Thailand Brief

Thailand Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

New Host Hotel Sponsor for Asia Superyacht Rendezvous

September 11, 2012

Asia Superyacht Rendezvous organisers are happy to present the prestigious international event’s new Host Hotel Sponsor, the Angsana Laguna Phuket and Xana Beach Club. It will be the new home of the annual prominent gathering of superyachts, taking place in Phuket, Thailand 16-18 December 2012.

The fabulous Xana Beach Club in Phuket, Thailand

The fabulous Xana Beach Club in Phuket, Thailand

This event is host to Superyachts of 100’ and longer from throughout the world and is the largest event of its kind in Asia. Bringing together some of the world’s great sail and motor Superyachts, the annual social gathering gives owners, captains and crews the opportunity join in friendly but competitive sailing races along with relaxed socialising at festive private events held at the Angsana Laguna Phuket and the Xana Beach Club.

In addition to Superyacht sailing races with a course marked by the magnificent attending motor vessels, late afternoon and evenings will feature an opening night cocktail party aboard a Superyacht, the popular ‘Feadship Challenge’ model boat building and race and cocktail party, the famed ‘Rendezvous Booty’ pirate treasure search and the dazzling VIP ‘Boat International Gala Dinner’ – all are part of the 3-day program.

According to the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous organisers, the sponsorship by the Flagship property of the Angsana Hotels & Resorts, the Angsana Laguna Phuket and Xana Beach Club, represents a strong partnership that benefits both parties well.

“The 12th Asia Superyacht Rendezvous is the leading Superyacht event of its kind for the whole of the Asian region,” said Gordon Fernandes, GM of Asia Pacific Superyachts and Captain Charles Dwyer, skipper of the Yanneke Too.

“We are proud to have the Angsana Laguna Phuket and Xana Beach Club join our elite group of Sponsors which includes Principal Sponsor Feadship Royal Dutch Shipyards, International Media Partner Boat International Media, Co Sponsor Asia Pacific Superyachts, Contributing Sponsor Royal Huisman and regional Media Partners, YACHTStyle and Palace magazines.We are most grateful to all of our Sponsors and all welcome the Angsana Laguna Phuket and the Xana Beach Club as a wonderful and integral part of this exciting event.”

Superyachts from around the world will be streaming into Phuket to join the prestigious sailing and social event, their owners and captains a part of a new generation of discerning travellers seeking a stylish and vibrant holiday experience amidst the privacy of the Angsana Laguna Phuket and the Xana Beach Club during the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous.

The resort is setting aside the highest premium private and ocean front tropical locations for Superyacht fun and social activities on and off the water. Angsana Laguna Phuket is ideally located within the Laguna Phuket destination resort at scenic Bang Tao Bay, Phuket’s most coveted resort address, and features over 400 luxuriously appointed rooms, lofts, suites and private residences with vibrant and stylish rooms and facilities designed for the dynamic cosmopolitan traveller.

The newly opened Xana Beach Club will provide an excellent platform to view the stunning Superyachts anchored in the bay and there’s amazing views of lush tropical gardens, magnificent ocean vistas or the serene palm-fringed lagoon complementing the resort’s accommodations.

Other facilities include an Angsana Spa, Angsana retail gallery, 7 dining and entertainment venues, exquisite beachfront access and lush garden venues, a 323 metre free form pool which spans the entire resort, a TreeHouse Kids’ Club, Fitness centre, aerobics, yoga/pilates studio and the Rejuvenating Angsana SpaJust.

Organisers Gordon Fernandes and Captain Charlie Dwyer report, “We have a feeling this year’s event will be better than ever and we are expecting more thrilling but friendly races from the some of the world’s best Superyacht sailors followed by relaxed socializing and festive events within the beautiful tropical ambiance of the Angsana Laguna Phuket. Such excitement will attract Superyachts from near and far and we will do our best in supporting Superyachts visiting Asia and Phuket, Thailand.”

Dubois Yachts announces PRICE REDUCTION on the 37m sailing yacht PHILKADE by Sensation Yachts

August 28, 2012

Originally launched in 1986, the 37m sailing yacht Philkade (ex Aquel II, Vainqueur) is the first luxury vessel, designed by the renowned UK-based studio, Dubois Naval Architects. Built by the NZ shipyard Sensation Yachts, Philkade superyacht is now listed at $1.98M and is currently based in Thailand where she is undergoing additional refit work to her decks and interior, following her last refit by Rybovich yard in Florida in 2009.

Dubois designed 37m sailing yacht Philkade by Sensantion Yachts

Dubois designed 37m sailing yacht Philkade (ex Aquel II, Vainqueur) by Sensantion Yachts

The 2009 extensive refit of the 37m superyacht Philkade included complete new rigging, new sails, new electronics, new hydraulic steering, and a major overhaul of the electrical systems. Her new owner has now a great possibility to customize and modernize her interior to his specific wishes.

