Sea yachting 13 1 (jan feb 2018)

Vol. 13 No. 1

January - February 2018

Hanse 588

Southeast Asia’s yachting & marine industry magazine www.seayachtingmagazine.com

AUD7.95 HKD45 RM7.90

SGD6.90 THB180 PHP275

A Hanse 588 graces our first cover for 2018.

Rob Williams’ South East Asia Yacht Sales & Services is the dealer in Thailand.

SEA Yachting is a production of AP PACIFIC Co. Ltd. Suite D, 16th Floor, On Hing Building 1-9 On Hing Terrace, Central Hong Kong.

SEA Yachting is produced under contract by Dragon Art Media Co. Ltd. of Bangkok.

November - April NE trades Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth, whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul...then. I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can. "Herman Melville

Bangkok Offic e: 1201/ 65-66 Soi Lard Phrao 94 Office:

Wangthonglang, Bangkok 10310 Tel. (66 2) 559 0360-3 Fax (66 2) 559 0363

Phuket Office: 169/63 Ban Benjamas, Soi San Sabai Rat-U-Thi Song Roi Pee Road Patong, Katu, Phuket 83150 Tel. & Fax (66 76) 341 685

Editor: Nanta Boonmee Managing Editor Editor:: Scott Murray

Davao

scottm@dragonartmedia.com

Associate Editor Editor:: Ken Loh

Designer: Krisana Ekapoom Advertising Regional: sales@dragonartmedia.com

Manado

ratchanee@dragonartmedia.com

Ternate

Sales & Marketing Executive: suchada@dragonartmedia.com

Distribution Thailand: scottm@dragonartmedia.com

Biak Jayapura

Ambon

Dili Timor

Thursday Is.

Darwin

Port Moresby

Cairns

SEA Yachting is Southeast Asia's regional marine industry magazine. We welcome your comments. Please feel free to send comments or letters to the editor at scottm@dragonartmedia.com Where possible your letters will be published.

Marina Distribution

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Southeast Asia’s yachting and marine industry magazine

C o n t e n t s 22

Raja Muda continues with its 28th thrilling regatta

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MVM’s tracking system

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Southeast Asia Yachts highlights Sealine and Fjord

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Phuket King’s Cup sails for 31st time

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Magical Mergui – Islands in the Stream

Asia’s most challenging regatta with its three passage races, continues to enthrall & captivate all participants.

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MVM’s tracking system using GPS & Inmarasat Satellite Communications increases safety & allows you to monitor your boat from anywhere in the world.

The Sealine C430 and the Fjord 36 Xpress are previewed in this issue

by Rob Williams from his perch at Phuket’s Yacht Haven Yacht Club.

Thanks to some wonderful wizardry by Kevin Whitcraft the King’s Cup was saved and will continue on as one of Asia’s premiere sailing events.

The intrepid Barry Daniel is off on one of his wonderful adventures again, this time exploring the Mergui for Northrop & Johnson.

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Seacat launches Calypso XII

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The BAVARIA C57 has arrived

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The Importance of the Message

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Azimut’s C7 - the Carbon Game Changer

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Sixth Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show a big success

This bespoke 26-metre aluminium dive catamaran, built at Ocean Marina, is destined for Calypso Reef Charters in Port Douglas Australia.

Elite Yachting & Gulf Charters have teamed up to welcome the 88sqm Bavaria C57, Bavaria’s new agship, into the land of smiles.

Duncan Worthington, one of the most inuential journalists in the region, walks us thru the keys to marketing & communication in this day & age.

The all new Azimut S7 collection features the extensive use of car¬bon and a triple pod propulsion, offering unprecedented design freedom.

Thanks to Ocean Marina’s stellar organizing team led by Scott Finsten and Ian Loke, the sixth OMPBS was a great success and enjoyed by all.

www.seayachtingmagazine.com

Regional 12 NEWS

Multihull Solutions to showcase premier line-up at inaugural Phuket Rendezvous Yanmar, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of advanced marine diesel engines, has introduced its new series of common-rail engines.

Multihull Solutions has pulled out all stops to celebrate the inaugural Phuket Rendezvous boat show in January. The company will be a big part of the exciting new event by holding the exclusive Thailand launch of the Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40, as well as the stunning Fountaine Pajot Victoria 67 Flagship sailing catamaran, plus the ITAC Marine 54’ power catamaran.

Held from 4-7 January at the award-winning Royal Phuket Marina, the Phuket Rendezvous is set to bring the best of luxury lifestyle to the region, and will replace the 14-year old Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX).

For four days, Royal Phuket Marina will be transformed into a bustling hub that will attract a host of luxury lifestyle exhibitors, including the best power and sail boats, gourmet cuisine, real estate, watches, super cars, fashion and art.

More than 10,000 visitors are expected at the event, which will feature Asia’s leading marine brokers and dealers.

Multihull Solutions will be located on the marina in berths L1-4, and the company will have members from its Australia and Asia teams on the stand as well as a representative from the Fountaine Pajot shipyard in France.

Aquaholic, the Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 on display at the show, is available for charter through Sail in Thailand.

Further information on the 2018 Phuket Rendezvous or bookings to inspect the Multihull Solutions vessels on display can be arranged by contacting Multihull Solutions +66 8189 41530 (within Asia), emailing info@multihullsolutions.asia or visiting www. multihullsolutions.com.asia. Details of the Phuket Rendezvous can be found at www.thephuketrendezvous.com.

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he new 4LV series offers a range of 5 engines with outputs ranging from 150 to 250hp which will meet the requirements of many work and patrol boat installations, particularly RIBs in either single or twin engine installations This new range of engines harnesses the very latest in electronically managed common rail fuel injection technology to fill the midsection of Yanmar’s range of clean and efficient diesels. Initially only three of the five versions will be released, the 150, 170, & 195hp units.

The engines have been specifically designed to meet the rigours of small commercial craft applications.

Demonstrating what Yanmar claims are best-in-class features reflected throughout its new generation of marine diesel engines, the new 4LV range is clean, interconnective, quiet, powerful and fuel efficient. By exceeding the

Regional

NEWS 13

strict EPA Tier 3 and EU RCD Tier 2 emission regulations, the engines are said to feature ‘virtually smoke and odour free operation’.

For direct connectivity, the 4LV range has been developed alongside Yanmar’s electronic control and monitoring systems and it also connects seamlessly with NMEA or J1939 networking. This ensures the support of the latest marine technologies and allows future-proofed integration to any multifunction bridge display.

The engines incorporate the latest technology to give very low vibration and noise levels for a smooth and quiet running engine. These include a chain rather than belt drive for the camshaft, a counterbalance shaft and refined component design. The engines also feature an excellent power-to-weight ratio and the 4LV delivers a powerful low-end torque performance due to the 2.8 litre displacement which results in excellent acceleration.

The digital control systems constantly monitor the engine to maximize performance and minimize fuel consumption, ensuring these are among the most fuel-efficient engines on the market.

The new engines will be available with a choice of Yanmar controls, which include the VC10 electronic control panel, which offers real time diagnostics, and the JC20 joystick system which offers precise manoeuvring.

The first three versions of the 4LV engines, the 150, 170, & 195hp units will be available as inboard models from the autumn of 2017. These engines operate at 3500rpm whist the two more powerful units, the 230 and the 250hp engines will operate at 3800rpm and will be available in both inboard and sterndrive versions in 2018.

Floris Lettinga, the Global Sales Manager at Yanmar Marine International said, “These engines have been designed for an important segment of the market. With our technical skills at the cutting edge of diesel engineering, Yanmar is now the only marine engine manufacturer to offer a full range of common rail engines from 40hp to 440hp, all with low emissions, lively performance, superb fuel efficiency and good reliability.”

By Dag Pike

Regional

NEWS 15

Electric Boating Report on the Platu Cup Nov 3-5 2017 at Ocean Marina Yacht Club

1.5 3 HP

Equivalent

By Kev Scott The wind forecast for the weekend was unprecedented with a front coming from Vietnam with winds of 25 knots and gusts of 35 knots forecast for the whole weekend.

In spite of this, five intrepid Platu crews headed for the racing area immediately north of the marina to take part in the practice regatta, which preceded the Platu Cup regatta itself. With the wind coming over the land it was possible to stay close to the shore but this did not prevent massive wind shifts and gusts up to 25 knots coming through to provide tacticians with a very busy day. Three races were able to be completed before the wind strength had all competitors running for the safety of the marina.

The results showed that Rolf was able to master the conditions whereas Chris on Easy Tiger was happy to be able to break in his new crew before the main event. Colin Simmonds and his Doolallie crew also had a good day coming in second. Grant Atkinson was brave enough to tackle some racing in spite of having two totally inexperienced crew onboard, while Tim Browne and the Weasel team used the practice regatta to get up to speed for the racing to follow.

Saturday brought wind speeds and gusts hardly ever seen here in Pattaya and certainly not the weather conditions the Platus were designed to race in. Racing was cancelled for the day.

