SOUTHEAST ASIA'S YACHTING MAGAZINE VOL. 16 NO. 3 by Easy Branches Co., Ltd.

THE NEW HANSE 460 DISCOVER NOW! Introducing: the radically redefined Hanse 460 Built to a design from the world renowned Berret-Racoupeau, the new Hanse 460 combines radical innovation with Hanse’s trademark traditional values. Discover fast cruising and easy handling with a seriously modern, sporty look.

SEA Yacht Sales | email: inq@sea-yss.com Thailand Chanpen +6694 591 4614 || Malaysia Paul +6017 419 6933 Chinese/Malay Su +6012 429 3000 || SEA Region Rob +6681 370 1995

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Southeast Asia’s yachting and marine industry magazine

Contents 42

18 18

24 32 3 2

Newnham’s Twin Sharks takes a bite out of the racing circuit

Where have all the boat shows gone?

Simpson Marine showcasing Aquila power catamarans

Rob Williams takes us on a tour of the Hanse 460

Multihull Solutions Regatta hosts Phuket’s best sailors

SEARA can meet all your fitness & exercise needs

Bay Regatta hi-lites beauty of the region

Java Yachting opens up watersports center on Koh Lon

Phuket Cruising Yacht Club

We take a look at John Newnham’s fascinating life and the journey that brought him to Thailand leading up to his acquisition and racing of the FireÀy Twin Sharks.

Noted pundit Paul Poole weighs in on the conundrum of staging boats here and discusses the Thailand International Boat Show, set for Jan 6-9 at RPM.

We feature both the Aquila 54 and Aquila 70 in this issue, pro¿ling what sets these two boats apart from competitors.

The new Hanse 460 marks the launch of a new model range combining radically innovative design with the traditional Hanse values-fast cruising and easy sailing.

The Phuket Yacht Club played host to this annual regatta in early July this time holding a monohull division, ¿tting as Multihull Solutions now owns the Yacht Sales Co.

We talk to CJ Prieur, head of SEARA’s facility in Phuket to learn the full extent of SEARA’s diversi¿cation and all it has to offer when it comes to top-of-the-line sports equipment and surfaces.

The team from Regattas Asia was at it again staging their second Bay Regatta through the trials and tribulations of COVID-19. The beauty of the course took people away from the worries & stresses of the pandemic.

There are a variety of dinghies for rent and for small sailboat training as well as kayaks and SUPs for exploring the islands and waters around Koh Lon.

Brent McInnes is one of a kind: ¿nd out more about how he got here, and what his does down at his renovated Phuket Cruising Yacht Club in Ao Chalong.

Jessandra II focusing on inclusivity Find out how Andrew McDermott, formerly of the Royal Engineers, fell into managing the Jessandra II racing team, made up primarily of women sailors.

www.seayachtingmagazine.com

Regional 12 NEWS

Thailand International Boat Show to put Phuket on the world stage Organised by JAND Events, the Thailand International Boat Show will take place 6 - 9 January 2022 at Royal Phuket Marina.

The Thailand International Boat Show will take place 6-9 January, 2022 at Royal Phuket Marina.

Hit hard by the pandemic, Phuket is set to receive a boost in the new year when the Thailand International Boat Show will be held 6 - 9 of January, 2022 at the award-winning Royal Phuket Marina. Targeting those with an interest in boating and luxury lifestyle, organisers also expect to welcome wealthy jet-setters from overseas on the back of Phuket’s sandbox success. Experienced working with leading luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, L’Oréal, Givenchy, Kenzo and more, show organisers JAND Events will build on Phuket’s position as the marine and lifestyle hub of Asia, and showcase the best of Phuket to the world with new exhibitor pavilions and visitor activities on a scale never seen before. “Thailand International Boat Show is set to raise the bar for boating and lifestyle exhibitions in the region. Initial feedback from the industry has been very good and we expect a large in-water line-up of boats and an exciting collection of marine products and luxury lifestyle in the marina-side exhibition hall,” said David Hayes, CEO of organisers JAND Events. Visitors will be able to see the latest launches from the world’s most iconic boat brands. Yachts of all sizes, both power and sail, will be on display in-the-water ranging from dinghies and day trippers up to superyachts. Onshore visitors will be able to purchase the latest boating tech, marine products, gadgets and widgets, while also enjoying luxury properties, autos and lifestyle brands on display in the 2,500sqm air-conditioned exhibition hall, the town square and other areas within Royal Phuket Marina. Thailand’s status as the marine leisure hub of Asia remains undiminished despite the challenges of the pandemic. Famed for its islands, stunning offshore seascape and tropical beaches, Thailand is the favoured destination for boat owners in the region and a popular choice for marine leisure tourists from all around the world. An industry valued in the billions pre pandemic, the Thailand International Boat Show will kickstart its revival and be a valuable economic driver for Phuket and Thailand going forward. Billed as A Luxury Lifestyle Event, the Thailand International Boat Show will be held at the SHA Plus+ certified Royal Phuket Marina. “I believe this will be the most successful boat show yet. Not only are JAND Events professional event organisers, but they have gone to market much earlier than others have in the past,” commented Gulu Lalvani, Chairman of Royal Phuket Marina. “This will be the first boat show in Asia in two years and there is a lot of pent up demand for boats. Globally, boat brands are reporting record sales and as Phuket is the home of boating in Asia, I expect to see all the international boat brands and more displaying at the Thailand International Boat Show in January 2022.” A bustling Boardwalk with restaurants and bars, and an extensive social programme is also planned by organisers JAND Events. “To complement the in-water and onshore displays, we will be curating an exciting programme of social events for visitors to enjoy during the day and into the evening. From launches and parties to waterside entertainment, the Thailand International Boat Show will be an event not to be missed,” added Hayes. The Thailand International Boat Show will take place 6 - 9 January, 2022 at Royal Phuket Marina. For more information, visit https://www.thailandinternationalboatshow.com.

About JAND Events JAND Events is a multinational team of Thailand-based professionals passionate about events. Led by CEO David Hayes who has over 30 years experience in the Events, Hospitality and Travel industries, JAND Events is the chosen partner for brands such as Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, L’Oréal, Givenchy, Kenzo and more. JAND Events and Thailand International Boat Show are trading divisions of JAND Group Co., Ltd.

