Provisional NOR for 2023 available online.

The Provisional Notice of Race for the 26th Bay Regatta is now available to download. HERE

The Bay Regatta - 2023 Provisional Route

The event is open to boats eligible to complete in the classes as published in the Notice of Race paragraph 4.

Entries shall be open to boats entered or sailed by persons from any nation. However, Boats and competitors shall not display any sail letters, symbols, flags or slogan representing Russia or Belarus on any boat, place or clothing associated with the event.

VENUES

Opening and Closing Venues are currently being confirmed and will be announced in the near future.

We are delighted to confirm that Vacation Village, Phra Nang Inn will return as our Krabi host venue.

The racing schedule in Krabi will now include 2 races. With an additional race scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday 25th February.

The Course book and Sailing Instructions will be available on-line in Early January.

The Bay Regatta Sails through 2022

While Covid - 19 restriction affected the entry list and route selections this year, Regattas Asia continued to sail on with the 25th Anniversary Bay Regatta.

A late change of venues for the opening took the competitors to the Royal Phuket Marina, who provided complimentary berthing for competitors and the opportunity for boats to test out the newly dredged channel offering all-tide access for boats with a draft up to 2.4m.

While following Covid-19 regulations, registration proceeded without a hitch as a pleasant evening (without speeches) opened the event at the Isola restaurant.

Although the event traditionally passes through the northern area of Phang Nag Bay. Current restrictions limit the use of race marks or groups of yachts joining together in the National Parks. With an alternative route found, boats departed early for the first days racing from a new start-line off Ko Rang Yai and followed the revised Really Good Deli Race Day course around the southern tip of Ko Yao Yai before heading north to Ko Yao Noi.

With the regatta offering the first tourism income (since the last Bay Regatta), restaurants and resorts re-opened, longtails converted to water taxis, and Tuk Tuks serviced. The island greeted sailors with a traditional Thai welcome and transportation to resorts with a smile (behind a face mask).

A very social evening was held at Baan Chang restaurant; the regatta must give many thanks to the local community for supporting the event.

Day Two, with competitors arriving at the start area, racing got off to an early start for the Octopus Electrical Services Race Day. Taking the fleet 25 miles through the Ko Hong Group to Ao Nang, Krabi, where most competitors moved into the Vacation Village - Phra Nang Inn for their 2 night say.

The Vacation Village group has family-run resorts in Krabi and Ko Lanta and has been a longtime supporter of The Bay Regatta. They have committed to supporting yachting in the area and have already agreed to support the 2023 event.

Day 3, The Vacation Village Island Race, saw very light winds, which slowly filled in from the west before disappearing by lunchtime. Racing was restricted to a two-leg race before racing was abandoned for the day. Everyone returned to the shore for the Vacation Village social prize-giving event with great food supplemented by the Really Good Deli.

Day 4, After a short delay, racing started in light winds on a straight-line course for The CocaCola Haad Thip Race. Cutting out the Krabi islands and heading directly for the gate off Ko Yao Yai. All classes were shortened at the gate after a long 5 hours in the Sun. Yachts them headed back to Ao Chalong for the final presentations at Kan Eang II.

The Results

Niels Dgenkole's Phoenix dominated the Monohull Classes with the double with four wins in the Monohull Racing Class and three wins in the Monohull Performance Class.

Phoenix was again first in the Monohull Racing Class with 2017 champions Megazip, helmed by Aleksandr Trofimenko in second, followed by Andrew McDermott's Jessandra II in third place.

In the Monohull Performance Class, Phoenix was similarly followed by Megazip in second, with Hans Rahmann's Yasooda celebrating their return after 14 years, with third place.

It was all down to the last race in the Multihull Classes, with Dan Fidock's Stealth design Saffron coming out on top for the double win.

In the Multihull Racing Class, the Asia Catamarans built Stealth designs dominated the positions, winning all top 3 places. Dan Fidock's Saffron led the way, followed by Glywn Rowlands' Twister 2 in Second and John Spencer's Zero in third place.

