While Bangkok was going through its worst spate of unrest in modern times, peaceful Phuket – 900 km south of Thailand’s troubled capital – received a well deserved accolade. Voted 'Best Asian Maritime Capital' in the annual Asian Boating Awards 2010, the island home of four annual regattas and four marinas was finally recognized for what it is: THE place in Asia to go boating.
So it is fitting that one of Phuket’s most popular regattas, Six Senses Phuket Raceweek, should kick off the 2010/2011 Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championship, where Asia’s top racing yachtsmen and women compete over the course of several Asian regattas.
Six Senses Phuket Raceweek, unique in the regional yacht racing calendar for its expectation of strong breezes, scenic race courses and its 5-star social scene, is held at the Evason Phuket & Six Senses Spa from 21-25 July.
With 37days to go to the start, entries are looking strong in all classes, with a record number of first-time participants. “With Top of the Gulf and Koh Samui regattas now over, we usually get a flurry of entries over the next two or three weeks from sailors who have been focused on those events,” said Grenville Fordham, MD of organizers and rights owners, Image Asia Events, adding, “It looks as though we’ll have a strong Racing Class this year, although – as usual – we never really know the final line-up until shortly before the event. The logistics and costs of getting a boat and crew ready to take part in an event away from home are horrendous, so quite often boat owners are never sure if they can make it until all the pieces come together.”
As usual Boatshedphuket.com will keep you updated and bring you all the results.