Phuket mag 28 1 update

Phuket

MAGAZINE

Vol.28 No.1

www.phuketmagazine.asia

The Greater Phuket Magazine has been an integral part of Phuket and the nearby provinces for the past 26 years.

Long before the growth of the Internet and mobile phones our magazine was carried back to homes ranging from Argentina to Demark by tourists wanting to have a keepsake of their Phuket visit and spread the word of Phuket’s natural beauty.

Since 1989, three million copies of our magazine have traveled around the world making it one of Phuket’s most recognized international ambassadors.

Our magazine was founded by a hotographer, so since our inception bringing beautiful images of Phuket and the surrounding area to the world has been a top priority for us. This iconic beautiful photography of the Andaman has helped drawn millions of visitors to Phuket.

We have stood by Phuket and kept printing through SARS, bird flu, the tsunami, currency crises, terrorism threats, foreign wars that stalled tourism and many other difficulties that forced other publications to cease printing. Our magazines are distributed throughout the island at the finest restaurants, hotels, bars, villas, transportation hubs and meeting points. Together with our sister publication, SEA Yachting, the Greater Phuket Magazine will continue to showcase and highlight the beauty of Phang Nga Bay and the Andaman Sea. We are a part of Phuket’s history and we would like to make your company part of that history as well.

We care – let us help you promote your products and services.

For advertising please contact Mrs. Suchada Piluek (Khun DA) Tel. 081-539-5519 E-mail: suchada@dragonartmedia.com

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Vol.28 No.1 Suchada Piluek took this photo of Promthep Cape’s amazing viewpoint

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Contents

Wat Tam Ta Pan’s weird vision of heaven & hell

Wat Tham Ta Pan is without doubt one of the most weirdly original temples in southern Thailand. Located in Phang Nga Town approximately 100km northeast of Phuket City, it offers a journey through Buddhist Heaven and Hell.

Promthep Cape’s amazing viewpoint

Promthep Cape provides visitors with one of the best vantage points to look out over the beautiful waters of the Andaman Sea while watching sail boats and other pleasure craft meander along the coastline.

Experience the glory of Phang Nga Bay at Duck Ventura Park Duck Ventura Park is a water park located on the open water with a gorgeous surrounding beach area. It is a great place for entertaining tourists and locals throughout the day as it can play host to a variety of festivals and events.

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Bringing Stories to Life at the Grand Mercure

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Rawai’s special spot for Wine Lovers

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Earn a ticket to a career on a superyacht with Galileo Maritime Academy

Just steps away from Patong’s nightlife, the Grand Mercure Phuket Patong Resort & Villas is a serene hideaway tucked behind Phuket’s Andaman seafront. The stories told within these walls engage the mind, captivate the senses and enhance each guest’s experience.

Phuket’s Wine Lovers Restaurant is a quintessentially elegant restaurant, attracting both tourists and locals alike, offering an experience, which blends the best of both worlds, introducing the concept of East meets West, through its stunning decor and exotic cuisine.

The Galileo Maritime Academy is quickly establishing a name for itself as the “go-to” school in the region for those considering a career in the superyacht industry.

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Bay Regatta sails for 20th time

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Steak Lao continues to offer delicious food

Under the able stewardship of Simon James and Kae Wattana, the Bay Regatta set sail for the 20th time in mid-February. The “party that sails around” continued to impress cruising through Phang Nga Bay’s stunning karst topography.

Steak Lao has been operating for almost two decades now and continues to offer up the same delicious fare it has long been known for, simple and unpretentious—don’t expect 5-star service—but do expect delicious food that lingers on the taste buds.

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16 Phuket Island Map

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Restaurant Guide

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Phuket Events

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Accommodation

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Phang Nga Exploration Map

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DRAGON ART MEDIA Co., Ltd. Phuket Office: Golden Villa 5, No.9/223, Moo 6, Kathu, Phuket 83120, Tel. 081 539 5519, E-mail: suchada@dragonartmedia.com. Bangkok Office: 1201/65-66 Soi Ladprao 94 (Panchamit), Ladprao Road, Phlapphla, Wangthonglang, Bangkok 10310, Tel. (66 2) 559 0360 Editor: Suphon Rattanaphon, Managing Editor: Scott Murray, E-mail: scottm@dragonartmedia.com.

Associate Editor: Ken Loh, Graphic Designer: Krisana Ekapoom, E-mail: krisana@dragonartmedia.com, Production Co-ordinator: Nantha Bunmee, E-mail: nantha@dragonartmedia.com, Enquiries: Please direct to Ms. Suchada Piluek at 081 539 5519 or E-mail: suchada@dragon artmedia.com, Distribution: 10,000 copies per issue

Please direct all editorial enquiries and contributions to the Managing Editor: scottm@dragonartmedia.com

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W

at Tham Ta Pan is without doubt one of the most weirdly original temples in southern Thailand. Located in Phang Nga Town approximately 100km northeast of Phuket City, it offers a journey through Buddhist Heaven and Hell. At first sight the temple looks a bit abandoned and decrepit, and this adds to the scariness of the place. At the entrance, you’ll see a fountain with five monk statues, each of them holding a bowl representing wealth, beauty, happiness, cleverness, and health. Try to throw a coin in the bowl of your choice and if you succeed you’ll get what you ask for, according to your choice. There are a few buildings located in the centre of the temple grounds, with a small shop where you can make a donation and buy snacks and drinks.