Regional

NEWS 13

Update on Ocean Marina’s activities

SAIL TRAINING JAVA WATER SPORTS CENTRE

SMALL BOATS DINGHIES, CATAMARANS & TRIMARANS

LARGE BOATS CLASSIC STANDFAST 40' BAVARIA 46' STEALTH CAT 42'

The Covid-19 pandemic, which is currently hitting the world, has posed some challenges to Ocean Marina Yacht Club, especially the marina, as it is used frequently by sailing enthusiasts, both local and foreign (pre-Covid) as it is convenient distance from Bangkok. This time of the year, Ocean Marina Yacht Club traditionally would normally have several foreign yachts visiting, and the yacht charter businesses would have been very busy taking tourists to the many beautiful islands just off Pattaya beach. Since the Covid restrictions have been placed, sailing activities have slowed down but fortunately for the boat owners who wanted to sail at the gulf, there are no restrictions going out. Fortunately, with thanks to Matthew and the TYBA, the Thailand government granted permission to overseas yachts to enter Thailand, with two entry points; Pattaya, just off Ocean Marina Yacht Club and Phuket. Since November last year, Ocean Marina has welcomed on average, one boat every month since then. Additionally, boat owners took advantage of this time to repair and renovate their boats. The boat building factories in the marina such as Seacat Ships, Powerplay, and Serenity are busy building new boats. Seacat Ships are building 3 new aluminum catamarans, being a 22m, which are going to be launched later this year. Powerplay are building new fiber glass catamaran. During this time, Ocean Marina has taken advantage of the quiet time, by deep cleaning and upgrading the surroundings of the marina. Ocean Marina has invested in two new defibrillators (a device that gives a high-energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest). One is mounted on the front of the marina office, and the other one onboard Ocean Marina’s charter boats. Ocean Marina also began to offer disinfection services that use the best quality solution that effectively kills 99.5% of viruses and bacteria, yet safe for humans, animals, and the environment. It is available for boats, mini offices, shops, and condos at affordable rates. Ocean Marina’s youth sailing has continued, with the Optimist sailors spending time with their dinghies on weekends, practicing and getting ready for the coming regattas in the near future. Surely a fun way for these kids to break their weariness of online learning. And of course, boat owners and sailors have regularly sailed on weekends to beat the boredom of the Covid-19 restrictions.

IYT Sailing & Powerboat Certifications

For more information, please visit our website at JavaYachting.com or check us out on Facebook at FB.com/JavaCharters. For email inquiries please contact john@javayachting.com or call our ofÜce at +66 64 195 5140 (Line/WhatsApp).

Regional 14 NEWS

Drive By Wire Model in 4-stroke 140 / 115PS IN-LINE 4 140-70HP

DF140BG / DF115BG DF140A/115A's Reliability & Fuel Ef¿ciency + Cutting Edge Technology.

FEATURES

High Durability

Drive By Wire

Improved Gear Case l

By optimizing the gear oil passage, the spinning pinion gear generates negative pressure and it helps gear oil circulation.

Advantage l

It lowers gear oil temperature and contributes to the increased durability of pinion gear.

Operation from the remote control is delivered to outboard via an electric signal and not by the traditional mechanical control cables

Advantage l l l l

Smooth Shift & Operation Easy Rigging Increased Fuel Efficiency Luxury Remote Control

Dynamic & Smooth Design

Easy Maintenance l

Designed to be easy maintenance for the benefits of the customers

Advantage l

Easy access oil filter : Can be replaced simply by removing the top cover Oil Spill Catcher : A tray is added around the oil filter to catch oil which comes out when exchanging the oil filter Oil Level Gauge : Able to use 15 oil changer hose

TECHNOLOGY DURABILITY & RELIABILITY Newly Designed Air Intake System l

The air intake structure was reviewed

Advantage l l

Delivers higher power output Increased ability to remove water from air taken into cowl Decrease in the air intake temperature

Direct Injection l

Integrates the ignition coils into the spark plug caps

Advantage l

Reduces the number of parts and simpliÜes the wiring system Removing the high tension cord enables the ignition to generate spark efÜciently which leads to the improve ment of combustion efÜciency

Regional

NEWS 15

More Features to contribute to Durability Large capacity Fuel Pump : Capable to rig on various kinds of boats Optimized O2 Sensor mounting position : Increased Durability Using Zinc-containing Rustproof Coating bolt : Increased Durability

Water Detecting System It helps to protect the engine from water in the fuel Using bigger fuel filter than DF140A/115A Optimized Fuel Filter position l

Advantage

Can avoid water in fuel Increased Durability & Reliability Easy replacement of fuel filter

l l

PERFORMANCE

High Compression Ratio

To achieve the optimized mask, port and piston combination, the shape of parts was simulated over 1,000 combinations and then tested thoroughly with the carefully selected parts. l

Advantage

Achieved 10.6 Compression Ratio which contributes to high torque.

Offset Drive Shaft The engine powerhead is positioned closer to the front, moving the outboard’s center of gravity forward. l

Advantage l l l

Less vibration More compact Stable steering performance

2-Stage Gear Reduction This system which incorporates the Offset Driveshaft features a Ürst stage reduction between the crankshaft and drive shaft, and a second stage reduction inside the gear case.

Advantage

High Torque even with big loads. Powerful enough to rotate larger propeller Alternator Output

l l

EASE & COMFORT Quiet Operation

Intake noise is suppressed with a resonator, which makes the noise from the outboard quieter. l

Advantage

Less noise, making boating more pleasant. l

• Newly designed ventilation which cools the coils better

Advantage

• 3Amp better alternator output at idle speed range that is roughly equivalent to the necessary output of SMD12/SMD16.

ECOLOGY & ECONOMY Lean Burn Control System

The Lean Burn Control System supplies the appropriate amount of fuel and air mixture depending on the navigation conditions. l

Advantage

SigniÜcant improvement in fuel economy in all speed ranges especially at cruising speed. Fuel is saved and gasoline costs are cut thanks to improved fuel economy. l

Regional 16 NEWS

Services include:

• • • • •

Marine repairs and restoration

Rigging Race boat management Rubber dinghy repairs Yacht delivery

Contact is Nick Gutry

Mobile: +66 61 570 5262 Email: nick@boatworksphuket.com https://www.facebook.com/ boatworksphuket Boatworks Phuket,.Co. Ltd. 37/14 Moo.10 Soi Yot Sane, Jaofa west Road, Chalong, Muang Phuket, Phuket 83130

HERE!!