In the Multihull Performance Class, Dan Fidock's Saffron again came in first, followed by Rick Fieldings Mojo in second, with Warwick Downes' Bonza 69 Slam coming in with third place on a tie break with Twister 2.

This year, the on-water team was a little leaner due to Covid restrictions with Chandran and Captain Nee managing marks and gates on "Rainman", with Eddie with the boat crew assisting Simon on the Really Good Deli's sponsored "Azure 3". Thanks, must go to Peter Dyers' Sunshine Yachts and Bob Mott for providing the boats at special rates to the regatta.

Let's not forget Kae Wattana's Regattas Asia Shore team, led by Boston. It takes many people to organise an event that spans three provinces in three days—especially dealing with daily changing government rules and restrictions.

With tourism numbers down and limited employment opportunities in Phuket, many volunteers have travelled from Bangkok, Songkla and Ko Samui to support this year's event.

A special thanks should also go to Earth, Ploy and BeBe, who have been on Regattas Asia events for over ten years, taking time off from their full-time jobs to assist.

To all competitors, venues, supporters, sponsors, volunteers and casualties of events that meant you could not join us this year.

Thank you for supporting us. See you next year.

The 26th Bay Regatta: 22nd - 26th February 2023

The 25th Bay Regatta - Supported by:

Authorities: Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, Provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.

Sponsors: The Tourism Authority of Thaiand, Vacation Village, Octopus Electrical Services, Coca Cola Haad Thip, Singha/Leo and The Really Good Deli.

2022 Venues: The Royal Phuket Marina, Baan Chang, Vacation Village-Phra Nag Inn, Kan Eang II.

Boats supplied by: Sunshine Yachts - Azure 3, Rainman.

Local Supporters: Electrical Marine, Phuket Cruising Yacht Club, Port Porta Takola, Phuket Boat Lagoon, Electrical Marine, Phuket Cruising Yacht Club, The Phuket Yacht Club and VME Entertainment systems.

Light winds remain as fleet return to Phuket

After checking weather predictions and receiving reports from around the race-course. The fourth and final day of the Bay Regatta started with a combined start for all competitors on the Coca Cola Haad Thip Race Day, for their long race back to Ao Chalong.

Based on the conditions, for the first time in many years a direct line course was set, rather than the traditional circuit of the Ko Dam Group.

Some yachts, including Bonza and Yasooda, decided the best approach was to head North towards the Royal Palace where the wind traditionally fill-in. Others, including Mojo and Saffron headed south, looking for thermals from "Chicken Island" before heading west towards the Hin Mu Sang Nua gate.

In this race, where traditionally the start boat has to race at full speed to get to Ao Chalong before the first finisher, winds remained light throughout. Warwick Downes' Bonza 69 Slam were first to see the shortened course flag at the Hin Mu Sang Nua "gate" after 5 hours 13 mins in the sun, closely followed by Dan Fiddock's Saffron.

15 mins later, Hans Rahmann's Yasooda lead the Monohulls to the shortened course, closely shadowed by Niels Dgenkole's Phoenix.

When handicaps were applied, the yachts who sailed south at the start came out on top. Phoenix headed the Monohull classes, closely followed by Jessandra II and Megazip.

Dan Fiddock's Saffron came out on top in the Multihull Racing Class, closely followed by Glywn Rowlands' Twister 2 and John Spencer's Zero. This result produced another 1-2-3 for the locally built Stealth design boats from Asia Catamarans.

Despite again missing out in the "Battle of the Ricks" on the start line and receiving a significant handicap increase (after his victory yesterday). Rick Fielding's Mojo pulled out another win in the Performance Multihull Class, with Saffron coming in second and Twister 2 in third place.

Amazingly, Mojo would have beaten the whole "Multihull Racing" fleet as his OMR equivalent rating would have been the highest for a Fusion 40 in the world this year. We will no doubt hear about this for many years to come....... and at tonight's final presentations at Kan Eang II in Ao Chalong.

The fleet now pack up and head to the final presentations at Kan Eang II at 19:00.

Light Winds for Day 3 of The Bay Regatta.