Sunday morning looked even more ominous as a directive from the Marine Authorities of Thailand prohibited any vessel from leaving the marina until further notice. Luckily, the wind and gusts abated sufficiently for the order to be lifted and racing was able to be started at 12.30.

Again, the wind direction changes were significant but with winds of 12 knots and gusts up to 20 knots this was within the safe zone for Platus. This did not make it any easier to race however and crews were made to work extremely hard. The Easy Tiger crew had obviously learned from the practice races and began to show their speed by winning the first three races. Tim Brown’s crew also sailed extremely well and finished just 15 seconds and then 2 seconds behind Easy Tiger for the first two races.

Unfortunately, for them the double-point final race allowed Rolf’s win to lift him to second overall, one point ahead.

In spite of everything, crews finished the weekend with smiles on their faces and enjoyed the good food and the odd beer, or two, provided by the excellent staff of the Sailors Bar. Presentations followed with Chris Way winning the Platu Cup, along with it the overall Platu Championship of 2017. Rolf Heemskerk was second and also took second place for the Platu Championship. And to keep things orderly, Tim Browne and his Weasel Crew took third place on the weekend and third overall in the Platu Championship.

HP

Equivalent

Travel Outboards

5

HP

Equivalent

8

HP

Equivalent

20

HP

Equivalent

Cruise Pod Drives

40

Equivalent

HP

80

HP

Equivalent

Deep Blue Inboards Distributed By:

0$5,1( 75$',1*

ASAP Marine Trading Co., Ltd. cs@asap-marine.com www.asap-marine.com

Regional 16 NEWS

Regional

New Zealand‘s First Female Certied Marina Manager Susan Amos has become the first woman in New Zealand to achieve certification from the Global Marina Institute (GMI). GMI President John Hogan CMP said Susan’s certification as a Certified Marina Manager (CMM) was an important milestone for the marina industry. “The industry needs more women in leadership roles. Women make up just 7% of the certified marina personnel in the Asia, Australian and New Zealand regions. Susan’s certification highlights the pathway for other women to emulate.”

Susan has been involved in the marina industry since 2007. She was appointed Marina Manager at Whangamata Marina in October 2016. The marina is located on the Coromandel Peninsula and it has 209 berths ranging from 10.5m to 20m in length. The marina achieved NZ Clean Marina certification in March 2012.The marina is owned by an Incorporated Society (under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908) and is a not for profit entity. Susan is also the Treasurer for the New Zealand Marina Operators Association.

Susan completed her course work for CMM through the Marina Industries Association (MIA). Susan said “I am really thrilled about this qualification. I have had tremendous support from the previous Manager and from the Management Committee. I have always admired those who have achieved this qualification. Through the MIA I have been fortunate to participate in the intermediate and advanced marina management courses which are pre-requisites to applying for certification. I was also very fortunate to have been successful in being awarded the Bellingham scholarship to assist with participating in this education process. The standard of these courses is excellent and the networking invaluable.”

There are 34 CMM’s and six Certified Marina Professionals (CMP) across the MIA regions of education course delivery. Globally there are over 250 certified members and the number is steadily growing.

NEWS 17

alileo G Maritime Academy

a safe and happy New Year and fair sailing in 2018

The home of professional seafarer training in the Asia Paciďƒžc

Galileo Maritime Academy Training highlights from 2017

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Story compiled from reports led by Capt Marty Rijurkis & Bev Hon, Xcess Communications Photography by Guy Nowell

Setting sail Thirty-one yachts took part in the 28th sailing of the Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta (RMSIR), with crews coming from as far as Australia and Japan to compete in the event.

The 8-day challenge consists of three overnight passage races, totaling 260nm, 3 days of harbour racing in Penang and Langkawi, plus five prize-giving parties, along the way. This regatta is described as “very character building and a challenging event”, and it lures back sailing teams, year after year.

Although suffering a medical emergency, after defending the IRC 1 title last year, Sarab Singh has recovered and his crew of the Welbourn 52 Windsikher II, returned and looking forward to making it a three-peat. Phillip Turner’s Reichel/Pugh 66 Alive skippered by Duncan Hine, returned from Australia and expected to be in the running, after their familiarization in the 2015 regatta. Never underestimate the smaller yachts in this class: Nick Burns/Fred Kinmonth’s Sydney GTS 43 Mandrake III; Gordon Ketelbey’s Farr 40 Ramrod; and Geoff Masters Mills 41 Meraki are all capable of exerting pressure in the handicap stakes and claiming the prestigious Raja Muda Cup. At 72ft long Geoff Hill’s Smith 72 Antipodes topped the size scale and has won the Premier Cruising Class before but would like to avenge the Malaysian Armed Forces Farr 520 Zuhal skippered by Mohd Masyuri, after a tight fought battle that won them the Jugra Cup last year. Andrew Cocks Simonis Voogd 56 Starlight are always in the mix and has the potential to beat the rivals.

Richard Barnhurst’s Beneteau First 45 FastTrack is making their debut, while David Fuller's chartered Beneteau 44.7 Fujin has scored IRC handicap wins in all the top classes, are excited about having a tilt at this title.

A strong contingent of Malaysian yachts entered the IRC 3, Cruising and Classic Cruising classes. RSYC Commodore and RMSIR chairman Jeff Harris took charge of the J130 Jing Jing going head-to-head with John Kara’s Beneteau First 45 Insanity. The Port Klang yachts faced stiff competition from Hong Kong’s Paul Stripp’s Azuree 40 Lion Rock, the Aussies on Max Palleschi’s IOR Farr 40 Prime Factor and Atul Sinha’s Van de Stadt 39 Simba from Singapore—came ready to exert some pressure on the local yachts.

The Cruising class was the biggest with nine yachts entered and. Chris Mitchell's Naut 40 Lady Bubbly was back to defend his title. The usual suspects Rama’s Dehler 34 V.G.Offshore: Ken Yap’s Hunter 326 Millennium 2: Dato Alex Nah’s Hunter 49 Virgo: and Arne Hayn's Dehler 34 FlamOff Delite; took on Pang Kim Ann Daniel’s Hanse 400e Mystic River; Bob & Judy Howison’s Elan Impression 434 Kinabalu representing Singapore. Hailing from Australia, Tristram Denyer Dufour 350 Iseulta, and Japan's Yasuto Fuda’s Yamaha 31 Fortissimo X, vary dramatically in design and performance, but would keep the arbitrary handicapper busy.

After many years absence, one of the founding fathers of the RMSIR, Dato Johan Ariff's Swan 46 La Samudra II skippered by

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Dominic Liddell, graced the Classic Cruising class. Other grand ole dames competing were the Royal Malaysian Armed Forces Contessa 32OD Marikh skippered by Lt Khairul Azmi: Adale Adham's Oyster 55 Chantique skippered by Hakim A. Klunker: Simpson Marine’s Ericson 38 Francis skippered by Mohd Hafizi: and Jeremy Camps Maxi Mixer Old Pulteney Cabaret 6, skippered by Martin Grantham: all expecting a right royal battle for the right to emerge victorious in this class.

Rounding out the classes, Guy Scott’s Stealth 12.6 Afterburner was the only multihull entered this year and was a bit lonely, but with plenty of other yachts around to compare the speed difference, was able to vie for overall line honours.

Folding sail The final day of the 2017 Raja Muda got off to a wet start when morning rain led to the AP flag being flown and the last two Langkawi inshore races being pushed back for a bit.

Once the all clear was given and the race back in progress, the boats raced in relatively favourable conditions with winds at an average of 10 knots and the sea relatively calm.

Class 1 defending champion Windsikher (Sarab Jeet Singh) managed to stave off stiff competition to retain the division title and the prestigious Raja Muda Cup for the third time.

Coming in second was Otonomos Mandrake III (Fred Kinmonth and Nick Burns) with Ramrod(Gordon Ketelbey) taking third place. Philip

Turner’s Alive (skippered by Duncan Hine) may have won the regatta’s line honours but had to be content with fourth placing overall after the handicap. Meraki (Geoff Masters) finished fifth.

The Class 2 race remained close right up to the end but Antipodes (Geoff Hill) eventually pipped strong contender FastTrack (Richard Barnhurst) by a single point to reclaim the division title and the Jugra Cup. Starlight (Andrew Cocks) finished third, leaving Class 2 defending champion Zuhal (the Malaysian Armed Forces, skippered by Mohd Masyuri bin Rahmat) in fourth place.

In Class 4, Fujin (David Fuller) built a strong lead early on in the overall race to put enough distance between any possible contenders to secure the Class 4 title and JCC RE Challenge Trophy. Prime Factor (Max Palleschi) narrowly edged past Jing Jing (Jeff Harris) to claim second place in the overall division standings, leaving the latter in third.

