Over 250 sailors ready for The Bay Regatta in Phuket, Phang Nga

The stunning karsts around which The Bay Regatta races © The Bay Regatta

More 250 sailors representing 21 nationalities have signed-up for the iconic The Bay Regatta held 31st January to 4th February, 2018 in Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi provinces.

A four day travelling regatta around Phang Nga Bay that stops at a different anchorage each evening for a party under-the-stars, The Bay Regatta is famous for visiting some of the region's best beachfront spots.

Often referred to as the "fun regatta" and the "world's most scenic regatta", it is a regatta like no other and one that attracts the serious and less serious racers. Having raced around the karts of Phang Nga and Krabi sailors are unanimous in their praise; "stunning", "spectacular", "there's no other regatta like it" are just some of the comments received from last year's participants.

"The Bay Regatta's route is unique. While most regattas head to open water, we race around the islands and why wouldn't you when you have the spectacular scenery of Phang Nga Bay on your doorstep?" commented Ms. Kae Wattana, Managing Director of organisers Regattas Asia.

The fleet of more than 30 boats will be split into six classes and despite the beauty of the sailing route, the on-water competition is expected to be high. In the Racing class crews from Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Russia will be challenging for the title. Last year's winner Megazip is back to defend their crown and will be reigniting their rivalry with the well-prepared and campaigned Beneteau First 44.7 Fujin. However, the Hong Kong-registered Red Rum and Vitalii Plaksin's Farr One Ton, Uminoko, who placed first in the Phuket King's Cup Regatta 2017 Cruising class, are expected to be in the mix.

A strong line-up of locally-based cruisers will be split into Cruising A and Cruising B classes, and all are in with a chance. Baby Tonga returns and is looking to improve on their second place last year while Fargo Express (second in IRC 2 at the 2017 Phuket King's Cup Regatta) will be one to watch. In the Bareboat Charter class, which has seen a 40% growth in entries this year, crews are looking forward to some friendly competition in one of the best cruising destinations the world has to offer.

The 10-strong multihull fleet will be split into two class – Multihull Racing and Multihull Cruising. Last year's Multihull Racing winner, Twin Sharks, is back to defend their title and under the experienced leadership of skipper John Newnham will be hard to beat. Expect the Stealths – Asia Catamarans Hurricane, Phantom V and Twister 2 – however, not to follow script and be racing hard like usual, as will the smaller multis in the class – Bladerunner 9, off-line and Fugazi. In the Multihull Cruising class, Rick Fielding's Mojo are hoping to make it two wins in a row and will be going head-to-head with Raptor 2001, a regular on Thailand's sailing scene.

Racing is both competitive and fun, and combined with beachfront parties makes the regatta unique - photo © The Bay Regatta

"We have a mix of international and local crews, and sailors of more than 20 nationalities. We have added some new stopovers to the route this year, but the regatta's travelling nature remains unchanged and the 30-plus boats competing this year will enjoy four days of excellent racing in the best cruising grounds in the world," added Ms. Wattana.

Now in it's 21st year, The Bay Regatta continues to showcase the beauty of the Andaman Triangle (Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi) – the islands, beaches and hidden coves – and combines this with a fun beachfront social programme.

Event Programme

• 31 January: Registration and Opening Party at Chandara Resort and Spa (Phuket).
  
• 1 February: Race Day 1 – Race from Ao Po to Koh Yao Noi with prize-giving at Koh Yao Chukit Dachanan Resort (Phang Nga).
  
• 2 February: Race Day 2 – Race from Koh Yao Noi to Krabi. Free night (Krabi).
  
• 3 February: Race Day 3 – Race around the Koh Dam Group of islands with prize-giving at The ShellSea Krabi (Krabi).
  
• 4 February: Race Day 4 – Race from Krabi to Chalong Bay. Prize-giving and Closing Dinner at Kan Eang II (Phuket).