After yesterdays Octopus Electrical race day and a free night in Krabi. Crews were ready for the traditional Vacation Village - Krabi Island Races on day 3 of the 25th Bay Regatta.

Boats were held ashore, with light winds forecast in the morning until some wind appeared on the horizon. After several yachts reported breeze of 7+ knots around the racetrack, competitors were called out to the start boat and the line was set for course No.4 chosen as it has plenty of shortening opportunities, should the wind not play fair.

With the breeze lightening, but an increase forecast. The team from Vacation Village, our host sponsor, started proceedings with the Multihulls first away, followed by the monohulls, who had to weave their way through the late starters to get across the line.

A new wind line appeared from the South West earlier than expected, with spinnakers appearing from some back markers as the wind filled in from behind.

While some boats were stationery at times, others charged towards the shore with full spinnakers flying. With some boats 2/3 of the way to Ko Ya Man, the localised breeze left the famous Chicken Island (Ko Poda) sitting in the middle of a Glass like sea.

The light South Westerly breeze now coming down the course was directly from the original start position. The race committee displayed the "R" flag, meaning that all future marks of the course are deleted and boats should round the current island and race directly back to the start area, giving boat a 1.4 miles beat to the finish.

Bonza 69 Slam again lead the way, crossing the new finish line after a frustrating 1 hour 15 mins closely followed by Saffron, Twister and Zero.

After OMR Ratings were applied, Glywn Rowlands Twister II came out on top, celebrating their first regatta win closely followed by Dan Fidock's Saffron and John Spencers Zero.

In the Multihull Performance division, Lady Mia and Mojo had a slow start, crossing the line with the Monohull class. However, with the wind following them around the course and their generous handicaps ,( based on the past two days performances). Both crossed the finishing line, with Mojo finishing victorious by 27 seconds over Lady Mia in second place followed by Twister II in third.

As Mojo's owner Rick Fielding always tells us: "The Cream will always rise to the top !!!".

In the Monohull Racing Division, it was business as usual with Phoenix finishing in-front of Megazip, closely followed by Jessandra II finishing just 15 seconds behind on corrected time.

In the performance monohull class, the winds were too light for the 76 foot Yasooda to stretch her legs to cancel out the rating difference over an hours race. Phoenix again came out on top, but with Jessandra II in second and Megazip in third.

After waiting for the forecast 12 knots of wind, all boats were sent home to prepare for tonight's prize giving at the Vacation Village, Phra Nang Inn. Tonights generous buffet is supplemented with genuine Aussie Beef products provided by Dan Fidock's Really Good Deli.

Tomorrow sees the traditional "Sprint" back to Phuket starting at 8AM from Ko Ya Mann. Concluded with the final presentations at Kan Eang II in Ao Chalong.

Full results and overall standing are available on www.bayregatta.com

The Bay Regatta - All ahead to Krabi.

With prizes presented by the Really Good Deli, yesterday's racing took the boats from Ko Rang Yai to Ko Yao Noi and finished with a great evening at Baan Chang. (Which, opened especially for the event).

Today is the Octopus Marine Race Day, with competitors experiencing a wide range of wind strengths and constantly changing directions, as the party that sails around continue to journey from Ko Yao, through the Ko Hong Group and on to Krabi.

Most boats decided to leave the Ko Yao anchorage early in anticipation of early fading winds. With the majority ready to race, World Sailing International Race Officer Simon James announce an early start to proceedings. First off were the multihulls, with Bonza 69 Slam leading the way, followed by the three stealth designs and the "battle of the Ricks". For the second day, Lady Mia had the better of Mojo in the starting area.

With the remaining boat, Megazip arriving to join the start, the sequence commenced for the monohulls with Hans Rahmanns 76ft Yasooda keeping everyone on their toes with a Port Tack Start at the Pin end.

Today's course left from the east of Ko Yao Noi, with competitors battling the south going current and a decreasing breeze. After about one hour, the wind started to fill in as the fleet entered the most picturesque part of the course, with Bonza leading the way, rounding Ko Pang twelve minutes ahead of the leading Monohull Yasooda and followed by multihulls Saffron, Zero and Twister II.

All boats passed the "mushroom-shaped" rock of Ko Pak Bia and Ko Ka before turning south and passing through the gate at Ko Kaya. At this point, the classes split with the multihulls rounding Ko Ngang before passing the Royal Palace between Koh Deng and Koh Samet before heading to finish between the committee boat and Koh Ya Man.

In the Multihull Division, Bonza received line honours at 13:57. However, after handicaps were applied, first place went to Dan Fiddock's Saffron, followed by Glywn Rowland's Twister II in second and John Spencer's Zero in Third, with Bonza down to fourth place on corrected time after a frustrating beat around Ko Ngang. In the multihull performance division, results were again taken back to the gate, with Bonza this time coming out on top, followed by Saffron and Twister. In the continuing "Battle of the Ricks", Mojo avenged his second starting defeat by beating Lady Mia by seven mins on corrected time.

The Monohulls followed the slightly shorter 18nm course following much of the same route as the multihulls, except the boats missed out Ko Ngang. 

Hans Rahmann's Yasooda lead the way, finishing just before the leading Multihull. When IRC handicaps were applied, Niels Dgenkole's Phoenix again placed first, ahead of Alesandr Trofimenko's Megazip and Andrew McDermott's Jessandra II in third place. 

Phoenix and Megazip retained first and second places in the Monohull Performance division, with Hans Rahmann's Yasooda taking third place.

Tonight is a free night for crews to relax and sample the delights of Ao Nang and Ralae Beach.

Tomorrow is the Vacation Village Race Day, with racing around the Ko Poda group of islands, commencing at 10:00 off Ao Nang.

Regattas Asia organises the Bay Regatta with support from The Tourism Authority of Thailand, The Yacht Racing Authority of Thailand and the local authorities of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.

The Bay Regatta sets sail on its 25th Anniversary Regatta.

Regattas Asia return to the water today, staging what few people in this region have done: their third major regatta during the Covid-19 pandemic. Working in conjunction with local authorities and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The 11 boat Bay Regatta, set sail this morning for its 25th Anniversary event from The Royal Phuket Marina. 

The early morning tide saw eleven sailboats leave from The Royal Phuket Marina, through the newly dredged marina channel, Heading out to Ko Rang Yai, to join the event’s largest yacht, Hans Rahmann's 76ft Yasooda and start their adventure, on a four-day nautical journey.         

Traditional held just before the Chinese Lunar New Year. The Bay Regatta is a series of passage races and stop-over social events – an event format that catches the attention of the region's best sailors as they compete in two groups, Multihulls and Monohulls. 

With a wide range of boat designs and sailing experience, each group has two opportunities to achieve the coveted daily awards. Prizes are awarded on a racing handicap and a performance-based system. All boats, including those in "cruising mode" have an equal chance of winning a prize.  

This four-day circumnavigation of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, focuses on fun. Attracting the serious, the not-so-serious and the not-at-all-serious "racing" sailors, the regatta appeals to those who enjoy the stunning sailing grounds of the area and a different destination each evening. 

Each evening, the regatta anchors at a different venue and the sailors go ashore. Those staying ashore –the majority of the fleet – book accommodation and either eat in the local restaurants or enjoy the official event functions which engage with the local community. Most of the expenditure of the regatta goes directly into the local economies of the areas the regatta visits — this has been the case since the regatta was launched and it will remain so for the future — an excellent example of how sports tourism works to the benefit of communities and local economies.

Starting in Sapam Bay on Phuket's east coast, after registration and an opening party yesterday evening at The Royal Phuket Marina, the yachts headed south to comply with the current COVID-19 regulations for the Phang Nga National Park.

The Really Good Deli sponsored 25-mile course, set off from Ko Rang Yai, passing Koh Lipi to starboard and rounding Ko Yao Yai to the south, before heading north, passing Hin Mu Sang Mu Nua and finishing near the Ko Yao Noi Channel.  