Class 5 defending champion Lady Bubbly (Chris Mitchell) had to settle for second place after Kinabalu (Bob Howison) extended its narrow lead to win the Class 5 title and Royal Langkawi Yacht Club Trophy. Japan’s Fortissimmo X (Yasuto Fuda) came in third.

La Samudra 2 (Dato Johan Ariff, skippered by Dominic Liddell) competed to honour the late Fay Khoo and honour their former sailing mate they did. La Samudra 2 sailed to the top of Class 6 to win the overall division title and the Eveline trophy. Finishing second and third in Class 6 were Old Pulteney Cabaret 6 and Marikh

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(the Malaysian Armed Forces, skippered by Jamil bin Ahmad Urayah).

The final awards ceremony for the 2017 RMSIR were held at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club. Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, presented the Jugra Cup to the Antipodes team while Royal Selangor Yacht Club Commodore and RMSIR Chairman, Jeff Harris, presented the Raja Muda Cup to Windsikher (commissioned from Garrards of London in 1994).

The regatta used the Yellow Brick (YB) Yacht Tracking system, which is used in top international sailing events such as the Rolex Sydney Hobart, World ARC 2017, Rolex Fastnet, Sydney Gold Coast Race and many others.

It was used during the RMSIR passage races from Port Klang to Pangkor, then Pangkor to Penang and lastly, Penang to Langkawi providing essential safety information if an on-board emergency occurs.

The RMSIR was established in 1990 by the RSYC’s Royal Patron, the Sultan of Selangor HRH Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah (who

was then Raja Muda Selangor) together with Dato Johan Ariff and Jonathon Muhiudeen.

Yachts competing in the regatta range from top class IRC1 racers to beautiful classic cruisers with long overhangs dating back over 100 years.

Skippers and crew have to cope with the unpredictable weather, changing tactics and heavy shipping traffic in the Straits of Malacca, all of which make the regatta a matchless experience.

Known for its unpredictable winds, weather and tide, the RMSIR provides excitement for even the most experienced of sailors, along with an interesting challenge. Add to that a little bit of sightseeing and fun social events at every stop and you have a regatta with everything. The month of November typically marks the height of the northeast monsoon on Peninsular Malaysia where sailors can expect anything from glassy waters and light breeze to a sea heaving with two metres of swell or higher and 30 knot squalls blowing off the coast. In other words, these northeast monsoon months bring conditions that are challenging enough even for seasoned sailors

2017 RMSIR OVERALL RESULTS CLASS 1 – RAJA MUDA CUP BOAT NAME

SKIPPER

1st

PLACING

Windsikher

Sarab Jeet Singh

2nd

Otonomos Mandrake III

Fred Kinmonth / Nick Burns

3rd

Ramrod

Gordon Ketelbey

CLASS 2 – JUGRA CHALLENGE CUP PLACING

BOAT NAME

SKIPPER

1st

Antipodes

Geoff Hill

2nd

FastTrack

Richard Barnhurst

3rd

Starlight

Andrew Cocks

CLASS 4 – JCC RE CHALLENGE TROPHY BOAT NAME

SKIPPER

1st

PLACING

Fujin

David Fuller

2nd

Prime Factor

Max Palleschi

3rd

Jing Jing

Jeff Harris

CLASS 5 – ROYAL LANGKAWI YACHT CLUB TROPHY BOAT NAME

SKIPPER

1st

PLACING

Kinabalu

Bob Howison

2nd

Lady Bubbly

Chris Mitchell

3rd

Fortissimmo X

Yasuto Fuda

CLASS 6 – EVELINE TROPHY PLACING

BOAT NAME

SKIPPER

1st

La Samudra II

Dominic Liddell

2nd

Old Pulteney Cabaret 6

Martin Grantham

3rd

Marikh

Jamil bin Ahmad Urayah

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Contact: Damien | Kanokporn | Tim at info@mvmsurveys.com

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Contact: Damien | Kanokporn | Tim at info@mvmsurveys.com

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Contact: Damien | Kanokporn | Tim at info@mvmsurveys.com

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The new Sealine C430 –

Experience the Performance and Comfort

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he Sealine C430 boasts technical refinements with a visually striking design and features plenty of light throughout and a large glass roof and floor level windows.

Her steep stem has been borrowed from the wave-piercing concept of offshore yachts and big waves are cut from the lower part of the stem increasing the comfort and safety at sea. Both floor structure and bulkheads are laminated to achieve high stiffness which allows the largest hull, roof and saloon windows in its class.

The Sealine C430 can be optimized for the needs of her owner. The standard layout includes a large master cabin in the center and a VIP cabin in the bow. Optionally the master cab-

in can be in the bow and two additional cabins in the middle of the boat; one with the choice of a queen-size bed or two single beds. All cabins feature real slate on the walls, fine leather panels on the beds and soft carpets on the floor.

The saloon is unique with a large U-shaped sofa and the ground-level windows allowing an unobstructed view of the water.

An electric sunroof converts the Sealine into a sporty convertible with an open-air lounge. A sliding door at the helm allows easy access to the bow and a perfect view while docking.

The glass of the large pantry opens into the outdoor kitchen, connecting the in-doors and outdoors .

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Her separate outdoor relaxation areas are great; the reclining seating in the bow and barbecue bar in the stern with an L-couch and an electric sunroof.

Stunning performance and handling comes from two IPS 400 engines (IPS 500 and 600 engines are options) with great handling via the Smart Boat System (SBS) which can be operated by a fixed touch screen display or with any connected tablet and smart phone.

Driving the new Sealine C430 you are struck by her power and torque.

The Stern Grill and her submersible rear platform is a significant feature.

Dimensions Length: 13.06 m Width: 4.20 m Draught: 1.33 m Height (excl. mast): 3.33 m Displacement: 13,3 t Fuel tank: 1150 l Freshwater tank: 450 l Engines: Volvo Penta IPS 400/ opt. IPS 500, IPS 600 Top Speed: 33 kn For more details contact SEA Yacht Sales at inq@sea-yss.com

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he new Fjord 36 Xpress is handcrafted with particularly high quality and luxury and is now leading the premium outboard boat market.

Her unique design and powerful twin outboard engines push her to 45 knots while providing shallow water operation.

On deck she has a seating area forward with settees and a table with a walk through to the helm position and below deck access.

Aft, the cockpit has space for a wide lounge with two settees and a table creating an open air entertaining area that can be fitted with a stylish outdoor kitchen below the T-Top; the perfect place to prepare food and drinks.

The aft table and settees have the option of being lowered to provide a luxurious sun bed.

Below deck, the Fjord 36 xpress has a double cabin and a head with shower.

Technical Data:

LOA: 11.32 M BEAM: 3.64 M DISPLACEMENT: 6.0 T APP. FUEL: 760 L WATER: 160 L MAX SPEED: 45 KNOTS ENGINE: 2 X MERCURY VERADO (300 PS/ 350 PS) + JOYSTICK PILOTING

For more details contact inq@ sea-yss.com or phone: Thailand +6681 370 1995 Malaysia +60 174 196933

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The New Fjord 36 Xpress ……

with outboard engines!!

Phuket King’s Cup sails for 31st time

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T

he Kata Beach Resort and Spa, recently rebranded The Beyond Resort Kata, has long been the spiritual home of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, and this past December was no different as it hosted the 31st Phuket King’s Cup Regatta from 2-9 December, 2017.

Over 83 keelboats and multihulls from 20 countries split via 11 classes (and 71 dinghies) joined the 31st Anniversary race, with more than 700 sailors and support crews joining the opening evening event

Photos by Scott Murray

following the ceremony.

The regatta featured full-sized keelboat & multihull classes, and international Dinghy racing sponsored by the Government Lottery Office, divided into the following classes: Optimist Boy & Girl, Laser 4.7, Laser Radial, Laser Standard and Topper.

The 2017 regatta welcomed the return of some familiar teams and boats which have already proven their pace, pedigree and performance in regattas past. Ray Roberts’ Team Hollywood and Sarab Singh’s Windsikher II went head-to-head in IRC 0 along with Kevin Whitcraft’s THA 72 & Reichel/Pugh 66 Alive skippered by Duncan Hine. Team Mandrake, which has dominated in previous years, was up against a highly charged pack consisting of Karasu (JPN) and Madame Butterfly (GBR) in IRC 1, while Premier class sees the return of the pace-setting Pine-Pacific (THA) Both the Bareboat Charter and Cruising classes sailed large fleets, and the Cruising Multihull fleet continued to grow.

A smaller but ever-more-tightly competitive Firefly 850 grouping saw familiar names Twin Sharks and Voodoo, while the One-Design class saw the Pulse 600 design boats competing.

“We have a special focus on growing the dinghy components of our overall regatta, as we in the sailing community in Thailand can feel the positive effect this is having over the years as the sport of sailing continues to grow in popularity here”, said Kevin Whitcraft, President of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organizing Committee. “The International Dinghy fleet is a fast-growing racing program designed to promote and encourage youth sailing in Thailand.

