Phuket. Puravarna continues Phang Nga Bay Regatta sponsorship

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The 11^th Phang Nga Bay Regatta sees strong entries and sponsorship as the hotel and property development company, Puravarna, continues their title sponsorship of the regatta for the second year.

The 11^th Puravarna Phang Nga Bay Regatta will be held 6-10 February 2008. Traditionally held over Chinese New Year, the regatta has cemented its place on the regional regatta circuit and has become known for its great sailing grounds and fun social programme.

“The regatta has become many things to many people over the years. Some people call it “The regatta among the mountains” others call it “The fun regatta”. It is both, and 10 years on, the regatta remains true to it's foundations,” said Caroline Payen, President of the Puravarna Phang Nga Bay Regatta organising committee.

Registration and the opening party will take place on 6^th February at Chandara Resort & Spa on Phuket's east coast. The regatta will sail from Phuket into Phang Nga Bay, then to Krabi and Phi Phi before finishing at The Royal Phuket Yacht Club, a Purvarana Resort, on Nai Harn Beach in Phuket on 10^th February, where the closing party will be held. There are four race days on the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10^th of February with a party and prize-giving each evening held at different venues along route.

“We try to make some changes every year as is tradition with the regatta. We mix hotel parties with beach parties, and this year we plan to return to the Chong Lat anchorage at the very north of Phang Nga Bay for a party on the mainland. This was a feature of the earlier regattas and after a few years away, we are excited to return. It's a very special place,” commented John Everingham, Vice President of the organising committee and one of the three original founders.

2007 saw the largest fleet to date with 50 yachts taking part. The regatta's aim is not to grow into the largest regatta in the region, but retain it's unique sailing grounds and fun notoriety. With entries for 2008 already strong at 28, and many more expected, the organisers are bracing themselves for another large fleet.

“It is not our intention to grow the regatta to be like others. We complement other regattas in the region and wish to remain that way. We work together with the local sailing community on Phuket and a large part of our fleet are locally based yachts,” added Payen.

Sponsors this year include Puravarna, Raimon Land and QBE Insurance, as well as a host of local island sponsors who continue to support the event each year. The regatta is organised and supported by SEA Yachting magazine, with racing and on-the-water support from the Ao Chalong Yacht Club.

To enter or find out more about the course and the regatta, go to www.bayregatta.com

Duncan Worthington
Image: Somtam trapeze: © Simon James