The Racing commenced at 09:00 with two starts. First off were the monohull (4 Boats) followed by the multihulls (7 boats). The leading boats at the first turning point (Ko Lipi) were  Yasooda for the Monohulls and Bonza 69 slam in the Multihulls closely followed by the fleet of locally built stealth designs.

Warwick Downes’ Bonza 69 slam,  took line honours and the Multihull Racing handicap prize finishing 1st in 3 hours 10 mins in dying breeze followed by Zero, Saffron and Twister. In the performance division, results were taken back to the gate when Lady Mia was unable to make the absolute time limit. The revised results saw Bonza 69 Slam in first place, followed by Dan Fiddock’s Saffron in second and Zero in third. In the battle of the "Ricks" (Fielding and Delaney) first blood went to Mojo coming in 5th with Lady Mia hard on their heels. Handicps will now be recalculated for tomorrows Performance race.

While Charter entries were decimated by the suspension of the Test & Go arrival scheme, results for the remaining four boat monohull Class – saw line honours going to Yasooda with the racing division results after handicap of Phoenix finishing on top, 4 mins in-front of Megazip on corrected time followed Jessandra II, with Yasooda coming in to win the Performance division beating Phoenix and Megazip by 10 and 14 mins on corrected time.

The Bay Regatta (Originally known as the Phang Nga Bay Regatta) was originally described thus: "The regatta allows participants to experience the best of southern Thai hospitality and the unrivalled sailing grounds in the area. Boats sail amongst 200-metre high karsts and past hidden bays on their way to nights under-the-stars in idyllic anchorages." 

That description still rings true today. 

Tomorrow the fleet starts off Ko Yao, through the Hong Group of islands and heads for Krabi.

Schedule of Events

Entries and Crew Lists

In order to comply with current COVID-19 regulations. 

Please make sure that we have an up-to-date crew list with contact details of all crew members. 

This is required by local authorities for all regatta participants.

Crew Shirts - Make sure you reserve your size

Check with your skipper that your name and shirt size were listed on the crew list.

 
If you are a new addition to the boat, click the link below and we will try to make sure a shirt of the correct size is waiting at registration.

Register Crew

THE BAY REGATTA - REGISTRATION 2022

Due to recent COVID-19 restrictions. crew registration, the skippers briefing and the opening event of this year’s BAy Regatta has been relocated to the Royal Phuket Marina, Koh Kaew, Phuket.

• Complementary berthing will be provided for the evening of the 26th of January.

• Marina Berths should be pre-booked by contacting the Marina Manager: Oliver Wince on +66 (0)81 958 1959

• Email: marina@royalphuketmarina.com

• VHF: 79 INTERNATIONAL

  LATITUDE 07° 58′ 65″ N

  LONGITUDE 98° 24′ 90″ E

  Registration will be held between 16:00 and 18:00, Skippers Briefing at 17.30 with the official Opening Event commencing at 18:00.

• The Start line for the first race will now be situated outside Koh Rang Yai, with the course heading South East around the bottom of Koh Yao Yai before heading north to Koh Yao Yai/Koh Yao Noi channel for the scheduled overnight stop and social event at Baan Chang. All other stopovers are as previously published.

Crew positions available at Phuket Yacht Club Crew Forum.

Owners are looking for crew for this year's Bay Regatta 26th-30th Jan.

Phuket Yacht Club operate a crew forum for both potential crew and owners for Phuket Sailing Events.

Register at https://www.phuketyachtclub.com/forum for an opportunity to join our 25th Anniversary event.

On-line registration for The Bay Regatta is open.

On-line registration is open for the Bay Regatta 2022 at http://www.bayregatta.com/enter.

Special “Early Bird” entry rates are available for entries paid prior to 11th January 2022.

Vacation Village - PhraNang Inn Special Rates for The Bay Regatta.

Our Krabi host venue: Vacation Village, Phra Nang Inn have announced their special rates for The Bay Regatta 2022.

The 2022 Krabi stop-over is Friday 28th and Saturday 29th January, with the presentation event held on Saturday night.

Get your sails ready for the 25th The Bay Regatta now opened for entries for the race on 26th-30th January 2022. 

Vacation Village Phra Nang Inn is happy to host the award party on January 29th evening. 

Special rates offers for participants! 

Promo code: REGATTA22   (10% room discount)

Click! https://phrananginn.vacationvillage.co.th/

The Bay Regatta 2022 - Dates Confirmed, NOR On-line→

Dates for The Bay Regatta 2022 have now been confirmed as 26th -30th Jan.

The NOR is now available on-line at www.bayregatta.com, along with our provisional route/courses.

Provisional Dates for 2022

Provisional dates for the 25th Bay Regatta.

A big thank-you from Regattas Asia

On behalf of the Regatta Asia Team, thank you to all our competitors, venues, sponsors, volunteers and supporters of the 2021 Bay Regatta. - We could not do it without you.

Come and join us for our 25th Anniversary in early 2022.

The Regattas Asia Team.

Stay Safe, Go Sailing.

Fez & Phoenix grab top spots in 24th Bay Regatta

Report by Scott Murray, Sea Yachting.

The fourth and final day of the Bay Regatta saw PRO and race organizer Simon James started the multihulls and monohulls together for the Budget Car Rental and Coca Cola Haad Thip Race Day, for their long race back to Ao Chalong. Originally scheduled to start off of Krabi’s Railay Beach, a lack of wind saw the fleet motor approximately 6 miles towards Ko Yao Yai until they found enough to start. A line was quickly setup utilising two fish traps and the Start/Mark Boats and the racing commenced with the fleet being led by the ever-present Mojo.

John Coffin’s Fez pulled the surprise of the regatta winning the five-boat Multihull Racing Class with John Newnham’s Twin Sharks coming in second. Twin Sharks had a man overboard on day two, which saw them lose valuable time and finish fourth, which would hurt them later in the overall standings, though thank God crewmate Ken Wottawa was alright (a big shout out to Grenville Fordham who was crewing on Coconuts as they were hot on the heels of Twin Sharks as he managed to alert his squad to avert as Wottawa hit the water).     

Dan Fidock’s Fugazi had a number of line honours throughout the regatta but handicap saw them settle for third overall. Alan Carwardine’s Coconuts never recovered from their DNF on the first day and settled for fount overall, while Glywn Rowlands’ Twister 2 took fifth-place in the class. Multihull Performance saw the order shift as follows: Twin Sharks, Fugazi, Fez, Coconuts, Twister 2 & Mojo.

Niels Diegenklow and Phoenix rode three first-place finishes to victory in the four-boat IRC monohull class allowing the Dane to win this class for the umpteenth time in the Bay Regatta. Fellow Dane Torben Kristienson’s Kinnon was third and it was only Andrew McDermott’s Jessandra, who was able to take a spot away from Phoenix at the top of the podium  winning day two of the regatta, allowing them to finish second overall in the class. Paul Merry’s Night Train was fourth. Overall results were the same for the class in the Monohull Performance division. 

Rick Fielding’s Mojo led the fleet to win the day 4 prize in the Multihull Performance Cruising Class. While not Mojo finishing high in the overall standings Fielding did show great sportsmanship in ferrying Night Train’s crew to shore safely in Ao Nang. He was honoured by PRO Simon James with a bottle of port in memory of the late Marty Rijurkis who made a habit of highlighting good deeds people would perform during regattas.  

Simon did a tremendous job as PRO setting the courses, manning the starts and keeping things in order. Kae Wattana and her Regattas Asia team made sure everyone was happy onshore, providing plenty of good food and drink and great entertainment from songstress Bonnie Anderson. Bob Mott provided his “Rainman” boat as the support vessel which Chandran used to lay the marks and act as a gate to record times during the regatta. A big shot out to Simon’s team on the water—Susie, Chandran & Eddie—who as always, made sure all the starts and finishes were correctly posted and recorded. And a huge round of applause for the great job Brenda Kealy did for providing his catamaran Catapulta the committee boat. The final night’s party was once again held at Kan Eang 2 restaurant, overlooking Chalong Bay and a great time was had by all.  

Light wind makes Krabi Race Day tough slugging

Report by Scott Murray, Sea Yachting.

World Sailing International Race Officer Simon James staged two different starts for the mono-and-multihulls on the third day of the 2021 Bay Regatta. Krabi Race Day saw both classes eventually settle on 17 mile course though there was a two-and-a-half hour delay between the start of the multi and monohull classes. Lack of wind, which wasn’t factor on the first two days of the regatta, was definitely a concern today. Squalls were not on the menu today. 

 The five-boat Multihull Racing Class saw John Newnham’s Twin Sharks rebound from their man overboard yesterday finishing first with John Coffin’s Fez in second, Alan Carwardine’s Coconuts in third,  Glywn Rowlands’ Twister 2 in fourth and Dan Fidock’s Fugazi rounding out the class. Multihull Performance saw the order shift as follows: Twin Sharks, Fugazi, Coconuts, Fez, Twister 2 & Mojo. 

 The four-boat IRC monohull class was agonizing slow, but all competitors finished the course and no one complained. When it was all sailed and done, Niels Diegenklow’s Phoenix took top spot again followed by Andrew McDermott’s Jessandra  and Torben Kristienson’s Kinnon was third. Paul Merry’s Night Train (named after the Jimmy Forrest song) brought up the caboose.  Results were the same for the Monohull Performance class. 

 Kudos must go out to Rick Fielding’s Mojo, no one knows how to have more fun in light wind than the crew on that cat.    

A special shout-out to John Newnham  for freeing up Matt McGrath and his supply boat to be the photography boat for the day, which captured all the great images of the stunning karst topography that Phang Nga Bay is so famous for.   

The evening party was held at Pra Nang Villa where prizes were given out for racing on days two and three. The final day will be an exciting race home to Ao Chalong as both classes are still up for grabs.  

Just a huge shout-out to Matthew na Nagara all the staff at the Port Takola Marina for the gracious hospitality in allowing the majority of the fleet to moor at the marina for two nights.

And Hughie Thompson turned 83 during the regatta serving as crew on Mojo. Hughie has been support crew for many Phuket regattas over the years and it was great to see him racing, Still sharp as a tack, Hughie shows no signs of slowing down.   

Fugazi flies through Bay Regatta course

Report by Scott Murray, Sea Yachting.

After a buffet and awards presentation at Baan Chang on Koh Yao Noi, the crews were well rested and set out for day two of the 2021 Bay Regatta on Friday April 2nd, sponsored by Octopus Electrical Service. 

 The 20 mile course today left from east of Koh Yao Noi rounding Koh Pang to starboard, then passing Koh Pak Bia to port, and then passing Koh Ka and Koh Ka to starboard. The fleet moved past through the gate to Koh Kaya (between the island and the committee boat), and then rounded Koh Ngang to port, passing between Koh Daeng and Koh Samet finishing between the committee boat and Koh Ya Man.     

 PRO and race organizer Simon James had two starts for the competitors again: first off were the monohulls (4 boats) followed by all the multihulls (6 boats). Bad weather set in again soon after the start as a squall quickly moved in. 

This caused an unfortunate incident as Twin Sharks lost bowman Ken Wottowa overboard after he moved to the stern of the boat an during a manoeuvre and lost his footing falling overboard. Crewmate Olly Wilce was the first to notice as the crew scrambled to take down the kite – they were going 25 knots. Jason Corall spotted Wottowa in the water and directed the Firefly back to him. After being in the warm water for about 15 minutes, Ken was pulled onboard and later seemed the avid sportsman seemed totally unfazed by the whole incident - great recovery by the Twin Sharks crew.    

 In Racing Multis, Dan Fidock’s Fugazi took line honors again finishing twelve minutes ahead of its nearest competitor but when handicap was figure in John Coffin’s Fez was the winner of the division, followed by Alan Carwardine’s Coconuts with Fugazi taking third. John Newham’s Twin Sharksrebounded after their mishap to take fourth with Glywn Rowlands’ Twister in fifth spot. Rick Fielding’s Mojo again hung tough through rough weather finishing the race and grabbing a sixth in Multihull Performance.    