The program continues to be highly successful in furthering the sustainable growth of the Thai marine industry in the years to come. Many of the young sailors competing will go on to join the crews of full-size keelboat racing teams, and compete in the larger Phuket King’s Cup Regatta in future regatta years.”.

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Wrap-up from the files of Captain Marty Rijurkis (www. asianyachting.com) Kevin Whitcraft's TP52 THA 72 won 9 of the 12 races and walked away with the IRC 0 title for the second year. Last year, Whitcraft said "I've been trying for 30 years to win the King's Cup and finally did it". This year THA 72 defended the title in style. Like always, Ray Roberts TP52 Team Hollywood put up a good fight for 2nd overall and broke THA 72's winning streak during the week. Optimized for light weather, Sarab Singh's Welbourn 52 Windsikher II has never broken so much equipment at one regatta and paid the consequences finishing 3rd.

While Fred Kinmonth/ Nick Burns Sydney GTS 43 Otonomos Mandrake III made a clean start at the pin end on the final race, the Japanese on Yasuo Nanamori's Beneteau 40.7 Karasu and the Aussie's on David Fuller's chartered Beneteau 44.7 Fujin were being squeezed out at the boat end. Otonomos Mandrake III had a clear lead on the first lap, but they missed a wind shift on the second upwind and Mati Sepp's chartered Swan 42 Club Loco went on to claim line honours. Since being disqualified and suffering equipment failure, Nanamori's defending champion Karasu has been on the comeback trail and by correcting out in first place on the final day, they leapfrogged Loco into 2nd overall but couldn't quite catch the leaders Otonomos Mandrake III who have been on fire all regatta and were the most consistent scorers in the IRC 1 class and deserved the title.

By adding another win to their tally on the final day, Peter Dyer's IOR 3/4ton Kata Rocks - Madam Butterfly took victory in the IRC 2 class by winning 8 out of 11 races. Although Thailand's Nareuwat Chevanuntapornchai's Venture took 2nd place on the final day, they finished down the order in 5th overall. Third place for China's Shen Sheng's Farr 1104 Big Boys Racing (Farrgo Express) was enough to hold onto 2nd overall, and 4th place for James Downard's sister ship Krabi Boat Lagoon Piccolo in the final race kept them in 3rd overall.

Organizer Kevin Whitcraft deserves a tremendous amount of praise for persevering and keeping the Phuket King’s Cup alive.

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The battle of the heavyweights boiled over into the Premier Cruising class on the final day. With only one point separating Aussie Geoff Hill's Smith 72 Antipodes and Thailand's Ithinai Yingsiri's X55 Pine-Pacific it was decided to attack, with match racing tactics to delay the boats and hopefully one of the others might take the win. It didn't quite work out that way and the jury deliberated over five counter protests to decide the outcome, including the controversial Rule 69 for misconduct. As it turned out, all the protests were dismissed and Yingsiri's Pine-Pacific defended the title for the fourth time, with Hill's plans on Antipodes backfiring for 4th place and having to settle on 2nd overall. Former Whitbread racer Gijs van Liebergen's King's Legend secured 3rd overall, while Fabio Becattini's A80 Apsaras claimed line honours, in front of the dueling leaders and finishing in 4th overall.

The Japanese on Natsuki Motoyoshi's Mil Grace/Frog were full of joy when they won the Firefly 850 Sport race despite being tied on points with Hans Rahmann's Voodoo were reduced to 3rd overall, when tallying the number of wins. After having a collision and not competing in the following race, John Newnham's Twin Sharks embarked on an almighty comeback trail and by winning the next 6 out of 8 races, went on to defend their title. Rahmann's Voodoo claimed 2nd overall.

Only two Pulse 600 One Design trimarans made it out for the final races. Andy Pape's Multihull Solutions H30 struck gold in the race and in the overall stakes. Although not far behind, Mick Tilden's Pixalux /Java ended up in 2nd overall, while the non-starters Liz Schoch's Sudu Yellow and Neil Ayre's Java Yachting took 3rd and 4th spot, respectively.

Even though they didn’t have to race on the final day, Henry Kaye's Seacart 30 Thor went out and captured their 10th victory out of 11 races, completely dominating the Multihull Racing class and running away with the title. Mick Coleman's Stealth 11.8 Asia Catamarans Java was 2nd overall and Bob Garner's Daim 24 Blade Runner IX captured 3rd place.

Rick Fielding's Mojo Multihull Solutions claimed the Multihull Cruising class title, while Igor Ginzburg's Sun Odyssey 409 Phailin won the Bareboat Charter class, Xiong Ting's Standfast 40 Mermaid (Mas Allegre) cleaned up in the Modern Classic class and Urii Firsov's IOR Farr 43 Uminoko won the Cruising Class.

Summing Up Mr. Kevin Whitcraft, summed up the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta this year, saying, “This year, the first three days featured strong winds and very good weather conditions, with lighter air returning later in the week.

This has allowed sailors from 20 countries to use their skills and tactical knowledge to best leverage advantages where they present themselves.

It’s been a fantastic week, and especially so for our Dinghy fleet, which has grown over four years from 20 sailors to 109 this year. It is an invaluable cornerstone for growing the sport of sailing in the future”.

His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun graciously assigned H.E Air Chief Marshal Chalit Phukbhasuk as Personal Representative of H.M. the King to preside over the 31st Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Royal Award Ceremony held at Kanda Hall, Beyond Resort Kata in Phuket.

Last year, the Phuket King’s Cup won the prestigious “Best Asian Regatta” at the Asia Boating Awards. The award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of the organizers of Asia’s premier regatta in terms of its exceptional organization, promotion, course quality, entry size, competitiveness and social aspects.

For more information, please visit www.kingscup.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/phuketkingscupregatta

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Magical Mergui Islands in the Steam Story by Barry Daniel; Photos by Barry Daniel & the best Myanmar guide, Jojo

F

or me, the very term “Mergui Archipelago” conjured up some romantic magic, the first time I heard it, maybe twenty years ago. Like something from the realm of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts, the syllables themselves stimulated images of far-flung,

little-known islands steaming in a tropical heat haze at the edge of the world.

When I recently came to sail, dive, hike and kayak through the Mergui, I wasn’t disappointed. The islands of the archipelago to the south of mainland Myanmar are just as magical and romantic as my imagination had painted them and the opportunities for stunning diving and adventure are second to none.

Home to the curiously elusive Moken sea gypsies, and with thousands of pristine beaches -many unnamed- and islands rumored to still be home to tigers, this is indeed a magical realm in a world that has few such places left.

To give you an idea of what a wild and still unexplored part of the world this is, look no further than the fact that no-one can agree upon how many islands actually comprise this wondrous realm. Queen Victoria’s cartographers in the nineteenth Century counted 804 islands in the Myeik Group when Britain were the colonial masters of “Burma”, as it was named then. These days the Myanmar government maps say that there are over 4,000 islands in the group.

It all depends what you are willing to call an island.

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Some small rocky outcrops, of which there are thousands dotted around the Mergui, were counted by the ruling Generals’ map makers, while the British were less generous in their designations.

Some of the islands have solid cricket-playing British names like Saint Matthews Island and Evelyn Park; some have Burmese names like Nathitwat Athol and some, like the elegantly named “Island 115” have, well, numbers.

To get to Mergui, we sailed north from Phuket up the west coast of the Isthmus of Kra, past the dive-boat pervaded Similan Islands, and into the ramshackle border town of Kawthoung for final paperwork, then onward into the deep blue-black depths of Burmese waters.

I had imagined the Mergui to be something like the Maldives, but in these depths, there are no atolls.

The islands look like a shower of craggy rocks shot from an ancient blunderbuss out of the seabed towards the sky. Throughout our trip, there were always a few of them in sight. On the map, they form three columns strung like strands of a giant pearl necklace looped over many miles: the inner ones closest to the coast; a vast scattering in the middle ground; and the outerisles, many of which are still out of bounds due to military operations.

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We spent glorious days diving on unmapped, virgin sites; kayaking through huge mangrove swamps and rivers, and mountain hiking through lush jungle teeming with bird and wildlife. You soon realize you need at least a week on a yacht, just to scratch the surface.

The diving is stunning, you might be the first recreational divers to see a particular reef. It goes without saying that much of the coral and marine life is world class with plenty of large pelagic species to enliven the scene.

The only other humans you are likely to see are a few of the enigmatic Moken sea gypsies. They are a semi-nomadic people who are gatherers of seafood (mainly sea cucumbers) rather than fisher-folk. When the British missionaries started giving them fishing hooks and equipment in the 1920’s they were amazed to see them hung on walls as ornaments, while the sea gypsies continued their daily routine of gathering sea cucumbers.

Here is the itinerary of our recent ten-day trip to give you a taste of what you can expect in this beautiful part of Southeast Asia.