Regional

NEWS 17

Sealine’s G0 Faster Discounts

Sealine Boats have released their Go Faster Discounts effective July-August, September-October and November-December on Popular Option Packages.

Boat C335 C335v C390 C390v S430 C430 F430 C530 F530

Engine upgrade x x x x x x x

Wood upgrade x x x x x x x x

Floorboard upgrade x x x x x x x x

Contact: SEA Yacht Sales Co.Ltd Dealers for: Hanse, Dehler, Moody, Sealine and Fjord inq@sea-yss.com +66-81-370-1995

Cruising Pack.

July - Aug.

Sept-Oct

Nov-Dec

x x -

€ 17,400 € 12,135 € 23,393 € 12,292 € 37,118 € 29,692 € 31,642 € 29,993 € 29,993

€ 11,600 € 8,090 € 15,595 € 8,195 € 24,745 € 19,795 € 21,095 € 19,995 € 19,995

€ 5,800 € 4,045 € 7,797 € 4,097 € 12,373 € 9,898 € 10,548 € 99,970 € 99,970

Newnham’s Twin Sharks takes a bite out of the racing circuit

ohn Newnham is one of the most wellliked and respected members of the Phuket Yacht Club and can regularly be seen competing in regatta and club races on his Firefly Twin Sharks with his stellar crew. John hails from Cowes, on the Isle of Wight in the UK. When he was young, he started sailing on dinghies, and as he grew older started hitching rides on bigger boats. At age 18, he went off to study a threeyear sandwich course (six months of college, six months working in the industry) at college in Bristol, which was subsidized by Shell. When he graduated, he did various marketing jobs and went sailing in-between jobs, moving up from crewing on small keelboats to crewing on large keelboats and eventually sports boats.

By Scott Murray

John then landed a job as a product manager on the Isle of Wight for the Bristol-based Dickinson Robertson company, one of the world's largest stationery and packaging companies. He continued to sail even more since back then if you did any representative sailing (sailing for your country) you could claim six weeks extra holiday. However, one day his boss called him into his office and suggested he made a decision as to what was most important to him...a career or sailing. As John was due to fly to Australia the next week for three weeks sailing he asked if we could discuss that on his return. This was evidently not the answer his boss wanted and his redundancy package was on his desk when he returned.

He was given a great redundancy package and the boss suggested that one day John would thank him...a suggestion that at the time was hard to accept. At around that time John bought a J24, which for a couple of years he towed to regattas in the UK and Europe. Despite a reasonable amount of success (his best result was second in the UK Nationals), it was obvious that if John wanted to move onto the bigger boat circuit it would not be as a helmsman. With professionalism really starting to kick in there was a queue of Olympians and World Champions lining up to race and helm on the evolving Grand Prix circuit. John then jumped on the big boat Grand Prix circuit as a headsail trimmer and for a

number of years followed the circuit that started in Australia in December culminating in the Hobart race (biannually), then to a couple of regattas in Florida in January and February, on out to the Caribbean circuit, back to the States and Bermuda Race or down to Hawaii and then down to the Mediterranean and back to the UK for the Fastnet in August and then Sardinia and Italy in the autumn. It was an awesome circuit and a great life. He started his company Marineware 35 years ago in Southampton and had a couple of people run the office fending off complaints while he sailed the world, doing numerous yacht races. “I kidded myself I was making great contacts,” John recalls, “when I was really just having a wonderful time sailing with my mates.”

But to be fair, some of the business the company was getting was coming from the race boats he was sailing with. In the beginning, John winged it, borrowing his mate’s office and car to convince prospective clients he actually had an office proper. He has 26 employees now and has kept everyone on during the pandemic as he promised his staff he would. The company today is located in the Eastleigh suburb of Southhampton and is the UK distributors for Awlgrip, Epifanes, Nautix, Gurit, SABA, Durepox, Resene, 3M, Tesa, & SIA. Selling wholesale into the marine trade, the company has expanded its product portfolio over the years to supply a full range of coatings and composite materials with a strong emphasis on technical expertise across various areas.

Marineware has used its skills, products systems, and experience honed in the marine sector to develop other vertical markets. Today, the company provides construction and coatings solutions for a wide range of structures, components, buildings, products, vehicles, and myriad other applications. And true to its roots, the company is still the number one provider of coatings and composites to the UK marine trade. It focuses solely on marine paint these days but when it started it manufactured aviation paint as well, supplying paint for Virgin’s 747s. General Manager Adrian Layton and Head of Sales Simon Crawford have a small equity share in the company and John holds business videoconferences three times a week. He has capable people running the company and just steps in when he needs to.

Currently, Marineware is run by a General Manager and a Head of Sales who have both been given equity shares in the company and who have been friends and employees for a number of years. John holds business videoconferences three times a week and monthly sales meetings as well as all staff catch-ups. He has capable people running the company and just steps in when he needs to. John stopped competitive sailing about 15 years ago. Up until that time he was one of the senior racers on the TP52 circuit in the Med. But he was getting older and the professionals were sailing seven days a week. It was a full-time job for them, and John was struggling to combine running a growing business with the increased demands of a professional racing circuit. John then devoted his time to building up the business, taking a break from full-on racing, and spent more time on his other pastimes of cycling (road and mountain bike) and trail running. And then Phuket happened. A decade ago, John was invited to Phuket to take part in the King’s Cup Regatta. Some friends had chartered a Phuket 8 and invited him on as crew and he had such a fabulous time that he decided to come back to the King’s Cup the following year. But John asked his mates, “What about chartering one those brightly-coloured things that kept going past us at three times the speed?” referring to the Mark Pescott-designed, Mark Horwood-built, sleek catamaran racing boats Phuket’s ubiquitous Fireflies. His crewmates agreed. John didn’t know anything about catamarans, he had never even been in a beach cat, So, he got in touch with Chris Jungerius of Andaman Sea Cat and chartered The Frog, On the first day out, the crew sat on it in a medium breeze, dropped the mooring and shot off. John was hooked on the sheer speed and that started his love of multis. “We were completely out of control,” he recalls, “it was awesome.” That night, he bumped into the late great Henry Kaye who gave him some well-meaning and good advice on how to properly sail a Firefly. John’s crew really enjoyed the experience, but he felt they were completely out of our depth. He and his mates returned to Phuket the next summer to race in the Multihull Solutions and Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek regattas, chartering Twin Sharks, which was owned by Bill Phelps. John enjoyed the ride so much, he bought the boat. But John being a competitive animal decided it was time to improve the race results

