Two leading sailing events — the Top of the Gulf Regatta and the Samui Regatta — will be held next month.
Some of Asia’s top boats will take part in next month’s Samui Regatta.
The Top of the Gulf Regatta is celebrating its 10th anniversary as top sailors from around the world will take part in the May 1-5 edition at Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Pataya.
Regularly attracting more than 250 boats and over 600 sailors from about 30 countries, the Top of the Gulf Regatta is known around the world for its competitive sailing across a diverse fleet of boats.
This year, organisers expect one of the most competitive tournament with boats from Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, England and the US.
The Top of the Gulf is the only regatta in Thailand to be operated from a marina and Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Southeast Asia’s largest marina and home of the event since the beginning, provides an ideal in-water and onshore base for the regatta.
Meanwhile, Samui Island is ready to host the 13th edition of the Samui Regatta from May 24-31 at Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui on Chaweng Beach and organised by Regattas Asia.
With a 30-strong fleet having already confirmed to join the event, including some of Asia’s top racing yachts, the 2014 Samui Regatta is expected to be competitive and likely to decide the outcome of the 2013/14 Asian Yachting Grand Prix.
“The quality of the entries looks exceptional, not only in the racing and top IRC fleets but also in the cruisers and charter boats,” said Samui Regatta race director Simon James.
“Last year, there were some very close races with just seconds separating boats.
"Looking at the boats and crew this year I would expect the competition to be just as close and even more close in some categories.”
The entry list reads like a who’s who of sailing. Five 52-footers will line up against two mini-maxis of Hong Kong’s Frank Pong (Jelik, 75ft) and Australia’s Geoff Hill (Antipodes, 72ft) in the IRC Zero.
Sam Chan (Free Fire), Neil Pryde (HiFi), the Royal Malaysian Navy (Ulumulu) and the trio of Ahern/Bailey/Wilmer on Oi! will be hoping the conditions will give them a favour over the 70-footers.
Possibly the best line-up of racing yachts ever, the IRC Zero is expected to deliver some aggressive action.
Since its birth in 2002, the Samui Regatta has grown to attract the best yachts in Asia and a large number of spectators who go to the island for great sailing and great parties.
Starting with just 11 boats, mainly made up of beach catamarans, the event has gained a reputation for offering competitive sailing.