Day 1 Kawthoung – Barwell Island (25nm)

We embarked in the small border port of Kawthoung (Victoria Point), while our captain finalized the yacht’s harbor clearance. We tried some of the local delicacies at the fresh food market, such as Kawthoung fried chicken, local Myanmar beer, and freshly-pressed sugar palm juice all at bargain prices. You could also cruise to Barwell Island and stay overnight.

Day 2 Pulau Bada (25nm)

There’s a gorgeous anchorage between three islands (Bada, Caws and Potter Island), with white-sand beaches and sand spits. We went beachcombing on Poni Island’s west beach and snorkeled to check out the surrounding reefs.

Pulau Bada’s west beach just south of the headland was particularly pretty. At the northern end of the beach there’s a little mangrove river going behind the beach all the way inland, great for kayaking.

Day 3 Great Swinton Island (22nm)

You could easily spend several days at Great Swinton.

The island has just about everything: beautiful beaches, fantastic scenery, good jungle walks for spotting local bird and wildlife, and great snorkeling and diving. There’s a small waterfall near the east point and more mangroves.

Day 4 Lampi Island - Salet Galet (18nm)

Lampi is the largest island in the National Park Group, and mostly uninhabited with an occasional fishing village. We explored the Mangrove River on Lampi’s west coast by kayak during high tide. The islands around Lampi are also worth visiting, as they have thriving wildlife including sea eagles, hornbills and fruit bats. Often macaques are seen on the beaches foraging for food. On Pu Nala there’s a small village with a Buddhist temple.

Day 5 Clara Island (12nm)

Clara is one of the prettiest islands in the area, with a shell beach, coves and inlets and exceptionally clear waters excellent for snorkeling. We checked out Waterfall Bay on the northwest side of the island, which has a white sand beach and a spectacular waterfall with cool and clear water.

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Day 6 Great Swinton Island (24nm)

We explored the northern bays of Great Swinton for more snorkeling, swimming and kayaking and dived into ‘Shark Cave’, a swim-through which is home to several (harmless) reef sharks. In the evening, we lit a bonfire and had a wonderful beach barbeque.

Day 7 Loughborough Island – South Twin (27nm)

In the northwestern bay of Loughborough is a small village populated by Moken and fishermen. There’s a small local school where visitors are welcome. We navigated the creek on the east side of the island by kayak, enjoying the gorgeous scenery along the stream.

On South Twin’s west side there’s a small beach and bay, with space for just two yachts to anchor! The island is quite rugged here and an easy climb brings you to the crest for a tree-shaded walk.

Underwater there are deep, large rock structures forming gullies, long swim-through passages and overhangs. In the shallows, we found fine table corals amongst the boulders, home to much marine life. We were delighted every once in a while, to catch colorful ribbon eels peeking out from their sand holes.

Day 8 Macleod Island (46nm)

We stopped at Horseburgh Island for a swim and snorkel on the way to Macleod. Myanmar Andaman Eco Resort is the only man-made construction on the island and offers a ‘civilized’ spot for delicious cocktails – at US dollar prices. The resort also offers fabulous traditional massage. We trekked through the jungle to the peak of the island where views are spectacular.

Day 9 Davis Island (35nm)

Davis Island is the largest and highest of the scattered cluster of the Aladdin Group, with many small beaches to visit.

Davis Island is densely wooded with two main peaks of about 450 meters. Off its eastern shore, there’s a five-and-a-half-meter rock surrounded by a reef - great for snorkeling.

Day 10 Horseshoe - Lighthouse Island – Kawthoung (30nm)

Cock’s Combe Island has an interesting swim-through into a lagoon on the east side, which was accessible during low tide only. We snorkeled around Horseshoe Island then enjoyed a lovely lunch on the beach, before returning to Kawthoung in the afternoon.

For more information on yacht charter in the Mergui Archipelago of Myanmar or boating adventures anywhere else in the world, contact Northrop & Johnson.

Thailand

Lies.Sol@NorthropandJohnson.com M: +66 81 539 6106 Kay.Monney@NorthropandJohnson.com M: +66 81 893 7018

Hong Kong

Sytske.Kimman@NorthropandJohnson.com M: +852 9310 7427

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YACHT CHARTER AND CENTRAL AGENTS

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997 – 2017: 30 years have passed since the first Phuket King’s Cup Regatta and with it the introduction of the first charter yachts in Phuket. The yachting industry at the time largely ignored South East Asia (SEA), but Phuket has become a fully recognized yacht charter destination.

Today, the challenge for the International Charter brokers is to select the right boat between the 150 bareboats and numerous superyacht operating 12 months a year in Asia

The mission of a Yacht Charter Central Agent Crewed charter yachts offer widely differing facilities and accommodation, because they have been especially built to their owners’ requirements. Each potential charterer has his specific needs, from food preferences to standard of services, and from budget to crew characteristics. The wrong boat, or an inadequate crew, can ruin very costly holidays leading to bitter endings.

To keep clients satisfied and book the right vessel at the right place, charter brokers must have up-to-date knowledge of the yachts and their destinations. Generally, charter brokers will have access to a large range of yachts, but have little time to come to South East Asia to conduct their own sourcing and selection.

These international charter brokers will work

with local partners and, for the luxury market, with the “Yacht Central Agents” of each boat.

A Central Agent (CA) is appointed by the owner to run the yacht’s promotion, dispatching information via its own website, direct listings and its professional on-line platforms. It is the coordinator between the yacht, the broker, and the charterer, confirming the yacht’s availability and the terms of the charter contract.

To be sure of giving the right description of vessel it is imperative that the CA has detailed knowledge of the yachts in his or her portfolio, all gained from personal visits to the boat to check facilities, meet crew and sample the cuisine.

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Calypso X11 Photos by Tony Hanscomb

S

eaCat Ships is proud to announce the successful completion of Calypso X11 built at its shipyard in the heart of Asia, Pattaya, Thailand. Calypso X11 is a bespoke 26-metre aluminium dive catamaran built for Calypso Reef Charters in Port Douglas Australia.

After completing sea trials, the results for Calypso X11 were fantastic and far exceeded expectations. A high cruising speed was reached at low RPM, the running trim was perfect, plus the hull gave off a relatively low wash.

She is powered by twin MTU/Detroit Series 60 engines (740hp) with a top speed of 26-27 knots. Her operating speed is estimated to be around 22-23 knots cruise@70% load with an amazing total fuel burn of around 180ltr/hr and 140ltr/hr 20 knots.

Built by SeaCat’s technically trained staff, the hull is a semi-displacement deep vee type and the plumb bow design (to maximize the waterline length) has maintained the measured length under 24metres LOA. She is very fuel efficient, cutting though the water with a great sea keeping motion. Her large fuel capacity matched with her fuel-efficient hulls gives extended range capabilities for delivery voyages, or in an accommodation version, extended cruising time.

In keeping with the SeaCat moto – “redefending speed, comfort and affordability at sea” this version is one of the most spacious and comfortable vessels to date. Featuring walk around sides on the upper deck with large fwd and aft lounge decks. The lower deck features a spacious

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air-conditioned day cabin with aft located galley, a servery and refrigeration. The foredeck is the most popular section of the boat and is extremely large with ample space and the capacity to hold up to 50 passengers.

Fully equipped with the latest technology to cater for its daily charter to the Great Barrier Reef, Calypso X11 has a Hydraulic (two-stage) dive platform for snorkelling and scuba diving. When the platform is lowered down it creates a dive stairwell for easy access and when it is lifted back up, it is clear of the water and allows for high speed cruising and tender support. The aft dive deck has four toilets including hot- and cold-water showers as well as wetsuit lockers.

The boat was built in accordance with the NSCV (AMSA), Class 1C for 125 divers plus 5 crew criteria with the structure adhering to Lloyds Register SSC standard for offshore operations. The same design can also be utilized as a ferry to carry 199 passengers in coastal operations.

For more information on Calypso X11, or to get in touch with the Team at SeaCat Ships, email them at birgan@ozemail.com.au or keep an eye out for the company’s “new look” website launching on the 1st of January.

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BAVARIA C57 –

SOMETHING BIG HAS ARRIVED

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t the boot 2017 in Düsseldorf, BAVARIA YACHTS presented the new flagship of their sailing yachts’ fleet. The BAVARIA C57 does not only convince with a new modern design but also with many new innovative details.

With the slogan “Something big is coming” BAVARIA YACHTS announced in autumn the world premiere of their new flagship. It happened at the boot 2017. On the first Saturday, the well-known shipyard for serial yachts presented the BAVARIA C57 to the public for the first time.

With 88 square metres, the BAVARIA C57 offers the largest living space in this class. Entering the saloon via the broad laddenway, one realizes the size of the BAVARIA C57 all over again. On the starboard

side is a large lounge area. On port side, the large saloon table is ready for a big dinner party with guests and friends. The pantry is situated in the front main bulkhead on starboard and port side. The oven with stove and a sink can be found on port side. The fridge with freezing compartment as well as a large worktop are placed on starboard.

