The Regatta
Since its birth in 2002, Samui Regatta has grown to attract the best yachts in Asia and a large spectator following who come to Koh Samui for great sailing, great parties and to experience all that the island has to offer.
The event is proudly hosted by Centara Grand Beach Resort – Samui, which is widely regarded as the “Home of the Samui Regatta”.
The Regatta is organised by Regattas Asia in conjunction with the Samui Yacht Club Regatta, under the auspices of the Province of Surat Thani, the Sports Authority of Thailand, the Municipal of Koh Samui, the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, The Tourism Association of Thailand, the International Sailing Federation and the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand.
The Regatta has 4 key objectives:
- Increase tourists to the island of Koh Samui.
- Increase awareness and participation in watersports in Asia.
- Establish Koh Samui as a leading Sailing Destination
- Support youth education and sporting activities on the island.
Starting with just 11 boats, mainly made up of beach catamarans, the event gained a reputation for offering great hospitality and competitive sailing.
The fleet has now grown into one of the most competitive in Asia and is now placed as the final event of the prestigious Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championship. Crowning the 2013/2014 Asian Champion Skipper and Crew at the last night Awards and Gala Dinner. Held at Centara Grand Beach Resort.
Following number of management and name changes, Regattas Asia took over the organisation of the event in 2012 and has brought the regatta back to its roots, bringing back the name Samui Regatta and returning the social events to their rightful place, on the beach. We continue to develop this theme with the introduction of a fun Stand-Up Paddleboard Challenge for all the crews to join in, as part of the daily Regatta Tavern activities.
Despite these challenging economic times, the event has grown every year to become a truly international event with around 500 competitors joining in annually from over 22 different countries. Generating an estimated 30 million baht worth of media coverage and over 18 million baht into the local Koh Samui economy annually.
Our Sponsors have all come together to support our event and we are indebted to our hosts, Centara Grand Beach Resort and our co-sponsors: Asahi, Siam Winnery and Mount Gay Rum, The Tourism Authority of Thailand(TAT) and the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) who have made this years event possible.
As a Regatta our thanks go to all our Island supporters, suppliers, volunteers, media and most importantly…. the competitors who have now supported the event for 13 years, making Koh Samui one of Asia’s favorite regatta destinations.
Schedule 2015
During the week of the Regatta there are many activities going on in Samui that participants and spectators alike can enjoy. More information on these events will be added shortly so make sure you check back regularly.
SAT 23RD MAY
- 15.00 – 17.00
- Early Registration
- 15.00 – 17.00
- Sail Measurement (by appointment only)
SUN 24TH MAY
- 10.00 – 16.00
- Registration at Centara Grand Beach Resort
- 13.00
- Practice Race
- 17.30
- Skippers Briefing
- 18.00 – 22.00
- Opening Party at Zico’s Brazilian Restaurant & Bar.
MON 25TH MAY
- 10.00 – 17.00
- Racing off Chaweng Beach
- 17.00 – 19.00
- Daily prize giving at The Beach Stage – Centara Grand Beach Resort.
TUE 26TH MAY
- 10.00 – 17.00
- Racing off Chaweng Beach
- 17.00 – 19.00
- Daily prize giving at The Beach Stage – Centara Grand Beach Resort.
WED 27TH MAY
- 10.00 – 17.00
- Racing off Chaweng Beach
- 17.00 – 18.30
- Regatta Tavern – Centara Grand Beach Resort.
- 19.00 – 21.00
- Hawaiian Presentation Party – KC Beach Club, Chaweng Beach.
- 21.00 – Late
- KC Beach Club – The Party Continues….(Pay Bar Only)
- Hosted Drinks and Canapes (19.00 – 21.00)
THU 28TH MAY
- –
- Racing – Reserve Day
FRI 29TH MAY
- 10.00 – 17.00
- Racing off Chaweng Beach
- 17.00 – 19.00
- Daily prize giving at The Beach Stage – Centara Grand Beach Resort.
SAT 30TH MAY
- 10.00 -17.00
- Racing off Chaweng Beach
- 19.00 – Late
- Gala Dinner and Presentations at Centara Grand Beach Resort.
SUN 31ST MAY
- 10.00 -12.00
- Immigration & Customs check-out at Centara Grand Beach Resort for departing yachts.
- Please Note:
- Skippers will be required to go to the Harbour Department in Nathon for port clearance.
Transportation to Nathon will be available once other formalities are completed.
Regatta location
The regatta is based on Chaweng Beach, which is situated east coast of Koh Samui. There are no marina facilities on Koh Samui, although a number of developments are planned for the near future. Most yachts anchor in the bay in front of the race headquarters – Centara Grand Beach Resort. During regatta week there is a maximum tidal range of approximately 2m so most yachts anchor in between 5 and 10m of water. Approximate location of the Regatta Headquarters is N 9° 31.11 E100° 03.58.
Crews arriving at Chaweng Beach will find over 100 sailor friendly resorts, restaurants and bars situated along the beachfront. Behind the resorts is the main beach road which contain all the usual tourist facilities such as money exchange, ATM, Car and Motorbike hire, for those who want to explore the island, and the obligatory internet cafes for those who need to stay in touch with the rest of the world.
There is good GSM telephone coverage, throughout the Island so you are never out of contact.
Customs and immigration
For yachts arriving during the regatta registration period:
The Regatta will offer on-site CHECK-IN facilities on SUNDAY 25TH MAY between10.00 – 16.00 ONLY
On-site CHECK-OUT facilities will be available on the morning of SUNDAY 1st JUNE between 10.00 – 12.00 ONLY
All other vessels arriving on Koh Samui from international destinations prior to the regatta need to report to the Customs, Immigration and Harbour authorities, which are based at the Islands official Port, Nathon. Nathon is situated on the west coast of the island. Unfortunately, there are no real facilities for arriving yachts to berth at Nathon, so it recommended to anchor in Chaweng and get a taxi or hire a jeep for the 30 min ride to the main offices. Office hours are: 08.30 – 12.00 and 13.00 – 15.00 Monday to Friday.
It is the captain’s responsibility to go ashore and check the yacht in/out with the authorities. However, we suggest that all crew attend. Please note: To assist with paperwork, it is suggested that only permanent crew are checked in as Crew and all departing members are checked in as Passengers.
Many nationalities are granted entry visas for 30 days on arrival without a visa, or if you already hold a visa, stay will be granted for its duration. Check in advance which nationalities are eligible for 30-day visas on arrival.
We suggest that all Captains obtain a VISA prior to arrival in Thailand otherwise he/she will be registered as being in transit with the vessel and will be issued a 30-day stay. The captain can sign off the yacht by posting a US$500 returnable bond. The yacht will be granted a six month stay extendable to one year without paying any duties.
Documentation required to check in:
- All passports (captain, crew and passengers)
- The yacht’s registration
- Clearance certificate from your last port
Fees:
- Customs: 100THB
- Immigration: 300THB plus 10 THB per passenger
- Port Control (Harbour Master): 100THB
There may be an overtime charge for weekends and out of hours check in.
NOTE: THE ABOVE IS A GUIDELINE, AND WAS ACCURATE AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. FOR EXACT DETAILS AND PRICES CHECK WITH THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES.