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Sailors sign up for Bay Regatta

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PHUKET, 25 January 2018: More than 250 sailors representing 21 nationalities have signed-up for the iconic The Bay Regatta scheduled for 31 January to 4 February, in Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi provinces.

The four-day regatta sails around Phang Nga Bay with stops at a different anchorages each evening, The Bay Regatta is famous for visiting some of the region’s best beachfront spots.

Often referred to as the “fun regatta” it races around the famous island outcrops that dot the bays of Phang Nga and Krabi.

“While most regattas head to open water, we race around the islands and why wouldn’t you when you have the spectacular scenery of Phang Nga Bay on your doorstep,” commented Regattas Asia managing director of organisers Kae Wattana.

The fleet of more than 30 boats are split into six classes. In the racing class crews from Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Russia will compete for the title.

Last year’s winner, Megazip, is back to defend its crown and will be reigniting rivalry with the well-prepared and campaigned Beneteau First 44.7 Fujin. However, the Hong Kong-registered Red Rum and Vitalii Plaksin’s Farr One Ton, Uminoko, who placed first in the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta 2017 Cruising class, are expected to be in the mix.

A strong line-up of locally-based cruisers will be split into Cruising A and Cruising B classes, and all are in with a chance. Baby Tonga returns and is looking to improve on their second place last year, while Fargo Express (second in IRC 2 at the 2017 Phuket King’s Cup Regatta) will be one to watch. In the Bareboat Charter class, which has seen a 40% growth in entries this year, crews are looking forward to some friendly competition in one of the best cruising destinations the world has to offer.

The 10-strong multihull fleet will be split into two class – Multihull Racing and Multihull Cruising. Last year’s Multihull Racing winner, Twin Sharks, is back to defend their title and under the experienced leadership of skipper John Newnham will be hard to beat. Expect the Stealths – Asia Catamarans Hurricane, Phantom V and Twister 2 – however, not to follow script and be racing hard like usual, as will the smaller multis in the class – Bladerunner 9, off-line and Fugazi. In the Multihull Cruising class, Rick Fielding’s Mojo are hoping to make it two wins in a row and will be going head-to-head with Raptor 2001, a regular on Thailand’s sailing scene.

Now in it’s 21st year, The Bay Regatta continues to showcase the beauty of the Andaman Triangle (Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi) – the islands, beaches and hidden coves – and combines this with a fun beachfront social programme.

The Bay Regatta is organised by water sports event management company Regattas Asia.

For more information, visit www.bayregatta.com  or www.facebook.com/bayregatta.

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