The elegant lines of the hull, the gigantic sail area and the high performance of the BAVARIA C57 originate from COSSUTTI YACHT DESIGN in Italy. Maurizio Cossutti and his partner Alessandro Ganz are well-known for their fast and in its lines beautiful sailing yachts. PULS YACHTS who are owned and managed by chief engineer Leo Curin, are responsible for the innovative design of the interior.

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Technical data

A whole new construction concept is being used for the BAVARIA C57: Hull and deck are being build using the vacuum-infusion technology VAKUTEC. The resin is being pulled precisely into the form using vacuum infusion. The result: hulls are up to 20% lighter and at the same time more stable. MODUTEC is the second innovation with which BAVARIA YACHTS prove their market leading position in the serial construction of yachts. The whole interior is being assembled in modules outside of the hull, including all installations. Only once the production is completed are the modules put into the hull. The largest sailing yacht is already known to be a milestone in the history of BAVARIA YACHTS.

Overall length: 16.73m Hull length: 16.16m Length at waterline: 15.50m Beam overall: 5.25m Draft standard cast iron keel (approx.): 2.52m Draft option cast iron keel as shallow keel (approx.): 1.99m Displacement: 17.13kg Ballast shallow keel: 5.39kg Ballast deep keel: 5.785kg Engine: Yanmar 4JH80, 80 HP 59 kW, sail drive Fuel tank (approx.): 500l Water tank (approx.): 650l Sail area: 136.5m2 Selftacking jib: 56.5m2 Main sail: 80m2 Genoa: 69m2 Gennaker: 232m2 Code 0: 123m2 CE category: A

Contact Info: ELITE YACHTING Co., Ltd. Boat Lagoon Marina, Phuket/Thailand M: +66 819 786 086 broker@phuket-yachts.com www.phuket-yachts.com

GULF CHARTERS THAILAND Co. Ltd. Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Chonburi/Thailand M: +66 879 400 816 broker@gulfchartersthailand.com www.yachtbrokerthailand.com

INTERVIEW [ SEA Yachting ] Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you ended up in Racer Marina ?

[ SY ] What do you do for Racer Marina? Did you develop the virtual visit by yourself ?

[ Mucharin Withathan ] I was born in Thailand, but I grew up and studied in Switzerland. I was looking for a professional challenge in my home country, which allowed me to reconnect to my source. For many reasons, I decided to apply in the beautiful Gulf of Thailand area.

[ MW ] My tasks are various and allow me to touch everything. From graphic design, to web design, and even 3D modeling. Yes, I modeled the marina in 3D and linked it to a real time online 3D engine, so everyone could visit the marina on their web browser. It was my main task but I wasn’t alone, the marina manager was very helpful as he provided me with all the 2D plans allowing me to design the 3D modeling. Also the workers in the marina helped me, they’ve mesured the real distance and gave them to me. I also designed the article you are reading right now and many other graphic tools for the marina. I will be here for three-and-a-half months.

[ SY ] Thailand is big, why precisely the Gulf of Thailand ? [ MW ] Although I am from the north, I wanted to experiment with beach living. I choose the Gulf of Thailand because of the nice wind on its coast, and the beauty of its beaches. It’s also, because I’m afraid of tsunamis on the west side. I wanted a safe place, beach side, close to Bangkok, and not touristic, but well developed.

[ SY ] What about your experience so far in Thailand ?

[ MW ] It is very agreeable to work here ; it’s a beautiful work place with beautiful boats, I like the atmosphere.

I also like the international aspect, here I can hear many different languages every day and meet people from all around the world. I also love to travel to Paknampran and Sam Roi Yod .

“ AS EASY AS A KID’S GAME & AS USEFUL AS A COMPASS : HAVE A NICE VISIT. ”

SELECT A VIEW M

ain En Moorin trance g Racer M Area Café Ra arina Office Shower cer s Mecanic & Restrooms Travel L al Workshop Toolong ift Fuel Sta Workshop t Truck E ions ntrance

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Importance of

The

The

Message

By Duncan Worthington, Innity Communications

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o communicate is easy, right? Yet so many companies and event organizers fail at this apparently simple task. To be fair though, professionally communicating a business' goals or an event’s strategy to a multi-lingual and multi-cultural audience is not actually as easy as people think.

Who do you wish to communicate to?

What medium is best to communicate through?

These are two common questions I’m asked in my position at Marketing Communications Agency, Infinity Communications. However, the first question you should ask yourself is “what is the message I want to communicate?”

Strategy is the key to every successful communications campaign. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to this. A strategy is bespoke, it should be developed based on the aims and goals of the business/ event, and be tailored for different recipients accordingly.

At Infinity Communications, we specialize in developing and delivering communications strategies for clients throughout Thailand and neighbouring countries. With offices in Phuket and Bangkok, our client base

ranges from hospitality to real estate, tourism to technology, lifestyle, sports, marine and much more.

In my near two decades of experience in the media and communications field, I find people focus too much on the medium – be it a press release, story pitch, media briefing, press conference, social media, native advertising etc.

It often becomes a battle of traditional media v's new media, yet the most important part of the equation, and which often receives scant attention, is the message itself. What it is you want to say. With the growth of social and online media it’s easy to measure “pick-up” in near real time, however, speed of communication should not be the sole focus and nor the measurement.

Nothing, in my opinion, should usurp quality.

A PR/Communications strategy is most effective when working as an integral part of the business/ event’s marketing strategy and overall business direction. I am surprised almost daily that so many people think PR can replace marketing, and vice versa.

Infinity Communications work with a number of leading sports brands and events in-

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Duncan and the Innity team (above).

cluding The North Face, IMG, Laguna Phuket Marathon, Blacklight Run, SPIA Asia, and we currently represent four of Thailand’s top regattas – Top of the Gulf Regatta (Pattaya), Samui Regatta, Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek, and the Bay Regatta. Each regatta has its own unique characteristics, and to a large degree different target markets, which requires us to develop a bespoke communications strategy that achieves each of their business goals.

While some regattas wish to target international yachting media through our communications due to their main participants being sailors from overseas, other regattas have strong Thai participation and thus are keen to reach out to the Thai marketplace. To this end we create bilingual communications in Thai and English, and tailor communications and reach to different target media specific to each regatta’s goals.

With the explosion of social media, in particular facebook and LINE in Thailand, communications has got so much easier, right?

Not necessarily. Social media is viewed as “free” by so many – you write something, post it, and

there's no cost – and it provides instant gratification. I disagree, however. What social media can do is amplify the positives and negatives of an event, a business, or a product, and people so often forget (or ignore) that. They focus on the “free” aspect and their instant gratification of a “job well done”, when negative comments, and a negative impression created through poor communications, could prove costly, especially when left unaddressed. This is the cost. A hidden cost of not communicating professionally.

My advice is to ignore this double-edged sword at your peril. Whether the medium is social media, online media or traditional print/TV media, the message you communicate must be well crafted, on point and relevant, and contribute positively to your business’/event’s goals in the short, medium and long-term.

(Duncan Worthington is the Business Development Manager at Infinity Communications, www.infinity-comms.com and consults to leading consumer brands, hospitality and marine clients throughout Thailand. He also co-founded and runs the marine portal www.MarineScene.asia).

Infinity creates bilingual communications in Thai and English, and tailors communications and reach to different target media specific to each regatta’s goals.

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CARBON GAME-CHANGER

The Azimut S7's exteriors are designed by Stefano Righini; the interior work by Francesco Guida.

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he all new Azimut S7 collection features the extensive use of carbon and a triple pod propulsion, offering unprecedented design freedom. The overwhelmingly beautiful exterior lines are enhanced still further by the new diamond cut windows in the deckhouse. The interior layout is unique in its category, with the galley on the main deck, a game-changing owner’s suite, and three spacious guest cabins. And to enjoy the sea to the full, the pivoting platform expander reveals a garage that can house both tender and jet ski. Welcome the future.

The exteriors designed by Stefano Righini propose the collection’s signature features, but they are joined by an unprecedented diamond-shaped deckhouse window, in a solution that gives the boat personality, while promising to amaze with its plays on reflected light.

It is rather inappropriate to speak of “inside” and “outside” as though they were two

distinct settings. Thanks to a four pannel glazed entry door, the big living area extends seamlessly across both interior and exterior spaces, assuring an amazing view out from every area of the yacht. In the extralarge sunpad area, integrated adjustable backrests create two comfortable chaise longues to expand the social area.

Experience the pleasure of alfresco dining, enjoying a continuity of design, style and finishing detalis that are identical in both the saloon and the cockpit. The galley has been moved to the main deck, in the forepart, to ensure ease of use without penalising the big living area, and the bar counter can be equipped with sink, grill, fridge and icemaker at your convenience.

The new Azimut S7 revolutionises the sports motoryacht concept by embracing the superior technology of carbon fiber applied to superstructure and transom, and triple pod propulsion. The result is an unprecedented level of

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fuel efficiency and a top speed of 36 knots.