Philkade superyacht by Dubois and Sensation Yachts

Philkade superyacht by Dubois and Sensation Yachts

The interior design firm Design Unlimited, who has also worked on the Dubois charter yacht Bliss, and the Thailand-based refit company Yacht Solutions, have prepared a detailed quotation of the work needed to complete the interior of the Philkade yacht, along with a few other necessary upgrades, comprising exterior painting.

Luxury yacht Philkade

Luxury yacht Philkade

All-aluminium luxury yacht Philkade (ex Aquel II, Vainqueur) provides spacious and comfortable accommodation to up to 6 guests and 6 crew. Her raised decksaloon has become a Dubois trade mark, while the stern with the symmetrical steps is ideal for entertainment at anchor.

Lee Marine sells the world’s first superyacht Nauta Air 86′ by CdM Yachts

August 07, 2012

Only three months after the Phuket based Lee Marine became Cantiere delle Marche (CdM)’s agent for distribution for Asia/Pacific, China as well as Australia, the world’s first motor yacht Nauta Air 86’ has been sold to an Australian buyer with the vessel to be anchored in Thailand, home of Lee Marine. Nauta Air 86′ superyacht is the result of the partnership between Architect Mario Pedol, founder, together with Massimo Gino, of the well known Milan-based design studio Nauta Yacht Design, and CdM.

Nauta Air 80 superyacht on which motor yacht Nauta Air 86 is based

Nauta Air 80 superyacht on which motor yacht Nauta Air 86 is based

Luxury yacht Nauta Air 86′ offers the perfect blend of the luxury and style of super yachts with the sturdy substance that characterizes Cantiere delle Marche’s yachts such as the Darwin Class Explorers, which will feature at the next boat shows of the season.

With the new Nauta Air range, Cantiere delle Marche has established its name as a byword for evolution in the conception of its yachts, projected for a global target. This range of vessels can modify their spatial layout without changing their nautical DNA, making their owner’s dreams come true in waters anywhere in the world.

The all aluminium superyacht Nauta Air 86’ combines durable substance, seaworthy performance and low fuel consumption with airy, contemporary design wide exterior space and surprising volumes. The yacht has a maximum speed of 17 knots, a cruising speed of 13.5 knots and a maximum range of 3900 nautical miles at 9 knots.

The Nauta Air 86’ sale (the seventh CdM explorer yacht sold in less than 24 months) confirms the effectiveness of CdM global sales policy. Cantiere delle Marche is also about to finalize two other sale contracts for a German and an Israeli client.

Joshua Lee, Managing Director of Lee Marine commented: ”The team at CdM and Nauta design have been outstanding from the first meeting to meet every need of the client. A very enjoyable experience indeed. This range will enjoy great success in today’s new market and we are proud to have sold the first one.”

The client, an Australian citizen with Thai residence, has chosen a Nauta Air 86’ superyacht – modifying the original Nauta Air 80’ project – as the boat that will enable him to sail in safety with an impressive cruising range and in comfort, at the same time entertaining his friends and guests thanks to the wide exterior spaces and volumes.

The owner commented: ”Unlike any expedition yacht I have ever seen in this size, the Nauta Air 86’ has stylish lines making her refined and elegant looking while remaining a true blue water cruiser. I am totally satisfied and proud of the customization and I am sure this will make my first custom yacht extremely comfortable. I can honestly say that the team at CdM, especially Ennio and Vasco, have made this a smooth process and been very attentive to all of my queries and countless questions. The CdM factory is a wonderful new facility with a really great team on board. I got the feeling that everyone is a giant extended family. I am looking forward to the next 18 months and owning the perfect boat. Also a lot more of those long Italian lunches!”

Thanks to the highest level of customization that CdM offers to its clients, the owner was able to define, together with the shipyard’s team and the designers, the project’s layout. For example, the 50 sm.q. panoramic fly bridge is specifically designed for the outdoor living. It has a sun area and a spacious al fresco lounge. Regarding the interior layout, the access to the owner’s suite has been separated from the general entrance to the lower deck and cabins. A private escalier on the main deck directly leads to the wide owner’s suite, giving total privacy.

Nauta Air yachts have been designed to follow new proportions and a different balance of the interior and exterior architecture. They are actually in direct visual contact thanks to a wide use of clear glass in both windows and doors. As an example, the kitchen on the main deck has been designed to communicate both with the inside and the outside. That is why the main salon has been positioned in the centre of the boat following a formal and precise division of the space; conversation, relaxation and dining all in one.