The area behind these buildings offers a walk to a cliff through a luxurious garden dotted with statues of animals. The cliff itself displays various sculptures and representations of Indian deities, from Ganesh to Akhilandeshvari riding a crocodile.

At Heaven Cave, right next to the small shop, a huge Chinese dragon waits for you to enter, its mouth wide open. This is the beginning of the “journey” through representations of Buddhist heaven and hell. The inside of the dragon has a long, quite dark tunnel with just a few tiny windows lighting your path and offering a vision to the “hell” outside. At the end of the tunnel you find the entrance to a deep cave. Pray at the small shrine on your left before heading towards Nirvana at the end of the cave after a 10-minute walk along a dark track with bridges crossing a river. Heaven is symbolized by two Buddha statues (one sitting and one standing) at the end of the cave. Coming out from the cave, you are now ready to see the highlight of the show: welcome to Buddhist Hell!

Buddhist Hell (Naraka in Sanskrit, Na Rok in Thai) awaits you, if you do not follow the five precepts of Buddhism during your life, which are: • Abstain from taking life (thou shall not kill); • Abstain from taking what is not given (thou shall not steal).

• Abstain from sexual misconduct (thou shall not commit adultery); • Abstain from false speech (thou

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shall not lie); • Abstain from fermented drink that causes heedlessness (eschew drunkenness).

Wat Tham Ta Pan is really scary and not really recommended for young children. Scenes showing torture applied to sinners according to their sins are vivid and straightforward and leave no space to the imagination.

But Wat Tham Ta Pan is indeed a oneof-a-kind place well worth a visit due to its weird originality. If you wish to get further details about the various concepts represented at the temple including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism taking a local guide along is recommended.

Wat Than Ta Pan is only one of the many interesting sites that you can find in this area.

Visit Heaven & Hell at Phang Nga’s

Wat Tham Ta Pan

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romthep Cape, or Laem Promthep as it is also called in Thai, has been a famous Phuket landmark for some time now. Located on the southwestern tip of the island, Promthep Cape provides visitors with one of the best vantage points to look out over the beautiful waters of the Andaman Sea while watching sail boats and other pleasure craft meander along the coastline.

Background If you arrive here at the correct time you will also be rewarded with one of the most stunning sunsets that you will see on Phuket; subsequently this is a popular location for taking photographs as evidenced by the bus loads of tourists that frequent this area around sundown.

To help you arrive at the Cape at the best time, they have built a quaint little stand or sunset guide which provides the approximate times for sunset at this site throughout the different times of the year.

However, once you arrive at Promthep Cape, you may also notice that there is a nice dining venue called the Cape Promthep Restaurant which is located close to the road. This popular little restaurant provides a romantic dining venue

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for couples who would like to eat and watch the sun go down while also taking advantage of the cool breeze coming off the ocean below.

There is a beautiful terraced area outside the restaurant which is surrounded by a well-kept garden and once the outside lights are turned on the whole area has a wonderful night time ambiance.

Apart from the Promthep Cape lookout and restaurant, the Kanchanaphisek Lighthouse is also situated along the Cape and it provides great views of the surrounding landscape from its outdoor viewing platform. Inside the air-conditioned lighthouse, you will find there is a small museum complete with a variety of maritime artifacts, which are based on a nautical theme.

Close to this lighthouse is the Promthep Cape Elephant Shrine, which is a Buddhist monument built for the late Prince Abhakara Kiartiwonges, or Prince of Jumborn (1880-1923) who was the 28th son of Rama V (King Chulalongkorn; reign 1868-1910).

As this is a popular area that receives quite a number of visitors throughout the day, there is also a small market located next to the car park of the restaurant.

It is here that you will find an assortment of tourist souvenirs and other merchandise including handicrafts, seashells, t-shirts, toys, beachwear, fresh fruit, vegetables and, of course, Thai snacks and cool drinks. The souvenirs here are quite cheap but you can always barter with the stall owners to get the prices down even further.

Getting There Promthep Cape is located approximately 19 kilometres from the town centre. You will need to hire a taxi, rent a motorcycle, or take a tour bus to get there. This is a popular tourist destination so you will have no trouble finding it.

The best way to travel to Phuket is by plane or bus. Flights to the Phuket International Airport occur daily from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports. Local airlines servicing Phuket include Nok Air, Air Asia, Bangkok Airways, Thai Smile, Lion Air, Orient Thai and Thai Airways.

Phuket is home to Thailand's busiest airport outside of Bangkok. Direct flights are available from a number of countries including Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan to name a few. There are an abundance of taxi's and mini-vans located outside Phuket's airport to transport you to your hotel.

Buses to Phuket depart Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal daily with the journey taking approximately 13 hours.

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South East Asia's leading destination marathon

Laguna Phuket Marathon is set top welcome over 7,000 runners

Laguna Phuket Marathon to take place 3rd and 4th June, 2017.