The unique pivoting platform expander offers an almost 5 sqm (53 sq ft) terrace at sea and it hides a garage for two water toys, a tender up to 3,2 mt (10’ 6’’) and a two seater jet ski Perfectly integrated in the sporty line of the boat, the flydeck offers the possibility to comfortably pilot from the outside, enjoying the company of your guest thanks to the C-shaped bench - placed aside the helm seat - which can be converted into a sunpad area.

A second sunpad area is positioned aft.

All cushions can be upholstered with a soft Batyline fabric suitable for outdoor use and the settee are in open cell foam structure to allow water and humidity to drain through.

The living area has to independent hi-lo coffe tables which may double in size to create a unique dining table for 8 people.

The stair to lowerdeck, characterized by a sophisticated rounded shape, is placed fore of

the hi-tech helm station, in this way providing extra space for owner and guest cabins.

The interiors are the work of Francesco Guida who, in his first project for Azimut Yachts, has revolutionised the solutions typically adopted on this type of boat. The heart of the S7 is a 19 sqm (204 sq ft) owner’s suite, which comes with a totally unexpected layout created by partitions, mirrors and translucent materials.

Also below deck are three more cabins, all with extremely generous proportions.

Lighting design in all areas provides a gentle and sophisticated mood.

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Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show lures visitors to ASEAN’s marina hub Organizers expected more than 2 billion baht (approx. US$60 million) of trade to be generated by the show while supporting the government's policy to make Thailand the “Marina Hub of ASEAN”

T

he sixth edition of the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show opened its doors to the public for a four-day festival of the boating lifestyle. Held 23 – 26 November at Ocean Marina Yacht Club, HE Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Thailand's Minister for Tourism and Sport presided over the Opening Ceremony. This year’s show featured a strong in-water display of global yacht brands and Thai built boats (pleasure and commercial), as well as a diverse range of onshore exhibitors.

“We had an exciting line-up of exhibitors at this year's Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show ranging from day boats to luxury superyachts as well as marine products and services, luxury properties and much more.

The four-day festival has something for everyone with pop-up restaurants along the marina front and onshore activities for kids,” said Mr. Napong Paripontpochanapisuti, Acting Deputy Managing Director, Residential Business, Ocean Property Co. Ltd., organisers of the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show.

Kicking off the Asian boat show season, more than 6,000 people t visited the 20,375 sqm of onshore and in-water exhibition space at the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show. A multi-billion baht line-up of boats and businesses showcased everything from small day boats to superyachts, marine products and services, luxury automobiles and property, and all manner of marine gadgets and water toys. Highlights included experiential activities for visitors and in-water demonstrations as well as free daily yacht cruises.

Organizers expected more than two billion baht (approx. US$60

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million) of trade to be generated by the show while supporting the government's policy to make Thailand the “Marina Hub of ASEAN” and showcase the marine leisure credentials – onshore and off – of the Gulf of Thailand.

“The goal of the show is to expose more Thais to the leisure marine lifestyle, and to show them how much fun they can have on the water, as well as showcase the marine products and services in the Gulf of Thailand, and the region's stunning cruising grounds, to international visitors” said, Mr. Scott Finsten, Harbour Master of Ocean Marina Yacht Club, home of the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show.

Visitors come from as far as Europe and all over Asia to visit the show, that is now ear-marked as a ‘must-attend’ event in the latter part of November every year. “We are very pleased at how well the show has been received and grown from year-to-year,” said Mr. Finsten.

Just a 90-minute drive from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and half that time from nearby U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport, Ocean Marina Yacht Club is the gateway to the Gulf of Thailand and the magical Koh Chang archipelago nearby where islands such as Koh Mak and Koh Kood provide sailors with many stunning anchorages and cruising sites to explore.

“We expect the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project to drive economic growth on the East Coast and Pattaya in particular is well positioned to support and benefit from this growth, both off and onshore,” added Mr. Napong.

“While, we would always like to get more people to the Show, we very happy with the quality of the visitors this year” added, Mr. Finsten..

“Many serious leads were generated, and people weren’t just here to look around, they were here to buy boats, marine products and accessories as well as a number of the lifestyle items that were on display.”

Ewa Stachurska, Simpson Marine’s Group Marketing Manager, stressed how important it was hold an annual boat show in Pattaya, hoping that the OMPBS would continue to grow and develop and increase brand awareness in the area.

Berne Lamprecht, the MD of ASAP Marine, an on-land exhibitor, was happy with the lay-out of the show, saying it looked very professional and that the tenting design was very well done. Kazuki Otsuka, another on-land exhibitor, the MD of Hull Marine, was pleased with the way the products on display were segmented and partitioned.

Visitors enjoyed both the on-and-off-water displays. There were plenty of gadgets for visitors to gawk at: Jetsurf Thailand (motorized surfboards), Seabob Base (underwater scooters), Route 66 Motorcycles (Harley Davidsons), Motorhomes & Caravans Thailand, Falcon

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Motorsport (Husqvarna dirt bikes), BVZ (Sunbrella & Suniture). and Triumph motorcycles were all on display as was SEARA Sports fitness equipment.

Marine products were well represented with Liqui Molly, Hull Marine, Sika Thailand, Rain X Thailand, Watchara Marine, Gateway Equipment, C. Shamongkol Engineering, Lalizas Thailand, AWLGRIP & International Paint, Livart Marina, and ASAP Marine all displaying their wares.

VR Union, Swell Pro Thailand, Ocean Marina Yacht Club and Lux Inc all had booths at the show as did BUPA Health Insurance, Mandara Furniture, Brighton College International School Bangkok, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, Ocean Property & Dot Property.

MGC (an Azimut 86S & an Atlantis 43), Princess (Princess 56 & 42) and Simpson Marine (a Monte Carlo 86, a Lagoon 421, plus an Oceanis 38.1) highlighted the boats in the water. Pinnacle Marine had a couple Montereys on the land (an inboard and an outboard) and a couple in the water (an Elan E5 and an Azimut). Choknamchai had an aluminum passenger ferry on display (SakunC), and Floeth Yacht had a FL45 Catamaran on the water. Aquila showcased its stunning 44 and the Bangkok-based owner was there to enlighten prospective buyers on how much he was enjoying his boat. And SeaSearcher Boats made the trip up from Cleveland, in Queensland, Australia, to display both on the land and in the water.

There was also free daily yacht cruises to give people a taste of life out on the water.

When it came to food and beverage, Pendarosa, B-Delicious, Made in Italy, Miami Bar, and Annette itim Tuk Tuk all combined with Amber Fine Food & Grapes, Indian by Nature, Movenpick Pattaya, and Cape Dara Resort to quench thirsts and satiate the appetites of the Show patrons.

Peter Jacops of Disabled Sailing had a booth at the Show and at the auction on Saturday night Harbour Master Scott Finsten did such a good job as auctioneer that he raised Bt40,000 for disabled sailing, which will allow Peter to buy the hoist his organization so desperately needs for moving its boats.

For beautiful days of sunshine and blue skies combined to make the 6th OMPBS a great success.

For more information

website: www.oceanmarinapattayaboatshow.com facebook: www.facebook.com/oceanmarinapattayaboatshow

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Thailand’s 2017-2021

Marine Tourism Strategy & 3rd Thailand Yacht Show Change of Dates

T

ourism & Sports Ministry and Tourism Authority of Thailand officials give the go-ahead for the third edition of TYS, with new dates set for 22-25 February 2018 The organisers of the Thailand Yacht Show (TYS) have announced revised dates for the third edition of the Show, which will return to Phuket’s Ao Po Grand Marina from the 22-25 February 2018, with the Thailand Yachting Forum (TYF) scheduled to take place on the 21 February 2018.

Andy Treadwell, CEO of 3L Events, organisers of the Thailand Yacht Show, recently met with the various Thai government departments involved in both the Superyacht Charter Licence project and the forthcoming edition of the Show, and said the outcome was very positive indeed.

“It is clear that everyone now agrees that there’s a lot to be gained by making foreign superyachts welcome,” Treadwell commented. “Many captains and owners will be interested in wintering in Thailand if they are suddenly allowed to charter here. Once the necessary changes are all officially confirmed, which we believe will be very soon, then we can realistically expect that the other ASEAN nations will join in – and then the global fleet will have a quite amazing new winter yachting destination to consider.”

At a further meeting the same day with

the Minister of Tourism and Sports, together with officials from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the TYS organizers got the final go-ahead for the third edition of the Thailand Yacht Show, which was conceived to drive the charter license project and the development of Thailand as the major yachting hub for Asia.

Importantly, as a result of the last two year’s progress on this project, a new marine tourism strategy, particularly luxury marine tourism, has been formally adopted as part of the government's 2021 Tourism Master Plan, with TYS as its principal marketing platform for the government’s yachting initiative.