Vasco Buonpensiere, Sales and Marketing Director of CdM commented: ”I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people working at Cantiere delle Marche. There is no doubt that each and every client and consultant who steps into the yard and/or on our boats immediately perceive the highest level of quality and finishing available for this size of boat worldwide. This is the result of the effort that everyone at the yard makes day after day.

He added: “What Nauta Design has achieved in translating our brief into the Air range, is close to perfection; boats with a lot of character while maintaining the simplicity and the cleanliness of their lines. These boats express a roaring elegance.”

Williams Performance Tenders appoint new dealers for Thailand and Barcelona

July 16, 2012

As part of its expansion strategy, the Williams Performance Tenders, a world’s leading jet tender specialist, has recently appointed its first ever authorised dealer in Thailand, as well as a new dealer in Barcelona.

Turbojet 445 yacht tender by Williams Performance Tenders

Turbojet 445 yacht tender by Williams Performance Tenders

Based in the popular resort of Phuket, Cholamark Boat Co., Ltd. is Williams’ first Thai dealer, ensuring that customers in South East Asia have access to full product support services and the knowledge of Cholamark’s 30 experienced employees.

Hans Martin from Cholamark Boat Co., Ltd., commented: “It’s a real honour to be chosen as the first Williams approved dealer for the Thai market. We have over 20 years experience working in the area, and are proud to be using this knowledge to bring Williams’ superb quality tenders to a large number of customers who we know will appreciate their great range.”

Joining Cholamark Marine in the dealer network will be the Barcelona-based Watertight Marine, who will now be able to service and supply the full Williams range, as well as offering special storage deals.

Mathew Hornsby, Joint Managing Director at Williams Performance Tenders, said: “We are very pleased to welcome both Cholamark Marine and Watertight Marine to our network of dealers. Our international partners allow us to reach potential Williams customers across the globe, and provide them with the high quality after-sale service we expect.”

Amazing Samui Superyacht Cruising

July 02, 2012

South East Asia and the amazing cruising waters of Thailand are becoming still more popular among the most spectacular superyachts in the world. Well known as the ‘Crown Jewel of Thailand’, an increasing number of superyachts are coming to visit the exotic island of Koh Samui located in the Gulf of Siam.

Samui - Angthong Marine National Park

Samui - Angthong Marine National Park Credit: Asia Pacific Superyachts Samui

Visiting yachts checking in to Samui can experience some of the most stunning maritime scenery in the world. A tropical gem rising off the south-eastern seaboard of Thailand, Samui is the Kingdom’s second largest island after Phuket. Relatively unknown for years, this sun lovers paradise of azure waters and uninhabited islands has attained international standards of service and offers amazing itineraries to visiting superyachts.

Samui has earned a reputation for retaining a friendly image as well as a beautiful natural environment in an area stretching to a group of 48 surrounding islands. The island and surrounding area offers extensive cruising in fascinating locations like nearby ‘Ang Thong National Marine Park’, a compact and stunning archipelago of over 80 small and virtually untouched islands, best explored by sea kayak upon anchoring.

Thailand 'long tail' fishing boats - Koh Samui

Thailand 'long tail' fishing boats - Koh Samui Credit: Asia Pacific Superyachts Samui

Among the Superyachts visiting the eastern Gulf waters of Samui was the amazing 67.2 meter superyacht Vertigo, the largest luxury sailing yacht built in the Southern Hemisphere (so far). The 220 ft vessel was built by Alloy Yachts in New Zealand in 2010 and delivered to the new owners in 2011 and a 2012 finalist of the ‘World Superyacht Awards’. The Vertigo Captain, commenting on their Samui visit and agency service, wrote: “…his (Captain Charlie) understanding of Samui and the needs of a Superyacht from a captain’s perspective is invaluable.  The owner, guests and ourselves had a wonderful time in the Koh Samui area not only for its beauty but also due to the excellent service Charlie Dwyer and his team gave us.”

Captain Charles (‘Champagne Charlie’) Dwyer of Asia Pacific Superyachts Samui and founder of Samui Yacht Services and Asia Pacific Superyachts Samui is the holder of a 1600 Ton USCG 3000 Ton International license and skipper of the 120’ sailing yacht Yanneke Too, accumulating over 500,000 NM around the globe. A lifelong, ardent American sailor, he has captained some of the most prestigious yachts in the world in the last 20 years, cruising and racing around the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas as well as in Asia.