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ore than 7,000 athletes from around the world are heading to Phuket this June to “Run Paradise” at the 2017 Laguna Phuket Marathon. Having put Phuket on the map as a world-class sports tourism destination, the Laguna Phuket Marathon has grown to become the leading destination marathon in South East Asia and will take place 3rd and 4th June 2017, hosted by the multi award-winning integrated destination resort Laguna Phuket.

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With a reputation that spans the globe, the Laguna Phuket Marathon attracts runners from more than 40 countries and has become the “must run” destination marathon in the region.

“2017 will be the 12th edition of the Laguna Phuket Marathon and it continues to go from strength-to-strength. The beautiful course, beachfront location of Laguna Phuket and its onsite resorts and facilities appeals to a diverse demographic – from families and first-timers to experienced runners,” said Mr. Roman Floesser,

General Manager of the event’s organizer, Go Adventure Asia.

The Laguna Phuket Marathon offers five distances: The 2km Kids Run, 5km Run and 10.5km Run take place on Saturday 3rd June in the afternoon while the Half Marathon (21.097km) and Marathon (42.195km) take place Sunday 4th in the morning.

“This sunset to sunrise concept of splitting the distances over two days was introduced last year, and was well received. It allows us to accept more runners and provide a safe and enjoyable race experience for all participants,” added Floesser.

Sanctioned by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, the Laguna Phuket Marathon is organized by leading sports management company Go Adventure Asia with professional timing and results by Sportstats Asia, ensuring the highest of international standards.

Now in it's 12th year, the Laguna Phuket Marathon was launched in 2006 and is operated by Go Adventure Asia.

Early Bird rates for the 2017 Laguna Phuket Marathon are available until 28 February, 2017.

Don't miss out on discounts of up to 22%. To find out more, go to www.phuketmarathon.com/registration.

For more information, visit www.phuketmarathon.com or www.facebook.com/phuketmarathon

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ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

Hyatt Regency Phuket.

The Naka Phuket Villa.

Patong

Mai Khao Beach Ananatara Mai Khao Phuket Villas Tel. 076-336-100, www.Phuket.anantara.com

JW Marriott Phuket Resort&Spa

Tel. 076-338-000, www.jwmarriottphuketresort.com

Sala Phuket Resort&Spa

Tel. 076-338-888 , www.salaresorts.com

D Varee Mai Khao

Le Meridien Phuket

Tel. 076 370 100 www.lemeridienphuketbeachresort.com

Absolute Sea Pearl

Tel. 076 341 901, www.absoluteresorts.com

Amari Coral Beach

Tel. 076 340 106, www.amari.com

Banthai Beach Resort & Spa

Tel. 076-336-499, 076-540683-4, www.dvaree.com

Tel. 076 340 850, www.banthaiphuket.com

Centara Grand West Sands Resort& Villas Phuket

Tel. 076 370 200, www.phuket.holidayinnresorts.com

Marriott Maikhao

Tel. 076 340 666, www.royalparadise.com

Holiday Inn Resort

Tel. 076 296 631, www.phuketsalathai.com

Tel. 07637 2000 , www.centarahotelsresorts.com Tel. 076 338 000, www.marriott.com Tel. 076 603 699 www.phuketmaikhaobeach.holidayinnresorts.com

Maikhao Dream Villa Resort & Spa Tel: +66 (0)76 371 371 Ext.8851 Fax: +66 (0)76 371 327 Email: marketing@maikhaodream.com www.maikhaodream.com

