination. Both the numbers of boat owners overseas choosing Ocean Marina to base their boats and Thais buying boats have increased, and this trend looks to continue. The show includes top dealerships Simpson Marine and Boat Lagoon Yachting, joined by luxury Italian boat brand Azimut Yachts, Beneteau, Cranchi, CNB Yachts, Jeanneau, Lagoon, Monte Carlo Yachts, Prestige, Princess Yachts, Viking Yachts and Wider. Superyacht brands represented at the show include Admiral and Sanlorenzo. Plus a large selection of brokerage yachts will also be on show.
Created by organizers of the Singapore Yacht Show, the inaugural Thailand Yacht Show in partnership with the Thai government will be hosted at Ao Po Grand Marina, Phuket. The show will combine the best aspects of yacht charter, boating industry and luxury lifestyle events.
This yacht show continues to attract the elite of the superyacht industry. Burgess Yachts, one of the largest and most renowned brokerage and charter companies, is using the event to showcase a diverse range of yachts. Each of the superyachts on display offers a unique platform from which to explore Southeast Asia’s beautiful cruising grounds, with choices to suit a range of budgets and preferences.
Under Royal Patronage, one of the most prestigious international sporting events in Asia, will draw a huge gathering of sailors from around the world to mark its 30th Anniversary year. Yachting enthusiasts and pro teams come from every corner of the globe to compete in the sparkling waters of the Andaman Sea for King’s Cup Regatta glory. The regatta program includes the Phuket Dinghy Series, International Dinghy Classes, Keelboats and Multihulls amongst its competitive classes as well as a new CRX Kiteboard class.
Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous (KRSR)
Hosted by luxury Thai resort Kata Rocks announces their upcoming event to be held during 7 – 9 December 2018 to promote Phuket, Thailand and Asia as a world-class superyachting destination.
The KRSR 2017 welcomed some of the most important industry players of global yachting to the island of Phuket. From the world’s leading luxury yachting brands, prestigious shipyards, respected brokerage houses and a number of superyacht owners came together for three days of exclusive parties, celebrations and networking events.
www.katarockssuperyachtrendezvous.com
The Phuket Rendezvous (Former Phuket International Boat Show)
More than 5,000 visitors come to see the display of moored yachts up to 35 metres, complemented by a Superyacht Zone with private island access for up to 20 yachts over 35 metres. Besides yachts of all types and sizes, marine suppliers with engines, electronics, chandlery, sportswear and accessories, dive equipment and water sport toys add to the range of exhibits. Property projects, luxury goods and motor car brands are added benefits to ensure a diverse experience for exhibitors and visitors, not to mention fashion shows, live bands and cooking classes. The emphasis on charter cruising, a comprehensive conference programme, a mariners’ market and al fresco food and beverage outlets.
Samui Regatta
Since its birth in 2002, Samui Regatta has grown to attract the best yachts in Asia and a large spectator following who come to Samui for great sailing, parties and to experience all the island’s world-acclaimed hospitality. Samui Regatta is the final event of the AsianYachting Grand Prix season.
2018 is the regatta’s 17th year and is proudly hosted by Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, which is widely regarded as the “Home of Samui Regatta”. The regatta 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.
Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek
Hosted by Cape Panwa Hotel and organised by Media Business Services, Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek has gained a reputation for its competitive racing and spectacular sailing grounds, attracting sailors from more than 25 countries.
www.phuketraceweek.com
The Royal Varuna Yacht Club (RVYC)
The premier sailing club and centre of sailing in Thailand, located in a secluded cove between Pattaya and Jomtien, is less than a two-hour drive from Bangkok. Facilities include a stunning clubhouse, restaurant, swimming pool, junior clubhouse, boat storage and accommodation. It is an ideal place to give your children some freedom in safe surroundings. Rental boats (Laser, Hobie, Optimist, RS Quba and RS Vision) for racing and leisure are available for members and guests. The club offers sailing classes for adults, as well as an extensive programme for children during the holidays, plus supervised sailing for kids on the weekends.
Ao Po Grand Marina
“My number one pick of all the marinas in Thailand,” said Bill O’Leary, general manager of Amancruises and co-author of Andaman Sea Pilot and Southeast Asia Pilot. “The location looks directly at the magnificent Phang Nga, the fuel dock is ideally located, rubbish collection and security are world class. I have no hesitation in recommending Ao Po Grand Marina to all our boat owners because it has all-tide access and is located on the doorstep of the best cruising grounds in the Kingdom.”
Boat Lagoon Yachting
Boat Lagoon Yachting has been the sole distributor in Thailand for the world’s most exclusive and prestigious Princess Yachts brand from the UK, providing sales and dedicated service since 1995. The company is a subsidiary of Phuket Boat Lagoon, which owns and operates one of Southeast Asia’s most active integrated marinas, with a strong focus on boat repairs and improvements.
Port Takola is an upcoming yacht marina and boatyard in Krabi. When completed, it will feature 260 modern pontoon berths for yachts ranging from 12 to 40 metres. The marina basin will be connected to the Jilad River’s 4m-deep channel by an entrance channel that is dredged along a natural creek. The entrance channel will have 2.5m depth below LAT, allowing easy access to the marina without tidal restrictions.
The boatyard will be serviced by a 35 tonne submersible hydraulic boat lift and provide technical services such as yacht repair and cleaning. The Capitainerie and Café du Port will be dedicated to ensuring an enjoyable stay for marina guests. Port Takola is designed with a boutique approach and to integrate seamlessly with the tropical landscape.
The marina is located between Krabi town and Ao Nang, a renowned tourist spot, so there are many amenities available within a short drive and Krabi International Airport is 45 minutes away. Port Takola’s phase one, comprising 50 wet berths, 50 dry berths, fuel and onshore facilities.