A younger John on the big-boat circuit.

and set about improving the boat, the sails, the crew, and his helming. He brought the boat to Mark Pescott and Ross Blair to do a full refit at Mark Horwood’s old shipyard at Friendship Beach, adding new sails and painting the boat in Awlgrip. At about that time, John also bought the catamaran Ceberus, which he stayed on when he was here, recently selling it to Zam Bevan who renamed it Sho Vel. Tam Kaewwantha was Twin Sharks' first crew member as he was working for Chris when John chartered the boat and the deal was that Tam would crew the regattas with John and work the bow. Jason Corall, the sail trimmer, came next and then Brent Gribble, the Awlgrip rep in New Zealand, came in on the main and tactics. Alfie Rowson then joined to work the mid boat and Justin Wong, a Singaporean, filled in for Tam occasionally when he couldn’t get off work. The team then worked on a programme of general improvements brought about by hard work, plenty of practice, and a great deal of time on the water. Olly Wilce and Ken Wotowa joined the team after COVID, when Tam was stuck in Ireland, Alfie in Scotland, and Brent in New Zealand. As John says “We don’t have a crew we have a bunch of mates.” When John first bought Twin Sharks there were half a dozen Fireflies racing in most regattas: Hans Rahman had Voodoo; Neil

Ayre had Mamba: Roger Kingdon had Moto Inzi; there was a Japanese team chartering The Frog; Ray Waldron had Surf Patrol; Peter Taylor was on Ballerina; and, of course, John had Twin Sharks, so the racing was fantastic and hopefully after COVID those days will return. Over the last few years, however, Twin Sharks' biggest competition has been Hans Rahman’s Voodoo with its predominately professional Filipino crew. Hans has been stuck in Germany during the pandemic so Ian Coulson has been skippering Voodoo. Ironically, Ian is also from the Isle of Wight and went to the same school as John. And it seems that in every regatta these two are fighting out for top honours in their class. Summing up, John says he has been amazingly fortunate in life; he fell out of a job at exactly the right time; was given a good severance, and then fell into some really great sailing with people who would buy his paint and keep his business going. He also has great people working for him that he can rely on; he came out to Phuket and met more great people to sail and hang with. He says that business-wise he has been lucky to be at the right place at the right time with the right product. And sailing-wise, he says, “Although the competition is fierce between Twin Sharks and Voodoo, and all the Fireflies we are all friends, the racing is always close with just a few points separating at the end. And that is the reason we all love to sail the Firefly-class.”

here have all of

Thailand’s boat shows gone? By Paul Poole

n 2017, ahead of the usual stream of boat shows and yachting events scheduled around the Kingdom, and before the current worldwide pandemic, I was asked if there was room for three boat shows in Thailand each year. My answer (you may have seen the article) was yes. But with several caveats. First the geography. I suggested the current concentration around Phuket is not sustainable in the long run. My original opinion has not changed. Phuket can only accommodate one boat show due to the size of the yachting industry, both in terms of yacht sales and yacht charter. Therefore, if three shows were planned, it would make more sense to widen the geographic spread of the boat shows to include one show in Bangkok, one show in Pattaya, and one on Phuket. My second concern was that the competition between the boat shows is not sustainable. Although all three boat shows organised in Thailand had unique selling points, they ultimately competed for the same sponsors, partners, exhibitors. And, in the case of the Phuket Rendezvous (formerly PIMEX, the Phuket International Boat Show) and the Thailand Yacht Show, the same visitors. Therefore shows were struggling to deliver the required ROI (return on investment) and ROO (return on objective) to sponsors, partners and exhibitors. Other issues I raised then and have done

since centre around the lack of collaboration. The format for previous shows has been to organise, market, sell and host in isolation of other shows. But, as I’ve said previously, boat shows are commercial enterprises, a fact that poses challenges to collaboration. However, I believe there is something to be learnt from mass participation sports events such as marathons or triathlons held in the Kingdom. Many of those competitive events work collaboratively by allowing similar events to promote their own races within. This kind of approach creates value for participants, sponsors, partners, exhibitors, spectators and the wider community and helps grow and improve their industry. The boat shows and yachting events can learn from this. My final concern was the misconception about sponsorship. The success or failure of a particular event often depends on the sponsorship deals it manages to secure. Each year, millions of baht were paid in sponsorship to yachting events. Yet we saw a significant portion of custodians who viewed sponsorship as free money or a charitable donation. As a result, they failed to provide the ROI and ROO the sponsors expected and deserved. This left unsatisfied sponsors and inadequately organised events: and failure to realise the true potential of a ‘property’.

At the time of being asked the question: “Is there room for three boat shows in Thailand each year?” my conclusion was: if the above issues are acknowledged, then actively and collectively addressed, there is certainly enough room in the Kingdom for three boat shows and a full yachting events calendar. However, if the current fragmented and self-serving approach were allowed to continue, it would not only hurt the industry as a whole, it would sooner or later also hurt the very people and organisations that are trying to grow it. What has changed since then? Well, fast forward to 2020/21, and we find ourselves, hopefully, towards the end of a devasting worldwide pandemic. It has negatively impacted so many previously thriving industries: especially sports, tourism, MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions), events and hospitality. Therefore a new question could be asked, “Where have all of Thailand’s boat shows gone?” I can answer that with some good news! Not only can we look forward to the return of outside events in the not too distant future: but what has happened sooner than I predicted is that positive changes have emerged. In January 2022, the Thailand International Boat Show is set to become the single boat show in Phuket serving Thailand and the region’s yachting and related lifestyle industries. This inaugural boat show planned by JAND Group and JAND Events is an exciting venture that will put Phuket on the world stage. It perhaps demonstrates that many in the industry agreed with my 2017 concerns and the issues I raised. I believe thus far many in our industry have wanted to see changes but feel unable to confront the more popular stance of ‘yachting events in the Kingdom (and beyond) are too established and resistant to change, and there’s little that can be done’. The Thailand International Boat Show is an event that has been planned in meticulous detail by a team with over 30 years of experience. I am delighted to be involved because Thailand is ready to see the return of a billion dollar industry that can boost the Kingdom’s economy in so many ways, and Phuket is an exceptional location. Through extremely unfortunate circumstances, namely the worldwide pandemic, others in the frame have been unable to fulfil the anticipated show schedule, leaving Thailand’s yachting industry without a showcase for more than two years, even stretching into 2022 and beyond.

The Thailand International Boat Show’s rights holders and organisers have, in my opinion, been brave enough and confident enough to step up and end the two year void of shows, replacing uncertainty with a firm commitment. I’ve said repeatedly throughout 2020/21: our priority as commercial sponsorship and partnership marketing experts must be to work with our clients, sponsors, and partners to ensure the return of such events once restrictions lift. We’ve used our professional products, services and training workshops to help them make decisions to ensure they remained strong and buoyant in such uncertain times and are ready to return with confidence (and panache!) when restrictions allow. JAND Group and JAND Events are an excellent example of the success of our supporting and nurturing approach. Therefore we’re immensely proud to be part of the reimagining of a boat show - the Thailand International Boat Show on 6-9 January 2022, Royal Phuket Marina. It is a shining example of a well-managed collaboration: a phoenix show rising out of the ashes of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and emerging as one show for Thailand, unifying the industry and promoting the Kingdom as the Asian yachting destination. We wish all involved the greatest success.

About the author Paul Poole is the founder, managing director and chairman of Paul Poole (South East Asia) Co., Ltd., an independent marketing consultancy based in Bangkok, Thailand. The company specialises in commercial sponsorship and partnership marketing, working with both rights holders and brands. Paul Poole (South East Asia) Co., Ltd. has packaged, sold, and managed sponsorship and partnership opportunities for several of Southeast Asia’s leading yachting events, including Asia Superyacht Rendezvous, Asian Yachting Grand Prix, Bay Regatta, Boat Asia, Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous, Neptune Regatta, Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show, Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX), Phuket Raceweek, Royal Langkawi International Regatta, Samui Regatta, Singapore Yacht Show, Thailand Yacht Show, Top of the Gulf Regatta, and the new Thailand International Boat Show.

www.paulpoole.co.th info@paulpoole.co.th

Aquila 54 set for autumn release

he Aquila 54 is the new power catamaran model from Aquila, due for an official launch in autumn of 2021. Simpson Marine is delighted to share new images of the boat that have just been released by the shipyard. This new yacht has just won a prestigious “Power Multihull of the Year 2021” award by Multicoques magazine, proving again its tremendous potential and popularity among motor yacht enthusiasts. The Aquila 54 power yacht catamaran embodies the reliable features and construction methods of the hundreds of Aquila yachts and boats now cruising the waters of the world. This model also enhances on-board luxuries with full size refrigeration and layouts that include 3, 4, and 5 cabin options as well as skipper’s quarters and “galley-down” layouts. Owners will delight in panoramic views that fill the master cabin with natural light through large hull side windows, adding to the spacious feeling of the full-beam for-

ward master cabin. Engineered with an open flybridge and solid glass front windscreen, or a completely enclosed and climate controlled flybridge, the Aquila 54 power yacht catamaran features the versatility to appeal to a global audience of boating enthusiasts. The full beam master cabin with extensive windows provides a lot of daylight and an amazing dressing room in the starboard hull. We have seen the generous space and comfort aboard the 44 and we are fully confident that the 54 will enjoy similar success. The saloon resting area features two huge sofas; including one vast U-shape sofa within the dining table and a smart bar area serving the galley and saloon at the same time evoking a true home-style feeling to the vessel. The first Aquila 54 in Asia has been sold by Simpson Marine in Pattaya and will arrive in April of 2022.

SPECIFICATIONS Model - 54 Length - 54.2m / 16.5ft Draft (m/ft) - 1.4m / 4.4ft Max Beam (m/ft) - 7.6m / 25ft Displacement (tons) - 28.9 tons Engines - 2 x D6 380 hp / 2 x D6 430 hp / 2 x D8 600 hp Fuel tank (l) - 2200 l Fresh Water Tank (l) - 1000 l Max Speed (kn) - 21 kn

For more information on the Aquila 54, please contact the Simpson Marine Thailand team at thailand@ simpsonmarine.com.

The Aquila 70 -

a lluxury power catt garnering i allll ki kinds d off attention tt

orgeous lines, perfectly balanced, intelligent luxury. These are just a few ways to describe the new flagship, Aquila 70 luxury power catamaran. This breathtaking and powerful catamaran is like nothing you have ever stepped aboard. With an aesthetically pleasing design at every angle, the Aquila 70 looks like the stunning luxury yacht that it is. The Aquila 70 can top out at 27 knots (with optional engines) yet still cover long ranges at slower speeds. Power and maneuverability come from Volvo Penta inboards coupled with joystick control. Carbon fiber reinforcements keep weight down while adding to the yacht’s strength. The high bridge-deck clearance allows for even more comfort underway and improved speeds.

For your relaxation and entertainment needs, the Aquila 70 has massive spaces designed with European flair that are bright, inviting, and welcoming including a 27’ wide master suite. Versatile interior layouts, along with rich wood finishes, soft fabrics, smart appliances, designer furnishings, incredible headroom, and panoramic windows make your experience onboard even better. Outdoor areas receive just as much attention. Aquila’s signature stairs make it easy to access the foredeck from the flybridge, which can be fully open or enclosed with A/C and a wide Portuguese bridge for easy access from aft to bow. If you prefer, spend your time hanging out aft, with its comfortable plush seating, huge beach area, deep swim ladder and excellent dinghy launching.

SPECIFICATIONS Model - 70 Length - 21.3m / 69.8ft Draft (m/ft) - 1.45m / 4.9ft Max Beam (m/ft) - 8.2m / 26.9ft Displacement (tons) - 50 tons Engines - 2X 800 hp / 2X 1000 hp Fuel tank (l) - 5480 l Fresh Water Tank (l) - 1560 l Max Speed (kn) - 26 kn

For more information on the Aquila 70, please contact the Simpson Marine Thailand team at thailand@simpsonmarine.com.

Wow - The Hanse 460 Setting New Standards

he new Hanse 460 marks the launch of a new model range combining radically innovative design with the traditional Hanse values -fast cruising and easy sailing. This exciting design from Berret-Racoupeau offers a new hull design, as well as a highly versatile cockpit and interior design. She sets new standards in terms of easy handling, individualisation and sailing performance all this in a sporty, modern exterior design with outstanding interior design and exclusively equipped. She is a Hanse through and through. With the flexible option list, the customer can configure the boat in countless variations, both on deck and below. A lot of emphasis has been put a on a finely balanced sailing performance with a tall rig, a large sail area, various keel options and a clever deck layout. The newly developed, hydrodynamic hull manages the balancing act between a narrow waterline, for better hull speed, and a

wide hull above the waterline with chines fore and aft, giving the greatest possible interior space. The reverse bow makes the boat pitch less in strong winds, while the pronounced bow chines keep the foredeck as dry as possible. The new deck design has 14 opening hatches and eight opening windows to offer maximum light and ventilation below deck. Smart options allow the cockpit to be optimally customised. An electrically lowering bathing platform with stairs, a wetbar with sink and grill, as well as telescopic davits that can be lowered flush to the cockpit floor when not in use are available. The optional hardtop can be fitted with a fixed windscreen and solar panels to generate renewable power, and zip-in surround windows. It fits perfectly with the boat’s aerodynamic silhouette. Generous sail areas of 114sqm upwind and 234sqm downwind illistrate the enormous performance potential of the Hanse 460. The standard bowsprit with integrated anchor arm serves as a forward tack point for

headsail and gennaker and can take a second forestay for genoa or reacher. Optional electric furlers for main and headsails, as well as electric winches, are just as much a part of Hanse’s typical easy handling as the obligatory self-tacking jib. In addition to the standard jib, a 105% jib and a 145% genoa from Quantum are also available. Forty-eight attractive and functional layout combinations give customers every opportunity to configure their Hanse 460 to suit their needs. You can configure her as an owner's yacht with a master cabin including ensuite bathroom and two comfortable aft cabins; or as a charter yacht with 10 berths and three bathrooms……or combinations between. The galley can also be fully adapted to the customer's wishes. There are various refrigerator and freezer options with room for a wine cooler, dishwasher and a three-burner gas cooker with oven in the longitudinal or U-pantry. Another optional highlight is the fully equipped navigation area with forward facing seat, which is unparalleled in this class. The extensive options list, includes a washing machine in a utility room and flatscreens in the master cabin and saloon. It is crowned by the Flagship Package, which includes exclusive fabrics and materials as well as a hidden bar behind the folding backrest in the saloon. Combined with the new, sporty design, comfort and the typical Hanse easy handling; the result is an all-round winning package. Her success seems assured. Dealers have taken over 70 orders before the model was officially released.

Speci¿actions LOA -14.60 m 47' 11" LWL - 13.05 m 42' 10" Beam - 4.79 m 15' 9" Draft shallow keel - 1.75 m 5' 9" L-keel, medium - 2.25 m 7' 5" Displacement L-keel, medium - approx. 12.60 t 27,778 lbs Engine Diesel standard - approx. 57 PS 57 hp Option - approx. 80 PS 80 hp Fuel tank - approx. 210 l 55 gal Fresh water - approx. 450 l 119 gal Mast length above WL - approx. 21.90 m 71' 10'' Upwind sail area - approx. 114.00 m² 1,227 sq ft Downwind sail area - approx. 234.00 m² 2,519 sq ft CE Certificate - A - 10

For full information on Equipment and Prices please contact: SEA Yacht Sales

inq@sea-yss.com Thailand Malaysia Chinese/Malay SEA Region

Chanpen Paul Su Rob

+6694 591 4614 +6017 419 6933 +6012 429 3000 +6681 370 1995

Bonza, regatta winner

MSR ’21stormy weather races through

Story & Photos by Scott Murray

Day One Phuket’s Multihull Solutions Regatta got off to a great start as PRO Simon James, back from a hiatus in the Welsh hinterlands, was able to fit in three races for all classes on day one between squalls and pounding rain. Fourteen boats were entered in the regatta, but at the start of the regatta the crew on The Sting woke up, took one look at the weather and went back to bed. Charles Robinson’s Star Trek was dealing with problems in another galaxy and then warming up for the first race, Richard Delaney’s Pulse Red broke its rudder, so there were 11 boats raring to go for the 10:30 start time on the first day. Tide tables being what they are it was imperative that PRO James get the boats off early so that the crews could be back at the host Phuket Yacht Club by mid-afternoon when the tide receded. The skies really opened up near the end of the third race and everyone received a thorough soaking but spirits were high. This was the fifth regatta the Club has staged since the onset of COVID, and for many it is just such a relief and respite to be out doing something and competing against the backdrop of all the restrictions brought on by the pandemic.

This is the eighth regatta where Multihull Solutions has been the title sponsor since they started their sponsorship of the event back in 2014. The winners of the previous regattas are as follows: 2020 – Fugazi; 2019 – Phantom; 2018 – Fugazi; 2017 – Thor; 2016 – Hurricane; 2015 – Hurricane; 2014 - Java Paul Stamp has now taken over as the Southeast Asian Manager for Multihull Solutions and was graciously on hand to officially start the regatta, Andrew deBruin has moved back to the company’s new office in Brisbane where he will oversee the company’s operations in Asia. It was great to see PYC Commodore Scott Duncanson on the water again as he was steering Fugazi in this regatta. Scott has done a wonderful promoting and organizing the club’s junior sailing program. Dan Fidock’s Fugazi took top honours in the multihull racing OMR class on day one with two firsts and a third. Team Philippines on Voodoo was second as they made history being the first all Filipino-crew to compete in the MSR and winning the second race. They did a superb job on the water, even if they did lose one of their crew overboard near the end of the first race (quickly recovered and pulled back on board). Warwick Downes’ Bonza, flying its hull as only it can, was third followed by John Newnham’s Twin Sharks with Glywn Rowlands Twister 2 rounding out the class. Rowlands had Alan Carwardine and Roger Diggelmann on board as crew; the fellas who built the boat. Twin Sharks and Voodoo continued their epic Firefly sailing joust throughout all three races. Multihull Cruising (PHC class) was down to three boats (The Sting, Star Trek & Pulse Red) so the remaining three vessels duked it out for win, place and show with Rick Fielding’s Pulse Yellow taking the top prize as it won all three races. Simon Boyd’s Pulse Grey took second spot in all three races and the legend himself Paul “Flatty” Baker took third in every race. The Pulses also score points in a separate class devoted just to them, the Pulse 600 Division Class. The three-boat Racing Monohull class saw the skilled Dane Niels Degenkolw win two races on Phoenix to win the class. Jessandra II, the predominately female team was second and Martyn Henman’s Second Nature was out there but hampered by bad weather as it has two DNFs and one FPA.