Bangtao Beach Banyan tree Phuket

Tel. 076 372 400, www. Phuket@banyantree.com

Dusit Thani laguna

Tel. 076 362 999, www.dusit.com

Holiday Inn Resort

Arinara Bangtao beach

Tel. 076 314 361, www.arinararesort.com

Angsana laguna Phuket

Tel. 076 324 101, www.angsana.com

Laguna Holiday Club

Tel. 076 271 888, www.lagunaholidayclubresort.com

Kamala Beach Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort

Tel. 076 231234, www.phuket.regency.hyatt.com

Andara resort and villas phuket Tel. 076 338 777, www.andaraphuket.com

Araya Kamala Resort & Spa

Tel. 076 310 777, www.ayarakamalaresort.com

Kamala Dream

076 279131, www.kamaladreams.net

Kamala Beach Front

Tel. 076 385 412 www.kamala-beachfrontapartment.com

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Safari Beach Hotel

Tel. 076 341 171, www.safaribeachhotel.com

Best Western Sawadii

Tel. 076 343 444, www.patongsawaddi.com

Novotel Patong

Tel. 076 342 777, www.novotel.com

Rawai Sandy House Rawai

Tel. 085 888 0821 www.sandyhouse-rawai.com

Salathai Resort

Tel. 076-388354-5, www.miraclehousephuket.com

Patong Merlin

Tel. 076- 613879-81, www.navatararesort.com

Grand Mercure Phuket Patong Resort & Villas

Tel. 076 363 600, www.vijittresort.com

Tel. 076 349 888 , www.merlinpatong.com

Miracle House

Naratara Resort The Vijtt Resort Le Piman Resort

Tel. 076 231 999 www.grandmercurephuketpatong.com

Tel. 076 613 732, www.lepimanresort.com

Milliennium Resort

Tel. 076 289 445, www.yanuiresort.com

Tel. 076 601 999, www.millenniumhotels.com

Ibis Hotel

Tel. 076-303888, www.Ibishotel.com

The 9th Floor

Tel. 076-344311, www.the9thfloor.com

Duangjitt Resort & Spa

Tel. 076 366 333, www.duangjittresort-spa.com

Outrigger laguna phuket beach Tel. 076 310 400, www.movenpick.com

La Flora Patong Resort

Tel. 076 344 241, www.laflorapatong.com

The Royal Paradise Hotel

Tel. 076 360 600, www.outriggerthailand.com

Moevenpick resort bangtao

Amatara Resort & Wellness.

Novotel Phuket Resort.

Ya Nui Resort

Most tourist amenities are on Phuket’s west coast, so we’ve listed more accommodation from this area. However, those looking to get away from the bustle should visit the many other beautiful parts of the island.

Kata Beach Resort and Spa.

Kata Kata Palm Resort & Spa

Trisara Phuket-Cherngtalay, Thalang.

Karon CentaraKaron Resort

Tel. 076 284 334 www.kataplamresort.com

Tel. 076 396 200, www.centarahotelsresorts.com

Nook Dee Kata Beach Resort

Tel. 076 286 750, www.secretcliffvilla.com

Kata Sea View Villas

Tel. 076 681 800, www.mandaravaresort.com

Tel. 076 688 888, www.nook-dee.com

Tel. 089 724 3313, www.seaviewvilla.com

FotoHotel

Tel. 076 680 900, www.fotohotelphuket.com

Kata Beach Resort and Spa Tel. 076 330 530 www.katagroup.com/kata-beach/home.

Katathani Phuket Beach Resort Tel. 076 330124, www.katathani.com

Eastin Yama Hotel Phuket

Tel. 076 303 456, www.eastinhotelsresidences.com

Chanalai Flora Resort

Secret Cliff Villa

Mandarava Resort

Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa Tel. 076 396 433, www.hilton.co.th

Beyond Resort Karon

Tel. 076 330 006, www.katagroup.com

Sugar Marina Resort – Fashion

Tel. 076 284 404, www.sugarmarina-fashion.com

Grand Sunset Hotel

Tel. 076 510 020, www.grandsunsethotel.com

Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort

Tel. 076 370 100, www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien

Tel. 076 330 148, www.chanalai.com

The Vijitt Resort Phuket.

Phuket Town The Metropole Hotel Phuket

Tel. 076 215 050, www.metropolephuket.com

Blue Monkey Hotel

Tel. 076 212 433, www.blumonkeyhotels.com

The Tint Phuket

Tel. 076 217 099, www.thetintphuket.com

Sino House Hotel

Tel. 076 232 494, www.sinohousephuket.com Hotel Novotel Phuket Phokeethra Tel. 076 397 777, www.novotelphuket.com

Bhukitta Hotel & Spa

Tel. 076 215712-3, www.bhukitta.com

Royal Phuket City Hotel

Tel. 076 233 333, www.royalphuketcity.com

Dara Boutique Hotel and Residence Tel. 076 612 846, www.daraphuket.com

The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket Tel. 076 335 600, www.westinsiraybay.com

Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort and Spa

The Memory at On On Hotel

Tel. 090 484 9039, www.thememoryhotel.com

The Wide Suites

Tel. 02 661 8141, www.accorhotels.com

Tel. 076 681 255, www.thewidesuites.com

The Blue Pearl Kata Hotel

by The Beach Group

The Nchantra Pool Suite Phuket

Tel. 076 510 011, www.nchantrapoolsuite.com

Tel. 076 284 166 www.thebluepearlkata.com

CC’s Hideaway Hotel

Tel. 076 333 222, www.ccshideaway.com

Kata Lucky Villa & Pool Access Tel. 076 333 385, www.kataluckyvilla.com

Peach Hill Resort

Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort.

Tel. 076 371 600, www.peach-hill.com

Honey Resort

Tel. 076 330 938, www.honeyresort.com

Metadee Resort and Villas

Tel. 076 337 888, www.metadeephuket.com

Movenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket

Tel. 076 396 139, www.movenpick.com

Mom Tris Villa Royale Hotel Tel. 076 333 569 www.villaroyalephuket.com

Boathouse by Montara Tel. 076 330 015 www.boathousephuket.com

Kata Poolside Resort

Tel. 076 333 177, www.katapoolside.com

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Mother and calf walrus swimming.

Polar bear.

Walrus colony swimming. Left to right: Cliff Tweden (Latitude Chief Engineer), Justine Poulin (Latitude Stewardess), Einar Eliassen (Jason Roberts Productions guide), Aparna Thadani (Anil’s daughter), Kaitlin Seyster (Latitude Stewardess).

A ticket to a career on a superyacht with

Galileo Maritime Academy Left to right: Benjamin O’Leary (Latitude Deckhand), Anil Thadani (Latitude Owner), Sean P Meagher (Latitude Captain), Cliff Tweden (Latitude Chief Engineer).

Latitude in Longyearbyen, Svalbard.

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huket’s burgeoning superyacht industry now sees many companies providing luxury products and services for these vessels and their wealthy owners and guests. There is one that takes personal service to the elite level: Galileo Maritime Academy.

With a vision of becoming the best maritime training academy in the world, Galileo Maritime Academy is based in Phuket, and has been accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) of the government of the United Kingdom as being the only MCA approved superyacht crew academy in the Asia-Pacific. Courses and real life experiences, including training on Galileo’s own vessels, are provided for students to fulfil roles as steward/stewardess, deckhand, bosun, deck officers, cook, crew cook and yacht chef on superyachts in 1, 5, 10, 15, 21-day courses in facilities designed to reflect real life conditions encountered on a superyacht. Students learn the duties and responsibilities relevant to their positions and the importance of working effectively with others.

For some, it’s a “zero to hero” route to reach the pinnacle of a rewarding career on a superyacht.

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Gallileo instructor and course administrator Mayuree Mary Mardsatool at helm of M/Y Gipsy.

Galileo instructors also teach the STCW 2010, or International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers, a mandatory course for anyone working on a marine vessel over 24 meters in length as required by the IMO, the International Maritime Organization. The course covers the modules of fire prevention and firefighting, personal survival, first aid, safety and social responsibility and security awareness for crew aboard superyachts, cruise ships and in oil and gas operations.

Andrew Gallagher, Rotational Captain on the superyacht M/Y April cites that all crew who completed the refresher STCW: “…have been impressed with the level of intensity, professionalism, facilities and knowledge shared by GMA’s staff and our crew found their time well spent. All crew are not only happy to have received their MCA certification, but feel they have taken away an experience which will assist them onboard for years to come, as well as knowing the MCA certified STCW-R qualification is recognised all around the world”.

The most popular courses are the Deckhand and Steward/Stewardess that cover a

The crew of M/Y Latitude on the Arctic ice.

Left to right: Hayley Smith (Latitude Chief Stewardess), Taryn White (Previous Latitude Stewardess), Curtis Martin (Previous Latitude Deckhand), Amanda Simmons (Latitude Stewardess), Scary Polar Bear, James Clarke (Latitude Bosun).

range of proficiencies from superyacht terminology, etiquette and life on board, practical experience at sea, tender driving, rope work, engine and electrical systems, basic seamanship and navigation, exterior and interior cleaning, care and maintenance of tenders and sea toys, table settings, napkin folding, cutlery handling and elegant table decoration, dining service, wine appreciation, floral arrangements, interior cleaning, cabin makeover, laundry and garment care. Silver service is extensive training yet many further broaden and develop their skills to improve their career opportunities.

Anthony Gould, Director of Galileo Maritime Academy, explains that “a career on superyachts is exciting, it’s adventurous and it’s very rewarding.” Furthermore, “graduates from Galileo are fully qualified, fully certified to work anywhere in the world on a superyacht and recognised as one of the best of the very best. It’s a fast track to a great career.”

Galileo candidates must possess certain characteristics that will enable them to succeed in the industry. Says Galileo instructor and course administrator, Mary Mardsatool, “Individuals must possess strength, determination, willingness to try new things, to dare themselves to be better because they’ll be pushed to be the best they can be, and also to pursue real excellence not just for luxury service, but seven-star service. They must also learn to work with their fellow crew as a team.”

In addition, course applicants are screened for appropriate health, presentation and career background in order that Galileo can recommend graduates to client captains and place them on a superyacht.

Benjamin O’Leary who completed his STCW 2010 and then the Deckhand (DKH) Course in November 2015 says of his training at Galileo, “Galileo Maritime Academy has taught me the essentials in working onboard a yacht and how to

conduct myself appropriately. The knowledge that has been passed on to me will guide me for the rest of my life in the industry that I will pursue to a lifelong career.”

Within days of graduating Galileo helped Ben secure a job as a deckhand aboard M/V Latitude, a Vripack-designed motor yacht of 52 meters in length of impressive exterior styling and luxurious interior that accommodates 12 guests.

Privately owned and used for exploration and fun, M/V Latitude boasts state-of-the art technology, leisure and entertainment facilities along with a Jacuzzi, gym and “sea toys” – ideal for luxury world travel.

Since January 2016, Ben’s journey has taken him to the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Denmark, Estonia, Russia, Finland, Sweden and Norway. M/V Latitude has been cruising the Arctic Circle once again, having completed two historic voyages through the Northwest Passage in the summers of 2014 and 2015.

“This year looks to be a truly amazing adventure, all thanks to Galileo Maritime Academy and their Deckhand & STCW training,” declares Ben. For other Galileo graduates, working on superyachts has taken them on cruises around the Andaman Sea, Bali and Indonesia, from Phuket to the Mediterranean, to the Caribbean, the Seychelles and the Pacific Islands. Exciting adventures with amazing tales to recount!

Galileo’s aim is to become the best maritime training academy in the world.

Contact info: Anthony H. Gould Director of Academy (anthony@ GalileoMaritimeAcademy.com) or Mary Mardsatool Marketing Manager (mary@GalileoMaritimeAcademy.com) www.GalileoMaritimeAcademy.com

Phuket MAGAZINE 29

BAY REGATTA turns twenty Story & Photography by Scott Murray

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he Bay Regatta is a four-day circumnavigation of Phang Nga Bay that takes in three of southern Thailand's most scenic provinces–Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi–with the emphasis is on fun. Attracting the serious, the not-so-serious and the not-at-all-serious “racing” sailors, the regatta appeals to an international mix who enjoy the stunning sailing grounds of the area and a different destination each evening.

Held from 15th to 19th February, The Bay Regatta is a series of passage races – an event format that has caught the attention of sailors around the world with participants coming from as far afield as Australia, Russia, the UK and Canada to compete in six classes (Racing Class, Cruising A, Cruising B, Bareboat Charter, Racing Multihulls and Cruising Multihulls) Each evening, the regatta anchors at a different venue and the sailors go ashore.

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Those staying ashore – more than 60% of the fleet – book accommodation and either eat in the local restaurants or enjoy the official event functions which engage with the local community. Most of the expenditure of the regatta goes directly into the local economies of the areas we visit – this has been the case since the regatta was launched and it will remain so for the future—an excellent example of how sports tourism works to the benefit of communities and local economies.

Starting in Ao Po on Phuket's east coast, after registration and an opening party at Chandara Resort & Spa, on the first day, the yachts raced north through the stunning rocky outcrops of Phang Nga Bay finishing off Koh Yao Noi where yachts anchored and enjoyed a prize-giving party on the beach at Paradise Koh Yao. The second day’s 24nm course left from Koh Yao Noi, rounded Koh Le Mann to starboard, passed Koh Pang & then Koh Pak Bia to port, Koh Ka to

two starts for the competitors throughout the regatta: first off were all the monohulls (15 boats) followed by all the multihulls (16 boats). There were no real glitches, or incidents, on the course as sailboats deftly dodged the longtail fishing boats and fishing lines as they made their way across Phang Nga Bay. The two-boat Racing Class was already decided before the final race as Aleksandr Trofimenko’s Megazip had beat Gary Baguley’s Fujin the previous three days, but Megazip decided to explore Phang Nga Bay on the way allowing Fujin to capture the final race.

With wins on days three and four Hellmut Schutte’s Aquavit 6 was able to take top spot in Cruising A finishing with seven points overall. They were followed by Gary Smith’s Baby Tonga with ten points. If Baby Tonga hadn’t accidentally sailed the wrong course on day three, there’s a good chance they would have won this class. Gavin Wellman’s Rascal’s was in third with spot with thirteen points

starboard, rounded Koh Kaya to starboard through the gate at Koh Heng (keeping the committee boat to port), then rounding Koh Ngang to port before passing between Koh Deng and Koh Samet and finally finishing off of Railay Beach..

On the third day, the racing multis and monos went on a longer 24NM course, while the all the cruisers went on a 17NM course off of Railay Beach in Krabi.

Another great sailing day greeted the participants on the final day as they sailed a short loop around some of the islands off the coast off of Krabi’s Railay Beach, before heading out for a straight shot back to the southern end of Koh Yao Yai with the racing boats doing a slightly longer course than the cruisers. After all the boats crossed the finish, they headed back to Phuket, where they celebrated the final prize giving and dinner at Kan Eang 2 restaurant, overlooking Chalong Bay. PRO and race organizer Simon James used

while Philippe Dallee’s Tintin and Woodrow Christensen’s Linda, rounded out the division, each finishing with seventeen points.

Cruising B saw Gillow-skipped Poco break Canadian Jim “Yee Haw” Ellis’s Remington stranglehold on first-place finishes, but it wasn’t enough to wrestle the overall title from Remington, who finished with seven points, while Poco had ten.

Jim was able to add another notch to his Bay Regatta belt as no one has won has won a Bay Regatta regatta class as many times as Jim has. Piccolo (12 points), Aqua (14 points) and Thalassa (17 points) rounded out this class.

The Bareboat Class same the same results four days running with Kinnon skippered by Stanislav Pechenkin finishing first every day (earning four points overall) Aussie Alan Bower’s All Sail Asia came second (eight points) and Russel Waddy’s All Sail Venus Hunter (fourteen points) finished third.

In racing multis, Fergus Wilmer’s team on

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Thor (Fergus & Jenny Wilmer, plus Warwick Downes & James Haste) claimed line honors flying around the course on all four days, and recorded a line honours time of 02:55:08 on the final day. Thor and John Newnham’s Twin Sharks team of Alfie Rowson, Jason Corall, Tam Keawwantha, and Mark Pescott, ended up tied with seven points each but Twin Sharks won the class on the virtue of its three first-place finishes, but Twin Sharks still only won the final race by thirty-eight seconds on corrected time—it doesn’t get much closer than that. In this eleven-boat class, Alan Cawardine’s Asia Catamarans Hurricane, finished third overall with twelve points followed closely by Mick Coleman’s sister ship Java with fourteen points.

