Mariner Boating heads to Koh Samui Regatta

by Di Pearson on 21 Apr 2005 Thirty Sydney yachties met at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia last night to discuss their plans to take on the IRC racing fleet at the Koh Samui Regatta in May.

Highly regarded as the highlight on the Asian sailing circuit, the week-long regatta is now officially recognised by the International Sailing Federation.

One of Australia’s top yachtsmen, George Snow, enjoyed his time so much at Koh Samui last year, that he approached Mariner Boating Holiday’s Trevor Joyce, suggesting he add it to the growing list of regatta destinations Joyce arranges each year.

It was a great idea that took off quickly and now four Sun Odyssey 35’s, chartered from well known company Sunsail, which has charter fleets all over the world, will carry the 30 to what they hope will be a strong Aussie campaign in Koh Samui.

The four yachts, to be skippered by winning yachtsmen George Snow, Tony Hearder, former CYCA Commodore Hans Sommer and Karl Stechmann, will have support from their various crews; George’s crew includes wife Sabrina, daughter Marissa and leading navigator Lindsay May, whilst Tony Hearder will have ocean racing skipper, John Cameron and the CYCA’s jack of all trades, Scott Finsten.

Another Aussie, and long-time Asian circuit competitor, Ray Roberts will be there too, with a DK46 and will provide strong competition for his fellow Aussies, having won a number of regattas in Asia already.

Trevor Joyce told the assembled crews last night, ‘these boats are very competitive and well looked after, so on paper, we should be competitive.’

It won’t all be sailing though, as George Snow pointed out, ‘it’s a fantastic place with lot’s to do. On the lay day, you can play golf, have a BBQ, or go sightseeing – it’s only around 20-25 miles from one side of the Island to the other and quite mountainous – the views are spectacular.

‘At night, there are lots of good restaurants and nightclubs and the Koh Samui organisers have functions just about every night too – BBQ’s and formal drinks, it’s well organised. There are Tailors there who make beautiful clothing – so that will keep a few crew members busy.’

The Aussies will also vie for the Mariner Trophy, which will take in both sailing and golf and to be organised by Mariner’s Natalie Walton, who will accompany the group to Thailand and see to their every need.

Already 35 yachts have entered the Regatta, with around 70 expected on the start line. A sizeable contingent will again make its way down from Hong Kong, including defending Koh Samui Regatta Racing 1 champion, Ffree Fire, and Frank Pong’s new Jelik (ex Pyewacket.)

Organisers say, ‘in Division 2, the hot local favourites from the Thai Naval Academy will be facing some stiff competition from the Sunsail 35’s - with a crack crew skippered by famous Australian yachtsman George Snow.’

Now in its fourth year, the atmosphere is laid back island style, offering a truly unique event organised under the auspices of the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, working hand in hand with the Royal Thai Navy.

Racing over five days, the Koh Samui Regatta comprises a mixture of passage races and fast round the cans action, culminating in a VIP gala dinner and awards ceremony at the Central Samui Beach Resort.

Schedule Of Events

Saturday May 21st: Registration Day and Pre Regatta Party

Sunday 22nd: Opening Ceremony

Monday 23rd: Race Day 1

Tuesday 24th: Race Day 2

Wednesday 25th: Race Day 3/Regatta Festival - Island Open Party

Thursday 26th: - Rest Day/Open Day

Friday 27th: Race Day 4

Saturday 28th: Race Day 5/VIP Gala Dinner & Award Ceremony

For more information on Mariner destinations: www.marinerboating.com.au or

For all information on Koh Samui Regatta: www.samuiregatta.com