Bareboat Catamarans - Catamaran Yacht Charter Phuket, Pattaya, Samui and Langkawi

... and considered by many as "The Caribbean of South East Asia"

Phuket Thailand is sun, sea and scenery, but relatively few know that the
"Land of Smiles" also lays claim to the best all-season sailing waters in
the world.

Thailand is now turning its attention towards the development of marine
tourism. Given its world-beating assets Phuket is assured of a place as a
sought after world cruising destination.

To be the only yacht in sight from horizon to horizon, anchored off a
pristine, deserted, tropical island beach, may seem like a distant dream to
most sailors – but in Phuket it is everyday reality.

Unique, too, among cruising destinations is Phuket's climate. There is no
winter; there are no hurricanes and no typhoons. Temperatures range between
25° and 32°C throughout the year, and the sea rarely varies from 28°C.

Located in the Andaman Sea (off Thailand’s southwest coast) Phuket is best
known amongst regional sailors for the most advanced sailing infrastructure
in Thailand. As a cruising base, Phuket is unbeatable. The mystical waters,
islands and limestone karsts of Phang-nga Bay are just a few hours’ sail
east from the major anchorages; the stunning Similan Islands are a day’s
motor-sail to the west, while Myanmar’s practically unexplored Mergui
Archipelago is easily accessible to the north.

To the south is the almost uninhabited Butang Group – part of the 51-island
Hat Chao Mai National Park – teeming with an abundance of fascinating and
unusual wildlife. A short sail east brings you to the mysterious unspoiled
island of Tarutao, just 6 km (4 miles) from the Malaysian island of
Langkawi, and just one day out of Phuket. A former penal colony, Tarutao
abounds with interesting caves and hidden creeks leading into the
mountainous interior; a primeval world where time stands still.

Phang-nga Bay itself, bounded by Phuket, Phang-nga and Krabi provinces –
boasting over 100 islands and sheer-sided mountains rising vertically out of
the sea – has produced some of Thailand’s most spectacular tourist images.
As a result, it is a popular destination with day tours and kayakers
exploring the bay’s islands and sea caves. Yet, despite its international
renown, the bay is practically deserted by mid-afternoon.

For enthusiasts who prefer as much luxury and convenience as possible
combined with their sailing, Phuket is already home to three
international-standard marinas, The Yacht Haven Marina, Boat Lagoon Marina
and the recently-opened Royal Phuket Marina, which was voted “The Best of
the Best Marinas” by British Airways’ First Class in-flight magazine, First
Life. Many more marinas are planned.

Yet, for those who prefer to sail away from civilisation, just a couple of
hours sail from Phuket – will seem like a world away.

Boasting only one regatta until a few years ago, there is now a multitude of
choice, in terms of time, style and location, for those who prefer to mix a
touch of action with their sailing holiday in Thailand.

The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, now in its nineteenth year, attracts around
100 yachts and is held in early December. Phang-Nga Bay Regatta, bringing
together up to 40 competitors for a more relaxed week, takes place at
Chinese New Year, against what must be the most dramatic scenic background
of any regatta in the world. Phuket Race Week in its second year also plays
an important part in the regatta calendar, being staged in the windy month
of July during the southwest monsoon.

Whilst the competitive fun of racing in tropical waters is why people take
part in Phuket's regattas, they all leave with fond memories of the
beachside regatta parties. These relaxed, informal parties have become a
keynote feature of yachting events in the kingdom.

Whether racing in a tropical regatta or simply cruising among Phuket's
pristine islands, the warm Thai welcome, superb cuisine and the cultural
charm – that together make Phuket one of the world’s favourite cruising
destinations – make for an unforgettable experience not to be missed.

Bob Mott, Noonsite Regional Editor, Phuket