One of the most important focuses of the third edition of TYS will therefore again be on superyacht charter, and another being the “experiential” style of the event. Unlike any other boat show, visitors will be able to get out on the water in Phang Nga Bay and try out a whole range of water craft - sailboats, sports-fishers, dinghies, tenders, water sport boats, day-cruisers and superyachts alike.

All the principal stakeholders believe that in order to maximize the potential for business now that the important decisions have been made, the show should take place in February 2018 (Chinese New Year) instead of December 2017. So, the new dates are 22-25 February 2018, and the venue is once again at Ao Po Grand Marina in Phuket.

About the Thailand Yacht Show Created by the organizers of the Singapore Yacht Show in partnership with the Thai government, the third edition of the Thailand Yacht Show (TYS) will take place at Ao Po Grand Marina, Phuket from the 22-25 February 2018.

Combining the best aspects of yacht charter, the boating industry and luxury lifestyle events, TYS attracts industry professionals and buying public alike, and is fast becoming the focal point of the luxury charter yacht business in Asia Pacific.

More than just a four-day show for local and international visitors, TYS offers a truly immersive experience, with cruises, on-water demonstrations and parties for guests to truly discover the on-water lifestyle.

For enquiries, please contact: info@thailandyachtshow.com or visit:

www.thailandyachtshow.com

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The launch of the Stealth 12m powercat 'Integos' seen here motoring out of the Phuket river with the Thai yard workers.

The Stealth 12:

a Powercat with benefits

Story by Kevin Green; photos Asia Catamarans

The yard team of Alan Carwardine (left), Roger Diggelmann and new owner of the Stealth, Franz Rathkolb from Vienna.

The Stealth powercat is destined to navigate the French canals and its ancient low bridges, as found on the Canal Du Midi (Kevin Green).

Integos being prepared for launch.

Note the large mini keels and tall bridgedeck clearance on the Stealth 12m powercat.

Asia Catamarans yard in Phuket has just completed a new sailing powercat, an interesting boat that I enjoyed looking around recently, reports KEVIN GREEN.

A

powercat that can also sail is a versatile way of enjoying both sides of the boating equation. However, when the prospec tive customer asked Australian expat builder Alan Cawardine at Asia Catamarans to design one that could also navigate the European canals, he and partner Roger Diggelmann, had some head scratching to do.

However, given the yard has produced many lightweight

hulls for cruiser-racing catamarans and has done a 44 powercat before, it didn't take long to work out a design. “Making sure the rig plan worked was one of the more challenging jobs,” explained Alan.

So, what I saw before me as Alan and I wondered around the nearly completed Stealth 12 powercat was an interesting concept in a lightweight (3.3ton) hull. The Austrian buyer will cruise extensively both offshore and inland, so the layout has the port hull devoted to working space – workshop and storage forward, large head aft with a shower cubicle in the middle – while sleeping space comprises two berths and plenty of storage in the starboard hull. EU requirements mean that an escape hatch is included in the nacelle and the foam cored hull will have positive buoyancy.

69 The carbon spar ies a genoa, Code 0 and an unusual double runner sail only; the rig is unstepped using a tabernacle.

Most interestingly is the third and main double berth located in the saloon, allowing the skipper to keep watch at sea while having an airy room in port. The saloon has a navigation station on the forward port quarter with inside helm station nearby that uses a hydraulic steering wheel. Between them is a corridor to the bow cockpit. This deep cockpit with bench seating also allows safe operation of the anchor windlass.

The aft cockpit differs from the yard's usual design of drop-down doors but instead has a single centralized door and is shaded by a central fiberglass spine, an extension of the saloon roof. The port side of the saloon roof is where the elevated steering binnacle is located. Here the steerer has all lines for the sailing rig running back. The unusual rig has no mainsail or boom, instead has a genoa, a Code 0 plus an unusual double runner sail for off the wind. These hang from the lightweight carbon mast that can be lowered on a tabernacle. This drops onto the saloon roof, to allow entry below those small bridges, like the ones on the Canal Du Midi in France which I navigated myself earlier this year, on a flybridge cruiser.

stove as well – so avoiding the danger of gas aboard. Being a European based boat, a diesel cook top and heater were also fitted. As we go to press the Stealth power cat is undergoing sea trials and initial experiences have been good the yard reports. “The fold down mast works a treat, taking only 15 seconds from being down to full erection,” Alan told me after his first day of sea trials on Chalong Bay, just south of Phuket Town.

A powercat that can also sail is a versatile way of enjoying both sides of the boating equation.

The Asia Catamarans yard in Phuket has recently been extended allowing the company to work on three or four boats simultaneously.

Lightweight hull

All structures are vacuum foam cored epoxy with the launching weight of only 3.3 tons, so should be efficient under power or sail.

Plenty volume the allows both space inside and good load carrying ability while the upright bows maximize the waterline. Bridge-deck clearance is 750mm, which reduces wave drag, aided by a smoothly finished nacelle underbelly.

Deep mini keels with flanged bases to reduce leeway have been fitted, which are also good for grounding and the twin rudders have a similar base to support them. This is a good idea, given the long tidal ranges of Europe.

Diesel outboards

The heaviest items aboard are the two 100kg diesel outboard engines made by Yamaha (but discontinued now I believe). “The owner already had these in his possession so wanted to use them,” said Alan. These produce 27 HP each and are expected to propel the Stealth 12 to cruising speeds of 10 knots and maximum of 15 knots. Recreational use of diesel outboards has been limited but the military have used them. Advantages include easy access to fuel, reliability and of course safety. Like all Carwardine designs the outboards are elevated by a winch to give a clean hull profile under sail.

Since there would be plenty of diesel aboard, the Austrian buyer wanted it used to power the

Stealth Powercat 12m LOA: 12m Beam: 5.93m Draft: 0.8m Displacement: 3,300kg Mast height: 12.5m stepped on cabin roof.

Sail area: Double runner; 60 sq/m, code zero 43 sq/m, genoa 20 sq/m Engines: twin diesel outboards (27 HP, cylinder, weigh 100kg each) Fuel: 200 litres Water: 800 litres Design: Alan Carwardine

www.asiacatamarans.com

Alan Cawardine surveying one of his boats during constrction.

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A

n Aquila 44 from Aquila Power Catamarans debuted at the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show, 23 – 26 November 2017.

“We were proud to have the award-winning Aquila 44 at the Pattaya Boat Show,” stated Yvan Eymieu, Aquila’s International Distribution Manager.

The Aquila 44 boasts Aquila’s signature fresh evolution of classic boating traditions where efficiency in design and performance compliment her luxurious living. She was named “Best New Multihull 40'-49'” in the 2014 AIM Media Editor’s Choice Awards. On the Aquila 44, enjoy the 360 view from the spacious salon and galley that features a large seating area, hidden TV stowage and plenty of storage to make living aboard or cruising easy and pleasant. Galley features include Corian countertops, electric fridge and freezer, stove, and stainless-steel microwave oven as well as a double stainless-steel sink. The large staterooms each feature ample headroom and large windows for excellent views.

A freshwater flush, separate shower stall, and teak flooring compliment the boat’s design and exceptional living comforts. Additional features include an oversized flybridge with added enclosure, electric grill, and sunpad seating on either side of the central helm station and Aquila's revolutionary bridge to bow direct access.

The standard Aquila 44 features 3 cabins with en-suite heads. Customization options are available to create the perfect catamaran for your boating lifestyle.

“This was an incredible opportunity to tour one of the fastest growing brands of catamaran that are exclusively power. If you want the comfort, stability, low draft, economy, and incredible living space of a catamaran but are not interested in sailing, then Aquila is your solution,” continued Eymieu.

As one of the largest boat shows in Thailand, exhibitors, dealers, and guests come from all over the world for a chance to step on board some of the most innovative and luxurious vessels found on the water.

ABOUT AQUILA Recognized globally for its high-quality, advanced composite manufacturing capabilities, Sino Eagle Yachts builds Aquila Power Catamarans in a state-of-the-art facility to exacting standards. With one of the most talented teams in the industry providing the combined knowledge and extensive experience, Aquila has established a game-changing new standard of power catamaran innovation. Leading the way in the market segment, Aquila continues to pave the way with strong international sales of the award-winning Aquila brand.

Uncompromising design coupled with unmatched industry experience, engineering, and manufacturing by world-class builders, make up the Aquila line of true pure-bred power catamarans.

For more information about Aquila Power Catamarans, visit their website: http://www.aquilaboats.com.

Aquila Power Catamarans is one of the fastest growing boat brands, recently having completed their 100th boat.

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AQUILA 44 DEBUTS

AT THE OCEAN MARINA PATTAYA BOAT SHOW

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www.racer-marina.com

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AZIMUT 60 AZIMUT YACHTS OFFICIAL DEALER

MGC MARINE (ASIA) CO., LTD. TEL: +662 931 8300 E-MAIL: info@mgc-marine.com

Exterior Design _ Stefano Righini Interior Design _ Achille Salvagni Architetti A brand of AZIMUT BENETTI Group azimutyachts.com