Sunsail announces one-way Thailand and Malaysia sailing holidays

by Kate Elkington on 12 Dec 2003 In one of the biggest developments for the Asia Pacific sailing industry, Sunsail has announced the addition of 24 new yachts to its 2004 Thailand charter fleet, allowing sailing enthusiasts to now cruise one-way between Phuket and Malaysia.

The arrival of the new boats will almost double the company's combined Thailand and Malaysian fleet to 44 yachts and catamarans, elevating Sunsail Thailand's operation to the largest yacht charter base in the Asia Pacific region.

The fleet upgrade has allowed Sunsail to expand its range of sailing holiday options, to include one-way charters from its northern Malaysian base in Langkawi to its Thailand base in Phuket.

From early 2004, Sunsail guests can enjoy a ten-day yacht charter holiday sailing from Langkawi to Phuket, or Phuket to Langkawi, from just AUD$1,443 per person (based on six people sharing a Premier Jeanneau 35. Other charges may apply).

Greg Boller, Commercial Director of Sunsail Asia Pacific, said Malaysia and Thailand were undoubtedly two of the world's top cruising destinations due to the natural beauty of their islands and parks, which can only be reached by boat.

'With more yachts, we are now able to offer holidaymakers the opportunity to explore a much larger cruising ground, with charters starting in Langkawi and incorporating the exotic beauty of Malaysia, the stunning Butang Group, and finishing in Thailand's famous waterways,' Mr Boller said.

One way charters from Thailand to Malaysia are also available.

'These one-way charter options give guests a fantastic opportunity to experience two dramatically different destinations as part of their one holiday,' Mr Boller said.

'Langkawi is a natural paradise with 104 tropical islands, ancient rainforests and peaceful anchorages, while the Andaman Sea is Thailand's maritime jewel with its stunning sea mountains rising from calm turquoise waters,' he said.

Sunsail will have twelve new yachts will be ready for charter by January 2004 which will include Jeanneau Sun Odysseys, Beneteaus and a Lagoon catamaran, ranging in size from 35 to 50 feet. The remaining 12 yachts will be joining the fleet throughout the year.

Sunsail Thailand has been operating a fleet of Jeanneau, Beneteau, Gibsea, Hunter and Fountaine Pajot yachts and catamarans since opening its base in 1990 with only seven yachts.

Sunsail has organised Thailand sailing holidays for more than 2,500 clients in 2003 and anticipates a major increase in 2004 as the region becomes recognised as one of the world's leading destinations for marine tourism.

'The cost of chartering a yacht in Thailand and Malaysia is also significantly lower than many other international regions,' Mr Boller said.

In addition to yacht charter holidays, Sunsail Thailand also offers an extensive range of RYA sailing school courses and has provided training to more than 1,500 students in 20 different programmes.

Its fleet is also in high demand throughout the Asian racing circuit, with nine Sunsail yachts having participated in the recent 2003 Phuket King's Cup Regatta.

It is now even easier to get to Phuket with many airlines offering direct flights, including the recent addition of flights from Sydney twice a week with Thai Airways. For those wishing to commence charters from Langkawi, Malaysian Airlines offers regular and convenient flights from Australia.

Sunsail became part of the First Choice Group, one of the largest travel operators in Europe, in 1999. Sunsail now operates bases in 39 regions across 20 countries with more than 1,500 yachts and catamarans in the premier international cruising destinations.

The average age of Sunsail's current worldwide fleet of yachts is less than two years, reflecting the company's policy of offering the highest standards in service and quality.

Sunsail's Asia Pacific bases include Thailand, Malaysia, Australia's Whitsunday Islands, Tahiti, Tonga and New Zealand. The company also offers sailing schools, Watersports Beach Clubs for family holidays, and Inland Waterways holidays throughout Europe.

Further information on sailing in Thailand or Malaysia, or at any of Sunsail's worldwide destinations can be obtained by contacting Sunsail on tollfree 1800 803 988 (within Australia), emailing sunsail@sunsail.com.au or visiting the website at www.sunsail.com.au