| To be the only yacht in sight from horizon to horizon, | | | | islands and sea caves. Yet, despite its international |
| anchored off a pristine, deserted, tropical island | | | | renown, the bay is practically deserted by |
| beach, may seem like a distant dream to most sailors | | | | mid-afternoon. |
| - but sailing in Phuket it is everyday reality. | | | | For enthusiasts who prefer as much luxury and |
| Unique, too, among cruising destinations is Phuket's | | | | convenience as possible combined with their sailing, |
| climate. There is no winter; there are no hurricanes | | | | Phuket is already home to three |
| and no typhoons. Temperatures range between | | | | international-standard marinas, The Yacht Haven |
| 25° and 32°C throughout the year, and the | | | | Marina, Boat Lagoon Marina and the recently-opened |
| sea rarely varies from 28°C. | | | | Royal Phuket Marina, which was voted "The Best of |
| Located in the Andaman Sea (off Thailand's | | | | the Best Marinas" by British Airways' First Class |
| southwest coast) Phuket is best known amongst | | | | in-flight magazine, First Life. Many more marinas are |
| regional sailors for the most advanced sailing | | | | planned. |
| infrastructure in Thailand. As a cruising base, Phuket is | | | | Yet, for those who prefer to sail away from |
| unbeatable. The mystical waters, islands and | | | | civilisation, just a couple of hours sail from Phuket - |
| limestone karsts of Phang-nga Bay are just a few | | | | will seem like a world away. |
| hours' sail east from the major anchorages; the | | | | Boasting only one regatta until a few years ago, |
| stunning Similan Islands are a day's motor-sail to the | | | | there is now a multitude of choice, in terms of time, |
| west, while Myanmar's practically unexplored Mergui | | | | style and location, for those who prefer to mix a |
| Archipelago is easily accessible to the north. | | | | touch of action with their sailing holiday in Thailand. |
| To the south is the almost uninhabited Butang Group | | | | The Phuket King's Cup Regatta, now in its nineteenth |
| - part of the 51-island Hat Chao Mai National Park - | | | | year, attracts around 100 yachts and is held in early |
| teeming with an abundance of fascinating and unusual | | | | December. Phang-Nga Bay Regatta, bringing together |
| wildlife. A short sail east brings you to the mysterious | | | | up to 40 competitors for a more relaxed week, |
| unspoiled island of Tarutao, just 6 km (4 miles) from | | | | takes place at Chinese New Year, against what must |
| the Malaysian island of Langkawi, and just one day | | | | be the most dramatic scenic background of any |
| out of Phuket. A former penal colony, Tarutao | | | | regatta in the world. Phuket Race Week in its second |
| abounds with interesting caves and hidden creeks | | | | year also plays an important part in the regatta |
| leading into the mountainous interior; a primeval world | | | | calendar, being staged in the windy month of July |
| where time stands still. | | | | during the southwest monsoon. |
| Phang-nga Bay itself, bounded by Phuket, Phang-nga | | | | Whilst the competitive fun of racing in tropical waters |
| and Krabi provinces - boasting over 100 islands and | | | | is why people take part in Phuket's regattas, they all |
| sheer-sided mountains rising vertically out of the sea - | | | | leave with fond memories of the beachside regatta |
| has produced some of Thailand's most spectacular | | | | parties. These relaxed, informal parties have become |
| tourist images. As a result, it is a popular destination | | | | a keynote feature of yachting events in the kingdom. |
| with day tours and kayakers exploring the bay's | | | | |