Samui Regatta 2026 - Day 1: Back for the 23rd edition.
by Scott Murray 27 May 01:44 PDT
24-30 May 2026
Samui Regatta 2026 © KSR Media / Scott Murray
Ever since COVID-19 hit the shores of Southeast Asia, regatta numbers have been down across the region, with organisers scrambling to keep their events going. Regattas Asia organisers have had to deal with innumerable headaches to keep both their Bay Regatta and Samui Regatta going.
But one thing that hasn't changed is the pedigree and quality of the sailors involved. For this year's Samui Regatta, Duncan Hines' Alive, a two-time Rolex Sydney to Hobart, sailed over 2,500km to be here. Steve McConaghy, fresh off being named "Yachtsman of the Year" by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, has brought back the Aftershock Syndicate with the big bruiser, Aftershock, and defending Samui champion Team Hollywood, who has won just about every regatta in the region, ranging from the Phuket King's Cup to the Raja Muda.
Race Officer Simon James, known for his uncanny ability to negotiate with the wind gods, didn't have much luck today as the wind kept changing both speed and direction. (You can't win 'em all). Despite a new and later start time, the marginal conditions allowed him to get in one windward-leeward race to satisfy the sailors.
Ray Roberts and his professional crew on Team Hollywood made a triumphant return to Koh Samui, capturing the first day's race in the 23rd Samui Regatta. The regatta, held off picturesque Chaweng Beach, saw keen competition in the IRC Open class. Alive was first across the line in just under 1 hour, but when handicaps were applied, Team Hollywood won with a corrected time of 01:30:35, slightly over two minutes ahead of Alive. Aftershock placed third, and Iolanthe 3, led by fellow Aussie skipper Terry Foster on his Archambault 35, finished fourth overall.
The Samui Regatta, a prestigious event in the sailing calendar,runs from May 24 to May 30, 2026, and features all keelboats racing in the same IRC Open class.
The event is centred at Nora Beach Resort and Spa, offering an ideal backdrop for both participants and spectators. The racing programme spans five days, from Monday to Saturday, with a reserve day planned on Thursday to provide an opportunity for the sailors to explore and experience the hospitality of Koh Samui. Each day's competition concludes with a ceremony to honour and award the winners, culminating in a gala dinner on the beach on the final day.
The Nora Beach Resort and Spa Hotel was the gracious host of the opening ceremony, presided over by Khun. Klanarong Yutitham, the Vice Governor of Surathani, and the daily award ceremonies. The final gala dinner and awards ceremony will be hosted by Khun Suparerk Thongsuk, President of the Samui Tourism Association and held at The Fair House on Saturday night.