Samui Island opens it doors for 2012 Samui Regatta

Samui Island is set to welcome an influx of sailors as the 2012 Samui Regatta gets ready for more than 500 people from around the world to take part in a week of high-octane sailing competition from May 26th to June 2nd. Organised by Regattas Asia, Samui Regatta is headquartered at Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, with sailing taking place off the Island's west coast. Also known as the 'Tropical Island Regatta', sailors descend on Samui's shores each year to enjoy idyllic tropical sailing and Samui hospitality. 2012 sees crews from Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and as far away as Australia and the United Kingdom taking part, with more than 20 nationalities expected. Entries for 2012 are looking strong. Many top boats from Hong Kong are taking part, including sports wear manufacturer Neil Pryde and his crew on 'HiFi', as well as the largest racing boat to compete in Thai waters, 'Genuine Risk'. At 90-foot, her twenty plus crew will be taking part for the first time. They will line-up next to a large international contingent and a growing fleet of Thailand-based boats and crews. Simon James, Race Director of Samui Regatta said: “The line-up of boats is looking very strong this year with many international participants and regulars returning, as well as a number of new boats and crews. We are also happy to welcome a good turnout of locally-based boats and are looking forward to giving them a regatta week to remember.” The 2012 programme includes five days of racing with a reserve day, and six parties, concluding with a lavish beach-side Gala Dinner at Host Sponsor, Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui. The Regatta is the final event in the 011/12 Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championship, a series of 5-star racing events held throughout Asia, with trophies being presented to the Grand Prix winners on the closing night. Samui Regatta continues to go from strength to strength. Eleven years since inception, the Regatta has established itself as a leading sports event on Samui, with a strong track record of contributing to the Island. A 2011 survey found that Regatta participants' spend on accommodation and food and beverage on the Island during the regatta week was over THB13 million. Further expenditure on inbound travel and organisation on the Island pushes the net benefit to Samui in excess of THB30 million. Local community support is integral to the Regatta's success, and the organisers provide Thai youngsters with education scholarships and continue to support grass roots youth sailing. “Since the Regatta's inception, the event has received strong support from organisations and businesses on the Island. We work closely with our partners and continue to support and develop community initiatives,” commented Kae Wattana, Samui Regatta Event Director. The 2012 Samui Regatta is organised by leading regatta services provider, Regattas Asia, with strong support from Samui businesses and staff. The Regatta is supported by Host Sponsor Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui. Event Partners include Mont Clair wines, Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa, Beach Republic, PTT Group, Hertz Rent a Car, and KC Resort & Over Water Villas. Official Suppliers include Singha Beer, Haad Thip, Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Neil Pryde, and TOT. Island Supporters are Seascape Beach Resort, Mittare Insurance, Tradewinds Cottages, The Sea Samui, Samui Villas & Homes, Bank of Ayudhya, Q-Bar Samui, Samui Ocean Sports & Yacht Charter, and A Plus Italia. Official Photographer is SamuiPics.com. Media Communications are by Infinity Communications. Media Partners include Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Samui Holiday magazine, SEA Yachting, and HELM Superyacht Asia Pacific. Organising and Supporting Authorities include the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, Samui Yacht Club Regatta, Tourism Authority of Thailand and the International Sailing Federation. For more information: Website: www.samuiregatta.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamuiRegatta Twitter: http://twitter.com/samuiregatta About Samui Regatta Samui Regatta was formed in 2003 and is also known at the 'Tropical Island Regatta'. Over its eleven-year history, the Regatta has grown from strength to strength and in 2011 attracted 40 boats with approximately 500 participants from over 20 countries. Samui Regatta has established itself as one of Asia's leading regattas and one of the best regatta party scenes. Samui Regatta attracts many international participants from Asia and beyond, as well as Thailand-based sailors and boats. The Regatta is the final event in the Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championship, a series of 5-star racing events held throughout Asia. 2012 Samui Regatta will take place May 26th to June 2nd and comprises five days of tropical sailing with six parties.www.SamuiRegatta.com. About Regattas Asia Regattas Asia is a brand name of Phuket and More Co. Ltd., established in 2001 with over 15 years involvement in the organisation of leading marine events in Asia. Formed by Simon James and Kae Wattana, Regattas Asia has become a prominent player in Asia's regattas industry, with an innovative approach to the management of major sailing events in the region. Core team members have been involved with the Samui Regatta since its inception in 2003, and have provided on-water race management for the past five years. Regattas Asia provide services to the following marine events: Phuket King's Cup Regatta, The Bay Regatta, Phuket Raceweek, Sabang International Regatta (Indonesia), Royal Langkawi International Regatta (Malaysia), and are sole organisers of Samui Regatta. www.Regattas.asia. -KPA- Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net

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• ข่าวRegattas Asia
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