Koh Samui adds golf, jazz and Boot Camp to the Regatta programme

by Sawadee.com on 22 Mar 2010 For the ninth consecutive year, this leading lifestyle and sporting event will attract competitive and social sailors from around the world. The five-day regatta is one of Asia’s most glamorous sailing events and this year will reach even greater heights as it takes on a true carnival feel with the addition of some new and exciting events that include Golf, Jazz and Asia’s Biggest Boot Camp! Whilst competitive sailing lies at the heart of the Sawadee.com Regatta, the blend of sport, lifestyle and adventure adds an extra dimension to this already established event.

Teeing off for the first time is the ‘Sawadee.com Regatta Open’ at the Santiburi Samui Country Club - a championship landscaped golf course with each of its 18 holes having their own unique character and challenges. With steep uphill and downhill slopes…to winding fairways that cut into the coconut forest, cliffs and mountain creeks, the tournament will offer an off-water challenge to add to the fiercely contested on-water action.

The regatta’s tie up with the Samui Jazz Festival, is something not to be missed by jazz fans. The festival has built up a reputation of hosting great nights on the island, bringing in some of today’s finest Jazz musicians to entertain both tourists and locals alike. Smooth jazz vibes following exhilarating sailing could be the perfect way to end a day.

Competitive sailing and parting late into the night may leave some a bid jaded. However, this can be remedied by joining some of Asia's leading fitness experts for a new and thrilling fitness event happening during the regatta. ‘Asia's Biggest Bootcamp’ will be held with like minded and motivated professionals from around the region who will come together for an event that includes foam roller workshops, nutrition seminars and 3 fitness bootcamps – all over three action packed days. The Bootcamp takes place from the 28th-30th May and is a great way to get in shape ‘Samui style’.

Spectators that arrive from all corners of the world will be able to board spectator boats on each day of racing to follow the sailing action. This ‘up close and personal’ opportunity not only allows for great viewing, but also the chance to spend some time out at sea with good company, good hospitality and to see the very best that Koh Samui has to offer.

Christian Lukey, Chief Operating Officer for Sawadee.com, understands well the impact of the regatta on the tourist hot spot that is Koh Samui “This idyllic little island holds a strong position as a unique holiday destination both in terms of long haul and regional visitors. The island has over time become an up market destination that attracts returning visitors year after year. Its easy access to islands like Koh Phangan and Ko Tao also make it an excellent vacation centre. The Sawadee.com Regatta brings much to the island – especially for the visitor who can enjoy all of the on-shore activities and fun – and then be out on the water experiencing world-class sailing action.”

Anyone that has seen yacht racing at this level will know how stunning it is to see a full regatta fleet heading out at sea and ready for the challenge. The Sawadee.com Regatta will likely feature six sailing classes in 2010 – Racing, Sportsboat, IRC, Multihull, Bareboat Charter and Cruising. A mix of bright sunshine, blue skies and strong winds will allow spectators to see these boats in all of their glory. In 2009, sailing legend Neil Pryde and his crew on ‘Hi-Fi’ came out on top in the Racing Class and will no doubt be looking to bring it home again in 2010.

The Centara Grand Beach Resort on Samui is synonymous with the regatta having been its home base since the first event in 2001. Martin Heiniger is the resort’s General Manager “We’re already seeing bookings at the resort for those attending the regatta. The weather in Europe has been brutal this winter and many Europeans are turning their thoughts – and travel plans – to warmer climes. I can’t say I blame them! Samui is high on the list of warmer climes for many sun and adventure seekers and we know we’ll see a lot of returning tourists this year. The regatta now has the awareness and reputation that sees it contribute significantly to the island’s reputation as a leading tourist destination.”

The regatta provides an ideal mix of Thai charm and great sporting action, in a location far away from the snow and sleet!