(Koh Samui, Thailand, 2 June 2024) – Hongkong’s Zannekin claims overall victory, standing atop the podium of the 21st Samui Regatta 2024. All the international sailors and crew enjoyed the closing ceremony and prize-giving gala dinner, held at Nora Beach Resort and Spa. This year’s edition not only showcases competitive sailing but also significantly boosts Samui and Thailand’s reputation as a premier sports tourism destination.
After five days of racing in the picturesque setting of Koh Samui, the overall standing see Hong Kong-based Zannekin, a Ker 46 skippered by Marcel Liedts, followed by A35 Iolanthe 3, skippered by Australian Terry Foster in second place and Hong Kong’s Sam Chan on Freefire, in third place. Steve McConaghy’s Aftershock and Garth Riley’s Adams 10 Tenacious, both from Australia, placed fourth and fifth, respectively.
Simon James, Race Director said, “On the last day, after an AP ashore, all yachts set off for a final light wind Windward/leeward course. Team Tenacious stayed ashore to wait for an engineer to fix a few issues before their return to Pattaya. Following close racing between Freefire and Zannekin, Iolanthe 3 that sailing with some of the crew from Tenacious crept in to win the race on corrected time, securing their second place on the Regatta podium.
This past week was quite challenging for both sailors and the race committee, as we encountered a wide range of wind and tidal conditions, leading to some very intense racing. The IRC Open class demonstrated that smaller yachts can successfully compete alongside larger ones under the IRC Rating system when a mix of courses is provided. The Pursuit race was particularly exciting, with boats finishing only seconds apart after 17 miles of sailing.”
“I want to express my gratitude to our on-water team, including our local “wind whistler” Saard Panyawan and his team from Saard Watersports, as well as our Start Boat owners and their crew from team from Sunne, for their invaluable help in making this a memorable week. Our regatta Head Quarter at Nora Beach Resort & Spa was fantastic, and the catering, along with free-flowing drinks, was superb. The support from the great Regattas Asia Team was truly appreciated by all competitors, who couldn’t have asked for a better experience each evening.
We’re looking forward to expanding the fleet for next year, as we hope to spread the story of Samui Regatta 2024 around the world,” said Simon.
Ms. Orawintanee Wattana, Event Director of the Samui Regatta stated “On behalf of Regattas Asia, we extend our gratitude to all our sponsors, as well as the agencies and organizations from every sector that contributed to making the 21st Samui Regatta a tremendous success once again. This event has created lasting memories and experiences for sailors from around the world. The Samui Regatta is not only a challenging and enjoyable sailing competition, but it also provides significant benefits to the community by boosting spending and stimulating the tourism industry in the province and throughout Thailand. Finally, we invite sailors from around the globe to join the Samui Regatta next year and beyond, continuing the legacy of this remarkable event among sailors worldwide.”
The Samui Regatta Organizing Committee, in collaboration with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, the Surat Thani Province, and Regattas Asia, orchestrates this renowned event.
Admiral Thanee Phudpat, Vice President, Yacht Racing Association of Thailand presided over the closing ceremony and prize-giving gala dinner said “The Samui Regatta, with its 20-year history, stands as one of Thailand’s finest events, playing a pivotal role in promoting tourism and sailing sport. Aligned with the current government policy of utilizing sports to bolster the economy, this competition not only focuses on its competitive nature, but also strives to invigorate the entire country’s economy and present Thailand as a premier destination for sailing sports. By hosting major international sailing competitions, it enhances awareness of Thailand’s prowess in this field and contributes to the growth of sea tourism in Surat Thani province, ultimately resulting in direct and indirect economic stimulation for the country as a whole.”
Jason Rowed, Tactician of Zannekin, the winning boat of the 21st Samui Regatta said “Our experience at the Samui Regatta was highly enjoyable. We sailed with a gentle breeze to the reef and back. Each race of the day presented its own unique challenges, as we engaged in constant battles with other boats. As a result, the outcome of the race relied heavily on our performance right up to the finish line. Yet, beyond the competition, Samui itself captured our hearts. it is impossible to not fall in love with Samui. Its exquisite location, nice wind, warm-hearted people, joyful atmosphere, and delightful food and beverage. Samui truly is a sailor’s paradise!”
The Samui Regatta, a prestigious event in the international sailing calendar, ran from May 25 to June 1, 2024. All the keelboats compete in picturesque setting of Chaweng Beach, off from the Host Venue and regatta center at Nora Beach Resort and Spa.
The 2024 edition was proudly supported by an array of sponsors essential to its success. Co-sponsors include The Nora Hotel Group, Chaweng Regent Beach Resort, Bangkok Airways, Bangkok Hospital Samui, Haad Thip PCL, Frank Pong & Team Jelik, Singha, Samui VertiColor, Chaweng Gardens Beach Resort, and SUNNE. Media partners include VivaldiPR, Thailand Marine Guide, and Sea Yachting Magazine.
About the Samui Regatta:
The Samui Regatta is the islands longest running sports event and solidifies Thailand’s position as a premier sailing destination and an essential stop in the Asian yachting circuit. Since its inception in 2001 with a modest fleet of beach catamarans, the Samui Regatta experienced remarkable growth up until 2019, rapidly expanding each year and is now in a rebuilding process post covid. The event’s objectives remain focused on increasing tourism to Koh Samui, elevating the profile of sailing in Asia, and promoting water sports activities.
For more information on participating in the Samui Regatta or to registration, please visit the regatta’s website at https://www.samuiregatta.com and update activities on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamuiRegatta
