The Sailing Club Hua Hin Regatta 2015

by The Sailing Club Hua Hin on 22 May 2015 There’s been an annual sailing regatta at Hua Hin since 2000 – but no sailing club! Now say hello to The Sailing Club Hua Hin which ‘opened its sails’ in January this year and is now looking to put itself on the national and international sailing map. The Club is the only sailing club on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The Hua Hin Regatta 2015 was held in April in honour of His Majesty King Bhumiphol Adulyadej.

Over 300 competitors from across Thailand and many other Asian as well as European countries took part. The organising authority was the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand (YRAT) in conjunction with the Royal Thai Navy, Tourist Authority of Thailand, ChaAm Municipality and Phetchaburi Province. During the regatta Royal Thai Navy ships chaperoned the fleet offshore, and the eager helping hands of RTN sailors provided the first greeting on shore for returning competitors at the end of the sailing day.

But racing regattas are not really what The Sailing Club Hua Hin is all about. Founder Richard Vine describes it as “a family club where everyone from 8 – 80 years can learn to sail from. But it’s about much more than just sailing - it’s a great place on the beach with cool shade, a trendy bar and a laid back atmosphere where all the family can enjoy the facilities shooting the breeze with their fellow club members. Our goal is to bring sailing to a wider audience in Thailand. Our Club aims to become a centre of sail raining excellence, helping kids to develop all the skills necessary for handling a boat.” Club members receive preferential rates for sailing courses and also for renting the Club’s boats. Members will be able to bring and store their own boats securely. Members can participate in the regular regattas organised by the Club, be able to enjoy the deck, bar and restaurant, as well as make use of the showers and changing facilities.

Baifearn (‘Fearn’) Meeyousamsen is the Club’s RYA-qualified Chief Instructor. Fearn is the daughter of the coach of the Thai National Squad, and has been in boats all her life. She is currently ranked No 2 in Thailand in Laser Radials, and is a regular participant in international regattas in Asia. She brings a bubbly personality to the Club, and loves being around kids. She is currently completing her degree in Sports Management. Richard Vine is an English ‘old salt’ with a wealth of sailing experience. He taught sailing for three years at Club Med in the 1970’s, and discovered the pleasure of sailing in warm water.

Having lived in Hua Hin for 10 years, Richard was surprised that there was no local sailing activity. As retirement loomed he bought a Laser for himself and an Optimist for his son. In the Hua Hin Regatta 2013 he saw 130 kids from Bangkok, Pattaya and Sattahip competing in their Optimists and decided that Hua Hin needed a sailing club.

In 2014, Richard successfully negotiated a deal to take over a prime piece of ocean frontage land, built the necessary hospitality, storage and launching infrastructure, and now manages the idyllic Club premises. This a great place to keep an eye on the on-water action, or to savour the ocean breezes, relax, and enjoy a drink or something to eat at the Eight Bells Bar and Restaurant. The Sailing Club Hua Hin is an informal and very welcoming venue for visitors and members alike; the sort of place you can adopt as your own and become a ‘regular’, even if you’re not sailing.

The 2015 Hua Hin Regatta. An internationally-recognised event and competition for Royal Trophies.

– Royal Vega Rudder Trophy for various classes, presented by His Majesty the King
– Super Mod National Championship Trophy, presented by His Majesty the King
– OK Dinghy National Championship Trophy, presented by Her Majesty the Queen
– Princess Cup for Optimist Championship, presented by HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana

Call in and say ‘hello’ anytime. You can find The Sailing Club Hua Hin at Suan Son Loi Road Cha Am - that’s next door (north) to the Regent Chalets, about 15 kms from Hua Hin. GPS coordinates 12°43’56.5”N 99°57’52.8”E. Phone (English) 087888 7565, (Thai) 084413 5038. Email richard@huahinsailing.com

Available:
– Club Membership; annual or monthly.
– Boat rental (Laser or Optimist), including buoyancy aids with the Club’s safety boat on hand at all times.
– Sailing tuition
– Boat storage.
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If you are finding the golf course hard going (especially when the weather is hot), sailing is a great alternative to the pool table or dart board. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn and enjoy one of the world’s most popular pastimes!