Day Two Sixteen months of COVID restrictions will leave anyone itching for some action, so participants in the MSR’21 didn’t mind a delayed start till PRO Simon James could find some wind and send them off through rain-soaked Chalong Bay. With the weather gods acting up again though one race was all PRO James could muster, and it had to be shortened midway through with most of the competitors having a hard time making it through lap one. Still everyone was happen to be out there and happy to be competing. Pulse Red was back on the course today racing against the three other Pulses. The Sting was MIA again but Star Trek returned from its intergalactic rendezvous to give the Pulses some company, as 13 boats were on the water. With its second-place finish today, Dan Fidock’s Fugazi has a two-point edge in Multihull Racing (OMR) heading into the final day in its quest to be only the second repeat regatta winner, Hurricane being the first. Warwick Downes’ Bonza , Team Philippines

Voodoo, John Newnham’s Twin Sharks, and Glywn Rowlands Twister 2 followed in that order today. Multihull Cruising (PHC class) saw Rick Fielding’s Pulse Yellow take top spot with Simon Boyd’s Pulse Grey in second, Charles Robinson’s Star Trek in third and Paul “Flatty” Baker’s Pulse Blue in fourth. In the Pulse 600 division after two days racing Pulse Grey sits in first, followed by Pulse Yellow, Pulse Blue and Pulse Red. A big shout-out to Java Watersports’ John Coffin for being able to enter four boats in the regatta. The three-boat Racing Monohull class saw the crafty Dane Niels Degenkolw lead Phoenix to victory again with Jessandra II coming in second. Rough weather has not been kind to the thirds entrant in the class as Martyn Henman’s Second Nature earned another FPA when it had to retire. This is the first time a monohull class has participated in the Multihull Solutions Regatta, but it makes sense as title sponsor now had a sister company, the Yacht Sales Company (TYSCo), which deals in keelboats.

Day Three Warwick Downes’ Bonza won the 2021 Multihull Solutions Regatta for the second time in four years, although in 2018 the trimaran was called Fugazi. Ironically, this year it edged out Dan Fidock’s new Fugazi (two less points) to capture the prestigious OMR Multihull Class and win the championship. Competitors suffered through a veritable cornucopia of climate change in the three short days experiencing everything from soft rain to hard pounding rain; no wind to heavy gusts; calm water to large swells; and sunny blue skies versus overcast grey cloud cover. Due to lack of wind, PRO Simon James had the boats on the water for three hours and twenty minutes before spotting a bit of breeze and getting the sailors underway at 1:50 needing to get a race underway before his 2:30 start deadline. Unfortunately, the wind, which had been so strong the previous two days, didn’t

keep and the race had to be shortened with the racing multihulls getting in one lap of the two-lap race and the other two classes just making it to the top mark for a half-lap race. Some of the competitors were somewhat distraught having stayed up late to see England lose to Italy on penalty kicks in the UEFA Euro Cup final. Bonza took first place in the light wind, followed by John Newnham’s Twin Sharks and Dan Fidock’s Fugazi. Team Philippines Voodoo, and Glywn Rowlands Twister 2 followed in that order. Staging the race and that order of finish allowed Bonza to capture the regatta as its lowest finish could be dropped if five races were held. Overall, the final standings in the class were Bonza, Fugazi, Voodoo, Twin Sharks and Twister 2. Voodoo’s all Filipino crew (Jojo Tayong-helm; Alik Narag-bowman; Jun Ortiz-main trimmer; Melvin Delos Santos-jib/spin trimmer; & Jamar Cabauatan-mast man) sailed without either Hans Rahman or Ian Coulson for the first time and edged out long-time friendly rival Twin Sharks in the regatta. The charismatic crew drew the admiration of fellow competitors with the way they handled their man overboard on day one to their celebration at the final party. The six-boat Multihull Cruising (PHC class) saw Rick Fielding’s Pulse Yellow (Mick “Octopus” Kealy & Rick “Mojo” Fielding) take top spot with Pulse Grey (Simon Boyd & Roger Cox & Steve Gorton) in second, Pulse Blue (Paul “Flatty” Baker & Mathias Bernsletter) in third and Charles Robinson’s Star Trek in fourth. Pulse Red (Rick Delaney, Apple Vimonchandr & Gregory Morozov) had a tough regatta as it couldn’t even reach the start line on the final morning, let alone the finish line, and as a result of its broken rudder on day one could only get in one race during the regatta. Bill Kane and his crew on The Sting registered but decided to sit out the regatta due to the rough weather. Pulse Yellow captured the four-boat Pulse 600 division followed by Pulse Grey, Pulse Blue and Pulse Red in that order.

The three-boat Racing Monohull class saw Niels Degenkolw do what he does best – win as Phoenix captured three of the five races in the division. Andrew McDermott’s Jessandra II, and its predominately female crew, gave them a good run for the money though coming in second, winning two races. The rough weather made it very hard for Martyn Henman’s Second Nature, the other boat in the class, to compete and keep up. The standings were the same for the three-boat class when performance handicap (PHS) was factored in. The buffet dinner and awards presentation were held at the Phuket Yacht Club with James Haste once again doing a wonderful job as Master of Ceremonies. Bt5,5000 was raised for Disabled Sailing Thailand when Alan Carwardine graciously bought a bottle of Kraken at auction. A big shout-out to PRO Simon James and his crew on the committee boat (Eddie and Susie) and Chandran and David for laying marks and recording times as competitors passed them on the course. And thank you to the multi-talented Mick Coleman for ably manning and guiding the start boat, a NEEL 51graciously supplied by Paul Stamp and the team at Multihull Solutions. Kudos to Anthony Gates for supplying the photography rib and for helping any boat in distress. On day one, he towed Pulse Red back to anchor when its rudder broke as well as Bonza when its motor failed to start (good on ya, Gatesy!!). And congratulations to the Phuket Yacht Club and Commodore Scott Duncanson for staging a great regatta, giving people a little fun and excitement out on the water in these dark and troublesome times. And thank you to Paul Stamp, Andrew de Bruin and all the super folks at Multihull Solutions for sponsoring the regatta.

