Do you ever feel like you know just enough about
Phuket to be dangerous? Let's see if we can fill
in some of the gaps with the latest info from
Phuket experts.
sailboats and motor yachts arrived from all over
the world for the sixth annual Phuket Invitational
Superyacht Rendezvous. The event gathered even
more cachet this year at its new venue, the
exclusive Resort on Phuket's Andaman coast.
The champagne flowed at the opening cocktail party
on board the classic motor yacht Maid Marian II,
which was celebrating her 75th birthday. Following
cocktails, owners and crew were whizzed ashore for
another party. Hein Velema of the principle
sponsor Feadship then announced "The Feadship
Challenge" over finely flavored canapés. The
objective was simple: Teams had to design and
build a model Superyacht in 15 minutes!
Feadship knows a thing or two about boats but
wasn't giving away any secrets, leaving teams
scrambling. Hein looked on with amused curiosity
as the teams tackled the challenge, paying homage
to ancient shipbuilding traditions with balsa
wood, plastic, superglue, sailcloth and a few
basic tools. Suitably inspired by generous
quantities of Moet and fellow guests, the teams
came up with some super - and not so super -
yachts while pondering the age-old question, "Does
size matter?"
The boats took to the water in the specially built
racing trough. Wind power proved tricky as team
members attempted to blow maximum gale force to
propel their boats. To separate the men from the
boys, a beer had to be downed at the halfway
point. The team from Sylvia encountered steering
problems, while superior wind power assisted Maid
Marian through several heats until Yanneke Too -
built for speed, emerged the fastest. "The Best
Design" award went to the Silvertip team for sleek
clean lines. "The Ugliest Design" (fast but ugly)
went to Cordelia for an extreme flat bottom.
Truthfully, the only difference between you and
Phuket experts is time. If you'll invest a little
more time in reading, you'll be that much nearer
to expert status when it comes to Phuket.
The following day dawned with glorious weather
conditions. The sun shone; a fantastic fresh wind
blew to fill the sails; the sky was a brilliant
deep blue - all set against the lovely coastline
of Phuket. Veteran King's Cup race master Andy
Dowden, reminding everyone "it's a rally not a
regatta," set the triangular course leading the
yachts close to land. Long legs and downwinds
provided spectators with a magical sight, as sails
were unfurled in majestic splendor.
The classic ketch Sylvia, always memorable, was an
inspiring sight as southwest winds filled her
600-square meters of sail setting her on course
for Sri Lanka. "Everyone got their passport?"
joked Capt. Bryce after Sylvia missed the starting
line. The 5O-year-old lady was challenged with
rigging and renegade sails that took a lot of
combined muscle to rein in. As every year, she
followed a slightly different course. Capt. Bryce
acknowledged that perhaps a few regatta rules had
been broken, but everything was fine.
Yanneke Too - operating with push-button
efficiency led the field. After an exciting start,
which had Yanneke Too and Intrigue neck and neck,
Yanneke the only boat that hoisted her fabulous
spinnaker, made headway. Unfortunately the
spinnaker just dipped in the water and Intrigue
sailed sovereign in the winner's position.
This year's Invitational captured a moment in
history. Following last year's tsunami, Phuket and
the Andaman coast have made an incredible recovery
and many visitors felt a new era was beginning for
the region. The sponsors, including organizing
sponsor SEAL Superyachts, see Asia and especially
Phuket emerging as the ultimate yachting
destination in the not-too-distant future.
At the final gala dinner their predictions seemed
to be on track. The private beach was beautifully
decked out. The lavish buffet included fresh
Andaman seafood and an array of sensuous chocolate
delights. Lashings of champagne added to the
general bonhomie as dozens of traditional hot air
lanterns were launched in the night sky, forming a
canopy of tiny lights above the yachts. "
That's how things stand right now. Keep in mind
that any subject can change over time, so be sure
you keep up with the latest news. http://www.phuket-cannacia.com
About The Author...
Wirat M. is the webmaster of the phuket hotel
andaman cannacia resort website
www.phuket-cannacia.com - providing information
Andaman Cannacia Resort Hotel Phuket Thailand
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