Samui - Capt Charlie at helm of Yanneke Too superyacht Credit: Asia Pacific Superyachts Samui

Samui - Capt Charlie at helm of Yanneke Too superyacht Credit: Asia Pacific Superyachts Samui

Calling the island home for some years the skipper talks about a few of the mammoth vessels journeying to Koh Samui, the largest island amongst the Gulf of Thailand group of over 80 islands, most of which are uninhabited.  He speaks of incredible cruising options in and around the island and Gulf waters experienced by visiting mega yachts such as motor yacht Battered Bull, charter yacht Christine, M/y Michea Rose, sailing yacht Yanneke Too and charter yacht Perseus in addition to superyacht Vertigo.

SILENCIO - Main

SILENCIO - Main

“Though there is no marina there are many anchorages in Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and surrounding areas. Koh Samui is the hub of the Gulf and the best and easiest port of entry in the Gulf of Siam.” The skipper continues, “Returning to the island, I’m reminded each time of the breath-taking natural beauty of Koh Samui and its stunning cruising waters. In beginning a sea journey here one finds a perfect haven to regroup and enjoy life, an important part of the fun and thrill of the destination”, Captain Charlie reports and believes the Superyacht captains and crew appreciate the hospitable nature of Thai people.

“What brings the owners and captains and crew to Thailand is the culture and people with their welcoming smiles and gracious nature. You won’t find this in many other international destinations which superyachts visit.”

Charlie is skipper of the 36-metre superyacht Yanneke Too for the past18 years and an organiser of the elite annual Asia Superyacht Rendezvous held annually in Phuket, Thailand in December. As superyachting in Asia expands Asia Pacific Superyachts experienced professional agents, like Captain Charlie and others APS Southeast Asia and Pacific regions, are firmly in place to provide superior service.

2012 Samui Regatta: Day 5 – Strong winds decide the places on final day

June 02, 2012

While the Multihull as well as IRC Zero titles were sewn up the day before, sailors competing in the 2012 Samui Regatta started the last day of racing with plenty to play for in some of the classes. Stabile wind at the startline belied what was to arrive. A storm appeared off the northern tip of Samui Island and out to the race area bringing 30 knots and gusts, leaving a trail of tied sailors, breakages, shredded sails, along with one ‘man overboard’.

Sailing yacht Fantasia - winner of the Multihull class. Photo by SamuiPics.com.

Sailing yacht Fantasia - winner of the Multihull class. Photo by SamuiPics.com.

IRC Zero were first off. A single Windward/Leeward today to finish their 10-race series. Despite already winning the class the day before, Marcus Blackmore and crew on Hooligan were on the startline their, competitive nature undiminished. A blown spinnaker and woman overboard put pay to their race, adding a DNF today to their six firsts.

The battle was now on for second and third places between HiFi (Neil Pryde) and Freefire (Sam Chan) who came into the final day on equal points, and after some close racing and screaming runs HiFi came out on top winning the last race on corrected time. Freefire was second ahead of Mui Mui (Frank Pong) in third.

While Hooligan took their inaugural Samui Regatta title, the 90-foot Maxi superyacht Genuine Risk (Geoff Hill) was a sight to behold throughout the week. Despite being unable to compete with the 52-footers on handicap, the 24-man crew had a great time and took secured 10 Line Honours from 10 races. A new Regatta record!

Two races were schedule for IRC One and with only one point separating the top two, and the race-track looking tricky, no-one was celebrating just yet. Foxy Lady 6 (Bill Bremner) needed to keep ahead of EFG Bank Mandrake (Nick Burns/ Fred Kinmonth) on the scoresheet to score the series win. In Race One, things didn’t go to plan. The building winds played into EFG Bank Mandrake’s hands who sailed a flawless race to finish third on-the-water behind KukuKERchu (David Ross) and Walawala 2 (Steve Manning), and take the win on corrected time ahead of Walawala 2 took second and KukuKERchu took third. Foxy Lady 6 finished fifth in the first race putting a serious dent in their chances of the class title.

EFG Bank Mandrake yacht came good and won the IRC One title. Photo by SamuiPics.com.

EFG Bank Mandrake yacht came good and won the IRC One title. Photo by SamuiPics.com.

Pressure was building on Foxy Lady 6 who needed to finish four points (or more) ahead of EFG Bank Mandrake in the last race of the Series. The race was on! KukuKERchu continued their improving form and finished the Regatta impressively with Line Honours and handicap win in the last race of the Series, with Walawala 2 in second and Foxy Lady 6 improved to finish third.

However, for Foxy Lady 6 it was not enough. EFG Bank Mandrake’s fourth place in the final race was enough to earn them the Series title, two points clear of Foxy Lady 6 who had started the day one point ahead.

After retiring from yesterday’s race in IRC Premier, Dynamite (Brad Kirk) was back on the race course today. El Coyote (Gary Baguley) revelled in the winds and enjoyed victory on corrected time in Race One ahead of Moonblue 2 (Peter Churchouse) in second and Dynamite third. In the Race Two, the tables were turned with Moonblue 2 taking the win ahead of El Coyote in second, while Dynamite posted a DNC. At the end of the Series Moonblue 2 and El Coyote finished tied on nine points, with an equal number of firsts and seconds. Having placed first in the final race, Moonblue 2 take the Series win.

The top three in IRC Two/ Bareboat were separated by just two points going into the final two races of the Series. Reef Knot (Stuart Collins) took to the front and lead through to the finish taking Line Honours and the win on corrected time. Swedish entry Lennart Fahlgren with his Thai crew on Amanda finished second, and Abraxas (Greg Coops) in third.

In the final race, only two made it to the start and Amanda kept close on the heels of Reef Knot, managing to secure the win on corrected time, with Reef Knot second. This wasn’t enough to knock Reef Knot off her perch who finished with nine points overall to take the Series title.

Andrew Stranksy and his crew on Fantasia had wrapped up the Multihull class title yesterday with three wins and an unbeatable scoreline, but nonetheless headed out for the last day of racing and put in a stella performance to add another first and another Line Honours to their collection in Race One. Despite being second to finish on-the-water, Sweet Chariot (Henry Kaye) slipped to fourth on corrected time leaving the door open for Crazy Horse (Kunta) to take second. All-Thai entry Cedar Swan (Radab Kanjanavit), who has blown four spinnakers this week, finished an impressive third. Three DNF’s and one broken mast in the race was testament to the strong winds.

In the second race, only two made it to the startline, Fantasia and Crazy Horse, with Fantasia taking the final win of the Series. Crazy Horse finished second in the second race, and second overall.

Participants and VIPs gathered for the final prize-giving – a lavish Gala Dinner hosted by Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui. Following the Series presentations, the 2011/12 Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championship ‘Skipper of the Year’ and ‘Yacht of the Year’ prizes were presented to Neil Pryde and HiFi respectively.

Overall Series Results:
IRC Zero
1st Hooligan, Marcus Blackmore (13)
2nd HiFi, Neil Pryde (19)
3rd Freefire, Sam Chan (20)

IRC One
1st EFG Mandrake, Nick Burns/Fred Kinmonth (19)
2nd Foxy Lady 6, Bill Bremner (21)
3rd Walawala 2, Steve Manning (23)

IRC Premier
1st El Coyote, Gary Baguley (9)
2nd Moonblue 2, Peter Churchouse (9)
3rd Dynamite, Brad Kirk (16)

IRC Two/ Bareboat
1st Reef Knot, Stuart Collins (9)
2nd Amanda, Lennart Fahlgren (10)
3rd Abraxas, Greg Coops (15)

Multihull
1st Fantasia, Andrew Stransky (9)
2nd Crazy Horse, Kunta (17)
3rd Sweet Chariot, Henry Kaye (23)

2012 Samui Regatta: Day 4 – A steady breeze to get the races underway

June 01, 2012

Day 4 of the 2012 Samui Regatta saw light winds as the yachts left the anchorage but the Race Committee found a stabile breeze to get the races underway between Samui and Phangan islands. AP down at 10:44, IRC Zero into start sequence, and they left.

Foxy Lady 6 (left) and EFG Bank Mandrake (right) take their battle into the last day of racing at the 2012 Samui Regatta. Photo by SamuiPics.com.

Sailing yacht Foxy Lady 6 (left) and EFG Bank Mandrake yacht (right) take their battle into the last day of racing at the 2012 Samui Regatta. Photo by SamuiPics.com.

Race One courses were set: Windward/ Leewards for IRC Zero, IRC One and Multihulls, and longer passage races for IRC Premier and IRC Two/ Bareboat classes.

With two races planned for IRC Zero today and more tomorrow, there is still plenty to play for in the series as they got underway this morning in 8 knots of breeze. Three boats completed in under an hour with the 90-foot Maxi superyacht Genuine Risk, skippered by Geoff Hill, taking Line Honours in 16 knots of winds. After breaking their boom in the gusts on Wednesday (Day 3), team Freefire rapidly made repairs over the Lay Day yesterday and surprised some by making the startline today. Not only did they make the startline, they took the win on corrected time by 15 seconds from series leader Hooligan, skippered by Marcus Blackmore who was called over at the start. Neil Pryde’s HiFi finished third.

For their second race, IRC Zero were sent on a passage race (approximately 35nm) and Genuine Risk showed the fleet a clean pair of heels winning Line Honours by almost 50 minutes. However, they lost out on handicap to Hooligan who took first. Second place went to Freefire, skippered by Sam Chan and third to HiFi.