 Results in the four boat-Monohull IRC Class saw Niels Diegenklow’s Phoenix taking top spot followed by Torben Kristienson’s Kinnon in second Paul Merry’s Night Train in third with Andrew McDermott’s Jessandra bringing up the rear. For Monohull Performance, Night Train & Jessandraflipped third and fourth place finishes. 

 Just a big shout out to the all women making this regatta happen including co-organizer Kae Wattana and her volunteer crew, many of whom are university students. Jessandra has eight women sailors on board, Phoenix has four and Coconuts and Twister 2 also have a number of female crew.     

 Many in the fleet docked at Port Takola Marina but it was a free night in the Krabi area for all competiot9ord as the awards for today’s races will be handed out tomorrow at the Phra Nang Inn in Ao Nang. 

Bay Regatta sails again.

Report by Scott Murray, Sea Yachting.

Regattas Asia have done what few people in this region have done: stage two major regattas throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Co-operating with local health authorities the 24th Bay Regatta, and second Bay Regatta since the novel coronavirus outbreak, set sail this morning from Ao Po Grand Marina. 

 And indeed it was a breath of fresh sea air to see ten sailboats head out from their moorings to head through some of the world’s most stunning karst topography on their four-day nautical journey.         

 Held later this year after from March 31st to the 4th of April, the Bay Regatta is a series of passage races – an event format that catches the attention of the region’s best sailors as they competed in two classes, Racing Multihulls and Monohulls with a cruising multi (Mojo) thrown in for good measure.  

This four-day circumnavigation of Phang Nga Bay focuses on fun. Attracting the serious, the not-so-serious and the not-at-all-serious “racing” sailors, the regatta appeals to those who enjoy the stunning sailing grounds of the area and a different destination each evening. 

Each evening, the regatta anchors at a different venue and the sailors go ashore. Those staying ashore –the majority of the fleet – book accommodation and either eat in the local restaurants or enjoy the official event functions which engage with the local community. Most of the expenditure of the regatta goes directly into the local economies of the areas the regatta visits — this has been the case since the regatta was launched and it will remain so for the future — an excellent example of how sports tourism works to the benefit of communities and local economies.

Starting in Ao Po on Phuket's east coast, after registration and an opening party yesterday evening at Ao Po Grand Marina, the yachts did something different this year. The government prohibited the yachts from racing north as they usually do, so they went south instead. 

The 25 mile course set off from Koh Naka Yai, passing Koh Sup to starboard and rounding Koh Yao Yai to port, before passing through the gate (between the committee boat and the Hin Mu Sang Mu Nua).  

PRO and race organizer Simon James had two starts for the competitors today: first off were all the multihulls (6 boats) followed by all the multihulls (4 boats). The weather did not cooperate today as a squall set in almost as soon as the sailors crossed the start line (Thank God for warm rain!!). 

Dan Fidock’s Fugazi took line honors in the Multihull Racing class followed by John Newham’s Twin Sharks, John Coffin’s Fez, and Glywn Rowlands’ Twister.  The rough weather took its toll on Alan Carwardine’s Coconuts who did not finish the race. The results stayed the same for the Multihull Performance Class though Rick Fielding’s Mojo did finish ahead of Coconuts because if its DNF, and Mojo must be commended for sticking it out in the rough weather and finishing the race.   

Results for the four boat-Monohull IRC & Performance Class were identical with Andrew McDermott Jessandra finishing on top followed by Niels Degenkolw’s Phoenix with Torben Kristienson’s Kinnon in third, followed by Paul Merry’s Night Train..

The Bay Regatta was originally described thus: “The regatta allows participants to experience the best of southern Thai hospitality and the unrivaled sailing grounds in the area. Boats sail amongst 200-metre high karsts and past hidden bays on their way to nights under-the-stars in idyllic anchorages.” 

That description still rings true today.