Sailing in Phuket - yachts and boating
One of the main reasons to come to Phuket is for the spectacular sailing and boating. The province is positioning itself as a major cruising ground with the addition of several marinas. Currently, there are three completed marinas: Boat Lagoon, Royal Phuket Marina and Yacht Haven.
However, sailing boats in Phuket also moor off Ao Chalong in the southeast and Ao Po in the northeast of the island. The government is currently in discussions to create a public marina at Ao Chalong. There are around 20 marinas in the works around Phuket island and on neighbouring islands. So far, the future Layan Marina is the only west coast marina planned, as this side of the island is not sheltered year round.
In Phuket there is sailing all year off the east coast, in the well-sheltered Phang Nga Bay, while the Andaman Sea off the west coast can become too rough for boating during the wet season. Phuket is home to a few regattas, with the most famous being the King’s Cup Regatta, celebrating the King’s birthday in December. Around Chinese New Year at the end of January, the Phang Nga Bay Regatta is a favourite, touted as the ‘fun regatta’.
Even if you are not an avid sailor, you can enjoy the delights of boating by chartering a yacht for a day of sailing in Phuket or joining in on a boat tour. One company offering a smaller tour that will suit those who prefer a more personalised experience that will fit most budgets is Phuket Sail Tours. Owner Mark Pendlebury aims to provide a family-type atmosphere on the boat, which carries a maximum of 10 passengers on daytrips or six on overnight trips. Another decent charter company with several fun catamarans is andaman sea club.
Of course, the boat is available for private charter as well. Depending on the wind, the crew will hoist the sails on the Sakai so you can experience the serenity of sailing. Snacks and meals are hearty and fresh, even including seafood bought from the fishermen in the bay along the way. The boat’s captain, Noi, is also an excellent guide when it comes to the beautiful caves and ‘hongs’ (rooms) on the islands in the bay. Another company offering catamarans for charter is AMAIA, with comfortable 47 foot vessels suitable for a party of 10.
For those who have a bit more cash to spare, Sunsail Thailand offers yacht charters in Phuket , sailing tuition and crewed cabin cruises. They are an internationally accredited RYA sailing school. Those who prefer to learn with ASA certification can try Yachtpro, which also boasts the first two Thai national sailing instructors in the country. Khun Wingky and Khun Mit can teach in both English and Thai. Another pricey yacht chartering service is Thai Marine Leisure, which is also a major yacht broker on the island.
We would also like to recommend the services of Phuket Sailing, who specialise in chartered cruises throughout Thailand, and also Myanmar (Burma), India and Malaysia. Expect unforgettable cruises to deserted beaches and rainforest islands on very well equipped yachts, all for a reasonable price. See their website, Phuket Sailing, for more details, or Tel/Fax: +66 (0) 7628 9656.
Many cruise operators provide sunset cruises and one of the most spectacular ways to watch the sun set is from the deck of a junk. The Nakalay Junk runs a day cruise as well as a sunset cruise. Chartering the entire boat is possible, but costly. Another junk, the June Bahtra, provides similar service.
For something a little different, you can try an inland cruise with River Rovers, which travels through shallower, inland river routes to areas less frequented by tourists. Their tours include kayaking and visiting the sea gypsy villages.
Traveller tale: Sailing the Andaman coast
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