SAMUI, Thailand, 23 May 2019: One of Asia’s favourite regattas is set to return to Samui Island’s shores 25 May to 1 June on Chaweng Beach and this year it will be at a new venue, Synergy Samui Resort.
Samui Regatta is popular with sailors from around Asia Pacific and organisers expect to welcome competitors of more than 20 nationalities in what is also the season-ending event in the 2018/19 Asian Yachting Grand Prix.
“The regatta has a new home this year. We will be headquartered at the five-star Synergy Samui Resort providing us with a beachfront hub from which to operate the regatta as well as hosting daily prize presentations,” said the regatta director, Orawintanee Wattana.
The venue is just a short distance along Chaweng Beach from the previous home so anchorages remain unchanged.
Speaking of their involvement in the regatta, Sukhatat Chokkanapitak, Deputy Managing Director of Synergy Samui said, “Growing up, seeing Koh Samui develop into a world-class destination was something we always dreamed of. We believed and realised in the potential of this home island of ours, and today we are here; being once again picked as one of a few places in Southeast Asia for an international regatta such as this.”
“On top of that, as third generation members of this small local business, we cannot overstate how much this event means to us. We are ecstatic to not only be a partner of this great event like many years prior, but to be trusted and given a chance to host the event for the first time. We promise to do our very best in ensuring a smooth running of the whole regatta period. We sincerely hope that guests, participants and everyone associated with this regatta will enjoy their time on this island we love so dearly.”
Organisers are expecting a line-up of some of the best IRC yachts and crews in the region, while the Premier Cruising Class returns to the regatta.
Samui Regatta, however, isn’t all about the racing. The social scene is a big part of the Tropical Island Regatta’s appeal for the international crews and the boost to the local community from accommodation and on-island spend by the 500-plus participants and friends, is significant.
The daily social programme this year includes events at Synergy Samui Resort as well as some official offsite functions nearby. The final presentation dinner format will also be new this year with local resorts and businesses hosting a new experience alongside Chaweng Lake.
The 18th Samui Regatta will take place 25 May to 1 June, 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 Samui, the Sports Authority of Thailand and the Tourism Association of Koh Samui.
Founded in 2002, Samui Regatta has grown to attract the top yachts in Asia and a large spectator following that is attracted to Samui for its great sailing and parties.
Samui Regatta is the final event of the AsianYachting Grand Prix season.