It’s tight at the top in the IRC One class. Shredded spinnakers and other damage during Wednesday’s racing (Day 3) saw many crews busy on the Lay Day making repairs. Coming into today’s racing, Bill Bremner’s Foxy Lady 6 leads EFG Bank Mandrake, skippered by Nick Burns/ Fred Kinmonth, by one point with Steve Manning’s Walawala 2 in the wings waiting for one to slip-up.

That was not to be as Bill Bremner steered Foxy Lady 6 to its fourth win of the series ahead of EFG Bank Mandrake, with Line Honours winner KukuKERchu, skippered by David Ross, taking third on corrected time.

The second race was a 26nm passage race. With the longer distances tending to favour those flying asymmetric spinnakers (Jing Jing, Walawala 2, etc.), there was a chance to cause an upset at the top of the standings. First to finish was KukuKERchu skippered by David Ross, but it could not be converted into the handicap win. Second over the line and winner on corrected time was EFG Bank Mandrake, with Foxy Lady 6 less than 30 seconds behind. Walawala 2 finished third.

Foxy Lady 6 and EFG Bank Mandrake traded firsts and seconds today, leaving them separated by one point with Foxy Lady 6 taking the advantage into the last day.

In the Multihull class, Andrew Stransky and crew on Fantasia returned to their winning ways in Race One with the handicap win and a mere 17 seconds behind Sweet Chariot over the line. Second place on corrected time went to the fast-improving Sonic, skippered by Kirati Assakul with Henry Kaye’s Sweet Chariot in third.

The second race of the day for the Mutihull class was a longer passage race, approximately 26nm. Sweet Chariot revelled in the conditions scoring the daily double – Line Honours and handicap win – with Fantasia in second and Crazy Horse, skippered by Kunta in third. Fantasia looks unstoppable going into the last day with a five point lead, but second and third places are separated by just one point.

Reef Knot, skippered by Stuart Collins came to the fore in IRC Two/ Bareboat class with the win ahead of Greg Coops’ Abraxas and Amanda, skippered by Lennart Fahlgren in third. All is still to play for with just two points separating the top three going into the last day of races.

Dynamite, skippered by Brad Kirk retired from IRC Premier racing today leaving the top two, Moonblue 2, skippered by Peter Churchouse and El Coyote, skippered by Gary Baguley to battle it out. Separated by almost one hour on-the-water, Moonblue 2′s speed proved too much and took the win on corrected time.

The final day of racing takes place tomorrow off Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, Chaweng Beach, Samui Island.

2012 Samui Regatta: Day 3 – Sailing yacht Foxy Lady 6 leads

May 30, 2012

As the crews left the anchorage in a steady 10 knots of wind on Day 3 of the 2012 Samui Regatta, the blue skies as well as perfect tropical island conditions that Samui is well known for appeared. Followed by a coastal course, Principal Race Officer Ross Chisholm called the courses: Windward/ Leewards for IRC Zero and IRC One in race one. For the rest of the fleet it was a single coastal course south past Lamai Beach.

The 40-footers in IRC One class are racing tooth and nail. On Day 3, Foxy Lady 6 leads the standings by a single point with just two days to go. Photo by MarineScene.asia.

The 40-footers in IRC One class are racing tooth and nail. On Day 3, Foxy Lady 6 yacht leads the standings by a single point with just two days to go. Photo by MarineScene.asia.

IRC Zero were first away with all but Genuine Risk bunching at the start boat end of the line. Tactics made for a tight start as Geoff Hill and his crew on the 90-foot sailing yacht Genuine Risk enjoyed clear air and an open race-track to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the class. Rounding the mark first, Genuine Risk lead through to the finish taking her fifth consecutive line honours of the series.

Things were much tighter amongst the 52-footers as Hooligan showed superior speed on-the-water to take the win on corrected time ahead of HiFi, skippered by Neil Pryde, who finished just ahead of Sam Chan’s Freefire.

Part way up the beat in the second race Freefire retired leaving the three 52-footers to battle it out against the 90-foot superyacht Genuine Risk on the coastal course. Marcus Blackmore added another win to his trophy cabinet to take a five point lead into the final two days, while Genuine Risk made the podium scoring a second place ahead of HiFi in third.

Bill Bremner and his crew on yacht Foxy Lady 6 continued where they left off yesterday with a win in the first race of IRC One today. KukuKERchu had effected overnight repairs after shipping in parts from Phuket, and were on the startline in the ten boat class. Despite performing well on-the-water, on corrected time she could only manage a fourth place, behind Steve Manning’s Walawala 2 in second and EFG Bank Mandrake, skippered by Nick Burns/ Fred Kinmonth in third.

On the coastal course, Foxy Lady 6 yacht suffered and finished fifth. After adding the drop race, Foxy Lady 6 lead the series by a single point with two days to go. Getting back into their groove, KukuKERchu, skippered by David Ross, took both Line Honours and handicap win ahead of Steve Manning’s Walawala 2 and Rick Pointon’s Jing Jing, second and third respectively.

