Asia Superyacht Rendezvous on course for success

by ASR Media on 18 Dec 2012 Dateline Sunday: the first night of the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous kicked off with a bang. Late afternoon showers threatened to dampen the spirits, but came to naught. Angsana Laguna Resort staff spent the day welcoming event participants, guests and media to their magical surroundings.

The evening began by welcoming local and international sponsors, media and guests, as well as the Captains and owners of all the participating yachts to Bang Thao Bay. Then it was time to brave the beach surf and board speedboats and tenders for the transfer to the Indonesian phinisi, Silolona, for the opening cocktail party.

Here’s the bottom line – if any boat in the world, and any crew, thinks they can throw a party to match the welcome on board Silolona, they’ll have to prove it. Arriving guests were greeted by the ever-enthusiastic crew, none of whom were missing a smile, serving fabulous Indonesian canapés. The hospitality was nothing short of spectacular. The crew filled the evening with live music, and created a fantastic atmosphere. Silolona most certainly know how to entertain! Many guests were intrigued and delighted to be treated to ‘the tour’, marvelling at the traditional construction of the boat, and being delighted by the captivating décor – every guest suite on Silolona is unique, and every one has a story to tell through the art works on display.

Monday’s schedule allowed for some relaxed and not-too-serious racing for the sailing vessels participating inn the Rendezvous. Start boat m/y Maverick went out early with the race officials on board and the sail boats all followed. Shamoun, Twizzle, Asia, Yanneke Too, and Si Datu Bua all set sail to race around a short course in front of picturesque Bang Thao Bay and the Angsana Laguna Resort. ‘Keep going round until we tell you to stop,’ was RO Andy Dowden’s instruction at the Skippers’ Briefing. But who was counting?

In the evening crews and guests headed to the Xana Beach Club for the Feadship Challenge – a lighthearted competition in which crews are required to build boats from a collection of supplied materials, and then ‘sail’ them – ‘puff-power only, please!

Also present at the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous: