Samui Regatta 2026 - all over for another year

by Scott Murray 1 Jun 11:34 AEST 24-30 May 2026

Ray Roberts’ Team Hollywood won the final race of the Samui Regatta today, cementing its spot atop the leaderboard. Team Hollywood had actually clinched the regatta before the final day, but today’s win—factoring in the drop race—meant they officially claimed seven races. Meanwhile, two-time Sydney-to-Hobart winner Alive played bridesmaid again on corrected time, despite taking line honours in every race.

The excitement continued into the final race, a two-lap windward-leeward designed to decide third place. Iolanthe 3 (35ft, 7 crew) started the day leading Aftershock (55ft, 18 crew) by one point. After one lap, Iolanthe 3 led by just over a minute, but a wind shift on the final leg allowed Aftershock to pull away and win by just over five minutes on corrected time. With the two boats finishing tied on points and matching in second-, third-, and fourth-place finishes as well as DNFs, the final race positions served as the tiebreaker. As a result, Aftershock secured third place.

To cap off the week, the regatta’s closing party and awards ceremony was held at The Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel, which laid on a fabulous buffet for participants. The overall prizes were presented by Admiral Chatchai Thongsaard, Vice President of the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand.

During the closing ceremony, the dates for 2027 were announced as 22nd - 29th May, with the Nora Group and The Fair House both confirming their support for the future event and promising an earlier start with promotion to develop participation. Beyond the racing, the Samui Regatta also brings significant economic benefits to the island. Approximately THB1.5 million was spent on Bangkok Airways tickets to fly in crews and officials, while the event drew in competitors, organisers, friends, and family — benefiting everyone from taxi drivers to souvenir shops, clothing stores, bars, restaurants, and hotels.