IRC Premier boats completed their fourth race of the series today and despite being quicker on-the-water and taking Line Honours, Moonblue 2, skippered by Peter Churchouse, finished second on corrected time behind El Coyote, skippered by Gary Baguley in first. Brad Kirk and his crew on Dynamite finished third.

In IRC Two/ Bareboat class, the longer coastal course suited Lennart Fahlgren and his Thai crew on Amanda who stretched out a three minute win on corrected time ahead of Abraxas, skippered by Greg Coops, and Line Honours winner Reef Knot, skippered by Stuart Collins in third.

The distance race didn’t suit all in the Multihull class with Turbo Cat, skippered by Kim Thomas, and Cedar Swan, skippered by Radab Kanjanavit retiring. Crazy Horse, skippered by Kunta scored a 1-3 yesterday and today continued their form with a second place, taking them to the top of the series standings. Kirati Assakul and his Thai crew on Sonic showed their skills over distance, scoring the win on corrected time from Andrew Stransky’s Fantasia in third. Sonic lies fourth overall in the series and within reach of a podium place.

Tomorrow is the Lay Day. Racing returns Friday 1st June off Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, Chaweng Beach, Samui Island, and with two days of racing to go, classes are still wide open.

2012 Samui Regatta: Day 2 – Snakes and ladders

May 29, 2012

Good breeze, blue skies as well as the anticipation of idyllic tropical competing marked the 2012 Samui Regatta greeted by sun this morning. Unstable winds caused a start delay but all classes eventually got underway and race was tight on the race-track.

Tight racing in the IRC Zero class sees Australian entry Hooligan currently leading the series. Photo by SamuiPics.com.

Tight racing in the IRC Zero class sees Australian entry Hooligan currently leading the series. Photo by SamuiPics.com.

The entire fleet were sent on Windward/ Leewards and multiple races were in order for all – the longer Course 16 for IRC Zero, IRC One and IRC Premier, and Course 19 for IRC Two/ Bareboat and Multihull classes.

The IRC Zero boats completed their first Windward/ Leeward of the day in a little over one hour with the 90-foot superyacht Genuine Risk skippered by Geoff Hill, taking Line Honours – the first of three today. His five minute lead in Race One wasn’t enough and Neil Pryde’s HiFi won on corrected time one minute ahead of Hooligan, skippered by Marcus Blackmoore in second and Sam Chan’s Freefire in third.

Race Two saw Hooligan back to their winning ways with a clear win on corrected time from HiFi in second and Freefire in third. Hooligan went on to win the third race and take a three point lead in the series. Genuine Risk and HiFi were recalled after being over the line in Race Three, dropping HiFi to fourth. Freefire took advantage finishing second and Mui Mui, skippered by Frank Pong third. A battle royale is developing between the top three as they play snakes and ladders and with three more days of racing, the title is there for the taking.

Dubbed the “40-foot” class, IRC One consists of 10 closely matched boats with a strong international flavour. In the first race today Singapore’s Foxy Lady 6 went one better than their best yesterday scoring a win by a mere two seconds on corrected time. EFG Bank Mandrake, skippered by Nick Burns/ Fred Kinmonth finished second ahead of Rick Pointon’s Jing Jing in third. David Ross and crew on KukuKERchu suffered damage and retired from the remaining races for the day.

Foxy Lady 6 continued her winning ways with a first in the second and final race of the day, to keep the pressure on series leaders EFG Bank Mandrake who placed third behind Steve Manning’s Walawala 2.

On the slightly shorter Windward/ Leeward course for IRC Two/ Bareboat class, Pattaya-based boat Reef Knot, skippered by Stuart Collins came out on top in the first race. With less than five minutes separating the top four, the predominantly Thai crew on Amanda, skippered by Lennart Fahlgren finished second with Greg Coops’ Abraxas in third.

The second race went to form with Reef Knot making it two wins from two, followed by Amanda and Abraxas in second and third respectively.

Hong Kong-based Moonblue 2, skippered by Peter Churchouse, arrived late to the Regatta after suffering damage in transit and spent Day 1 on anchor making repairs. They made it to the startline today and revelled in the conditions to take first place in IRC Premier Race One from El Coyote, skippered by Gary Baguley in second and Brad Kirk’s Dynamite in third.

In the second race, Moonblue 2 lost out to Dynamite who showed great crew work to take the win by over two minutes on corrected time with El Coyote in third.