Multihull cruising saw Rick Fielding’s Mojo and Sergei Dikanov’s Fenix flip flop first-and-second place finishes throughout the regatta both finishing with six

points, but Mojo took the win, based on the results of the last race. Colin Wright’s Swift and Graham Tucky’s Optoloi II came next each with eighteen points, but again Swift took third based on the its final-race performance, The Chinese Sanya Yomovo sailing team on DaVinci, had a DNS on the third day and a OCS on the fourth day (they didn’t have a radio on board) relegating them to fifth overall with twenty points.

Simon James, who has stepped in many times to save this regatta over the years, did a tremendous job as PRO setting the courses, manning the starts and keeping things in order. Kae Wattana and her Regattas Asia team made everyone happy on shore, providing plenty of good food and drink and good entertainment. Sean Getchell’s Epic Charters stepped up and provided a superb committee boat, Hakuna Matata, and Tristan Hinxman did great work steering the photographer’s rib, graciously provided

by Raymarine’s Mick Kealy. And Simon’s team on the water—Susan, Susie, Cathy, Chandran & Ron— as always, made sure all the starts and finishes were correctly posted and recorded.

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About The Bay Regatta

The Bay Regatta was launched in 1998 by a group of Phuket-based sailing enthusiasts and a photographer who wished to showcase the stunning beauty of the Phuket/ Phang Nga/ Krabi seascapes.

The Bay Regatta takes sailors through the three provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi allowing participants to experience the best of southern Thai hospitality and the unrivaled sailing grounds in the area. They sail amongst 200-metre high karsts and past hidden bays on their way to a party under-thestars on an idyllic beach.

The Bay Regatta is organised by Regattas Asia under the auspices of the Phuket Yacht Club in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Province of Phuket, the Province of Phang Nga and the Province of Krabi.

For more information, visit www.bayregatta. com or www.facebook.com/bayregatta (Detailed courses can be viewed at www.bayregatta.com/ courses).

About Regattas Asia

Regattas Asia is a brand name of Phuket and More Co. Ltd., established in 2001 with over 15 years’ involvement in the organisation of leading marine events in Asia. Regattas Asia has become a prominent player in Asia's regattas industry, with an innovative approach to the management of major sailing events in the region, and provides services to the following events: Phuket King's Cup Regatta, Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek, Sabang International Regatta (Indonesia), Royal Langkawi International Regatta (Malaysia), Hainan Around the Island Regatta (China), China Cup International Regatta.

Regattas Asia are sole organisers of The Bay Regatta and Samui Regatta (www.regattas.asia).

T he Phuket Rendez Vous

Phuket’s definitive luxury lifestyle event to be staged at

Royal Phuket Marina, 4 to 7 January 2018

R

oyal Phuket Marina is set to host the highly anticipated inaugural Phuket RendezVous from 4 to 7 January, 2018.

Partnering with Asia’s most experienced luxury lifestyle event organizer Asia RendezVous, the Phuket RendezVous showcase event will replace the Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) and build on its 14 year legacy of success.

Hosted by the multi award-winning Royal Phuket Marina, the four-day Phuket RendezVous will showcase a diverse range of high-end products and attractions both on land and in water. Visitors will enjoy curated activities and interactive displays of some of the finer luxuries in life such as yachts, classic cars, supercars, watches, properties and art.

Luxury aficionados from Asia (China, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc.), Europe (Russia, Germany, UK, France, etc.), as well as Bangkok and Phuket, are expected to attend the show and participate in this unique experience.

Visitors will be able to access over 40 yachts and have the opportunity to meet with yacht brokers, high-end property developers, luxury travel organisers (including private jet and helicopter operators) as well as specialists within the areas of auctions, art and investments.

VIP guests will enjoy exclusive access to selected attractions and superyachts, while members of the public are free to explore the exciting exhibits at the Phuket RendezVous.

The Phuket RendezVous will replace the 14-year old Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) that has been successfully running at the Royal Phuket Marina for the past 12 years.

Commenting on the new event, Mr. Gulu Lalvani, Chairman of Royal Phuket Marina said, “This is a very exciting opportunity for the luxury industry in Phuket and Asia to come together at what will surely be the biggest luxury lifestyle event in the region. Royal Phuket Marina has successfully hosted the Phuket International Boat Show for the past 12 years. We will build on that success and expect the Phuket RendezVous to attract thousands of visitors from around the world each year.”

For more information: visit www.royalphuketmarina.com contact info@thephuket rendezvous.com follow the Phuket RendezVous on Facebook @thephuketrendezvous and Instagram @thephuketrendezvous.

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Steak Lao continues to offer delicious food BBQ pork ribs.

S Shrimp Paste.

Deep Fried Sea Bass.

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teak Lao has been operating for almost two decades now and continues to offer up the same delicious fare it has long been known for. The restaurant setting is simple and unpretentious. So, don’t expect 5-star service, especially when the restaurant is full of hungry customers who want their food quickly. But the food is excellent and well worth the wait; the flavors are sumptuous and linger on the taste buds.

The restaurant was originally set up shop in 1999 on Soi Watcharapol in Bangkok, it opened another branch that same year at the SCB Park Plaza, where it was welcomed by Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) employees. It has continued to grow and prosper since.