The multihull competitors are enjoying some close racing and on Day 2 the series looks to be anyone’s for the taking. After a strong performance yesterday beating Sweet Charriot for the daily-double, Fantasia was out-paced in the first race by the Thailand-built twin-masted Crazy Horse, skippered by Kunta. Fantasia, skippered by Andrew Stransky placed second ahead of Radab Kanjanavit and his all Thai-crew on Cedar Swan in third. Sweet Charriot, skippered by Henry Kaye, found it hard going and finished seventh on corrected time.

Sweet Charriot re-discovered their form in the second race to finish second behind Fantasia with Crazy Horse in third.

Racing continues tomorrow off Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, Chaweng Beach, Samui Island.

2012 Samui Regatta: Day 1 – Good winds and close competing

May 28, 2012

Day 1 of the 2012 Samui Regatta saw thirty-two yachts ready to start off Chaweng Beach. Coming from more than 20 countries, the international fleet of competitors have come to race with the best Thailand-based sailors at the ‘Tropical Island Regatta’.

Samui Regatta 2012 Day 1

Samui Regatta 2012 Day 1

The Opening Ceremony the night before, hosted by Zico’s Brazilian Grill & Bar, was presided over by Suthep Thaugsuban, Member of the House of Representatives; Chalorsak Vanichareon, Deputy Governor of Suratthani Province; and Danny McCafferty, General Manager, Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui.

Samui Regatta is well-known for attracting top boats and sailors from around Asia. 2012 sees 60% of the fleet coming from overseas to challenge a strong locally-based fleet including past winners and regatta legends. A number of strong Thai crews are looking to exploit home advantage, including Radab Kanjanavit on Cedar Swan, Kirati Assakul on Bandara Sonic, and Saad Panyawan on Kindred Spirit, all in the Multihull Class; and Amanda in IRC Two skippered by Lennart Fahlgren who leads an all Thai crew.

All classes got underway in eight knots of wind, and were greeted with two squalls during the racing, testing crew work and boat handling skills.

IRC Zero class includes four Hong Kong boats who are up against Team Hooligan, skippered by Australian Marcus Blackmore. The first race started on time with the fleet racing Windward/ Leewards. In a little over one hour, Genuine Risk, skippered by Geoff Hill and with Syd Fischer onboard, took line honours by eight minutes. That wasn’t enough to take the win on corrected time, which went to Marcus Blackmore on Hooligan who beat Neil Pryde’s HiFi into second by just 35 seconds, with Sam Chan’s Freefire in third.

The second race for IRC Zero was a 26 nautical mile course North across the channel towards Phangan Island, rounding off Had Rin, through a gate off Mae Nam, round Ko Kong Ok to starboard and a finish at the northern end of Chaweng Beach. Freefire upped their game and took first place from HiFi in second, with Hooligan slipping down to their. At the end of Day 1, it’s a three-way tie at the top of the class.

Principal Race Officer, Ross Chisholm sent the IRC Premier class on a 26 nautical mile race North to Phangan Island and back, giving the fleet a chance to stretch their legs. The distance and conditions played into the hands of El Coyote, skippered by Gary Baguley who took the win on corrected time from Dynamite, skippered by Brad Kirk in second.

Close racing amongst the 10-strong IRC One fleet looks set to be the theme of the week, with less than two minutes on corrected time separating the top four in the first race – Windward/ Leewards. David Ross and crew on KukuKERchu took line honours but managed only fourth on corrected time. The Mills 40 EFG Bank Mandrake, skippered by Nick Burns/ Fred Kinmonth, secured first place in race one, from Foxy Lady 6, skippered by Bill Bremner. Third place went to Jing Jing skippered by Rick Pointon.

In the second race – the 26 nautical mile Course 5 – Walawala 2, skippered by Steve Manning came out on top with EFG Bank Mandrake in second and KukuKERchu, skippered by David Ross, third – EFG Bank Mandrake leads the class at the end of Day 1.

The six-strong IRC Two class enjoyed some close competition with Greg Coops’ Abraxas finishing first ahead of Lennart Fahlgren’s Amanda and their Thai crew, with Reef Knot, skippered by Stuart Collins in third.

Eight boats are challenging for the Multihull Class title this year with a strong line-up of regulars up against two newcomers to Samui – Fantasia and Sweet Charriot. Fantasia has performed well on the South East Asian circuit since arriving last year, with a number of wins to her credit, and while it may be the first time to Samui Regatta for Sweet Charriot, she is sailed by an experienced crew and skippered by regatta regular Henry Kaye.

The 26 nautical race suited Andrew Stransky and crew on Fantasia who took the Line Honours and the handicap win. Second place went to Sweet Charriot who beat Thai favourite Radab Kanjanavit and his crew on Cedar Swan by less than a minute on corrected time.

Racing continues tomorrow off Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, Chaweng Beach, Samui Island.

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