Steak Lao is not a steakhouse as named, but was named after the restaurant’s signature dish “Steak Lao”. We serve variety of many other delicious food. Whether it is a Thai-style food or Western food we do it in Steak Lao-style, there is a wide variety of culinary choices to satisfy every palate. Steak

Grilled Sirloin Beef.

Sea Bass Steak.

Chicken Green Cuurry.

Salmon Steak.

Lao’s cooks use their culinary skills and expertise to bring the taste of their food to another level.

The restaurant uses only fresh ingredients, bought daily and each serving is prepared fresh in-house.

All the restaurant’s branches are clean and wellmaintained.

One says that the customer is God; but our concern customers are normal people who care about their food, so we treat them well. Steak Lao’s clients are mostly people of working age looking for food that tastes good. Quality and fair price is what Steak Lao offers its discerning customers, whether it be a single dish or a buffet catering to a group, or family. Whether it's lunch or dinner, or if you want to socialize with friends, Steak Lao is always ready to serve with a fresh, clean, quality food at an affordable price.

Please check out the new Phuket location at 105 / 32-33 Moo 7 Phuket 83120 Vichitsongkram Road.

Chicken with coconut milk&Thai herbs.

For more information and reservations Please Contact Mr. Danai Tel: 062 449 7570 E-mail: steaklao.scb1999@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/steaklao.1999 (Open daily from 11am-23pm)

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Palm Seafood Phuket’s most stylish and contemporary seafood restaurant, lounge and bar. Enjoy a drink around the grand terrazzo bar, fresh seafood and the panoramic view on this tranquil beachfront.

Open Daily from 11am – 11.30pm.

Tel: +66 (0)76 386 621 Address: Palm Seafood, Bang Tao Bay, 700 meters north from Twinpalms Phuket Resort.

Restaurant Guide Around

XANA Sunday Brunch Sunday Fun Brunch by the beach!

Every Sunday from 11:30am - 15:30pm Featuring the island’s largest selection of live stations, fine wine, beach entertainment, live performance and many more!

THB 1,450++ Brunch Buffet / THB 2,250++ including free flow of fine house wine, beer, signature cocktails and sparkling wine!

Reservations are recommended! Contact us at info@ xanabeachclub.com or call 076 324 101.

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Sample the Delights of our Buffet Dinner Extravaganza At Grand Mercure Phuket Patong Resort & Villas

Grand Mercure Phuket Patong Resort & Villas proudly presents its sumptuous Phuket’s Night Market, Oriental Buffet Dinner and Grand Seafood Barbeque at Bubbles Restaurant from 18:00 – 22:00. This great culinary feast promises to enthrall, with tasty premium products.

Savour a gourmet selection of local and imported seafood with our “Grand Seafood Barbeque” featuring a seafoodon-ice station displaying scampi, rock lobsters, French oysters and Japanese sashimi, while snappers and blue crabs are being prepared for the barbecue.

Our Chef has also kept meat lovers in mind with grilled Australian sirloins and New Zealand lamb chops to satisfy even the most discerning palate every Friday at THB 1,399 per person with a special promotion of “Dine 4 Pay 3”.

Embark on a journey to the four corners of Asia and enjoy a lavish array of Thai, Chinese, Japanese and other Oriental recipes. Develop your buds and experience new flavours ranging from spicy crab curries to barbecued meats and local noodle dishes, an evening to remember in one of Asia’s most vibrant culinary Nation. “Oriental Buffet Dinner” every Wednesday for only THB 999 per person with a special promotion of “Dine 4 Pay 3”.

Choose from a unique and authentic selection of local cuisine with “Phuket’s Night Market”, featuring traditional Phuket recipes, live cooking stations and BBQ. Enjoy papaya salad from the northeast, “Pad Thai” (Local pan-fries noodles), and the delicious spicy and sour soup “Tom Yam Goong”. The feast culminates with a parade of desserts, ranging from traditional treats such as mango with sticky rice, to something more decadent every Monday for only THB 799 per person.

For more information or reservation, please call +66 76 231 999 or email h8109@accor.com or visit grandmercurephuketpatong.com

P

H

U

16 Moo 2, Viset Road, Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83130

K

E

T

Advance reservation required :

Email: fbm@vijittresort.com Tel: 076 363 600 www.vijittresort.com

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P H U K E T’S

y t r a p o Co c

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

Simon Meets Diamonds

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E V E N T S New Year's Eve 2016-2017 at Baba Poolclub, Sri panwa

New Years @ Kata Rocks

New Year’s Eve Kata Rocks celebrated New Year’s Eve under the stars of the Andaman horizon with an extravagant Cruise Party, in line with the recent Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous held in Dec 2016. Highlights included a live circus show, 3 piece band and resident Dj Vadim and a sumptuous banquet with international delicacies, sumptuous Thai cuisine.

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P H U K E T’S E V E N T S Christmas

NOVOTEL PHUKET RESORT

New Year 2017

Xmas @ Kata Rocks Christmas Eve Kata Rocks Celebrated Christmas Eve with the joyful sounds of traditional carol singers on ‘The Rocks’ followed by a spectacular family style dinner experience.

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