SEARA PHUKET MEETS ALL YOUR FITNESS & EXERCISE NEEDS By Scott Murray

Ayara Villa Home Fitness.

OVID-19 has changed just about everything in our lives including the way we work out. Some people have been unable to even get out to parks to exercise because of restrictions and others simply prefer to work out in the comfort of their homes for fear of being exposed to the disease. That’s where Sports Engineering And Recreation Asia Ltd (SEARA) comes in. The company built its name focusing on quality

commercial recreation and fitness installations, building international standard sports facilities, and maintaining them for their customers. SEARA is a regional leader specializing in the design, supply and installation of international standard sports, recreation, and fitness facilities in Southeast Asia and beyond. The company has four divisions: commercial fitness; retail fitness; sports construction; and customer service. SEARA provides high quality products

SEARA is a regional leader specializing in the design, supply and installation of international standard sports, recreation, and Ütness facilities in Southeast Asia and beyond. CJ Prieur.

and services to many market sectors including private homes, health and fitness facilities, private clubs, educational institutions, hotels and resorts, property developments, medical, and governmental clients. SEARA builds sports facilities that meet the specifications required by each sport’s governing bodies. They are also the exclusive dealers for Brunswick high end billiard and gaming tables. CJ Prieur is the director of SEARA (pronounced SIERRA) International in Phuket;

SEARA being short for Sports Engineering & Recreation Asia, Ltd. CJ first arrived in Thailand in 1993 and worked for the Laguna Beach Resort Phuket for three years, then he moved up to Bangkok for six years working as the General Manager of the exclusive Capitol Club in Bangkok. CJ met his future wife, Ji, in Phuket, actually on the first day he arrived - they were working at the same resort and now have a 20-year old daughter Jiraya who is studying Hospitality Management overseas at

SEARA Andara Signature Villa.

The company is currently working on a fabulous new showroom for its main ofÜce in Bangkok, which will be located near the Rama IX and Ekamai intersection.

Amanpuri Phuket.

the moment. He did a lot of shuttling back and forth between Bangkok and Phuket during his time at the Capitol Club. CJ joined SEARA in 2002, a couple years after it was formed when Capitol Club members and SEARA founders George Foose

and Patrick Dean got wind that he would be leaving the Club (they were selling fitness equipment to the Capitol Club) and offered him the position of General Manager of their outlet in Phuket. CJ was born and grew up in Los Angeles

after his parents had recently emigrated from France via Venezuela. He received a French education from the Lycee in LA and was a competitive distance runner throughout his teen years. He was recruited and competed for his university but admitted he was never the running star he had hoped to become. His sister was much more recognized having competed in the Olympic trials in 1988 for the USA for the 1,500m. CJ is a Fitness Specialist by trade and has a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education (Commercial/Corporate Fitness) from California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo. After graduating from university, he embarked on his travels through Europe, making his base in his parents’ home town of Beausoliel/Monaco, where he still had plenty of family. While there, he applied to work at Club Med in 1991 and began a new chapter in his travels. He was first posted in Israel in Arziv in a unique hut village that was an old Arabic residence 5km from the Lebanese border —mortars did fly overhead from time to time and this experience gave him new insight and understanding of the tension in that region. He then moved on to Club Med in Huatulco, on the west coast of Mexico, where he was able to sharpen up on those Spanish classes that

he took in high school. He had hoped to continue working for Club Med but after a short break back in America he went to work for a similar outfit called Pacific Islands Club in Saipan. That hotel experience saw more opportunities for him and eventually led him to Phuket where they had a sister resort, which later became the Laguna Beach Resort, then Outrigger and now SAii Laguna Phuket. CJ was posted there as the Sports, Entertainment & Activities Manager for three years. Describing what SEARA can do CJ says, “We can build you a tennis, squash or basketball court, a running track, or even a football field. Villas and resorts in Phuket, and the region, have a demand for quality tennis courts, whether they be acrylic, synthetic grass, synthetic clay, or even plastic tile courts. “We are sports surface specialists; we do everything for any sport surface, but we don’t do pools!” SEARA has a Customer Service division at his facility in Phuket and five technicians on hand to offer advice on installation and usage of all the equipment SEARA sells. The company is a leading supplier of commercial and light commercial fitness equipment to fitness clubs, hotels, resorts, real estate developments, government projects, educational facilities as well as home fitness equipment of all types and sizes. For over 12 years, CJ oversaw the RPM

SEARA Conrad Hotel Samui.

Health Club, which was located in Royal Phuket Marina. SEARA wanted a footprint in Phuket to show how a high-end club could look like, and that it was, but for a variety of reasons it proved unsustainable. The company now offers cutting edge equipment such as ICAROS, virtual trainers that simulate full-body workouts through engaging entertaining experiences, as well as Myequilibria, which represents the evolution of outdoor fitness, focusing on eco-sustainability. Discussing the fitness craze, CJ says, “People know how to train these days, if you give them a kettlebell, a dumbbell, a mat, a ball, a band or a roller – with a YouTube video, that’s all they need. It’s dramatic how people’s fitness habits have changed in twenty years. It’s a posting war on social media these days - guys are bulking up - protein sales are through the roof - and women are working out harder than I’ve ever seen. HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), Functional Training and traditional Body Building training are all on the rise and it’s all good for our industry no matter how you look at it.” In the early 2000s, Eric Levine and California Fitness opened the door to a Thai market that had little access to fitness clubs before. The evolution continued with the 24-hour fitness craze, giving more people even more access to gyms. It’s Fitness for All these days with a wide variety of offerings from the clubs that have it all to the specialized boutique type fitness. Putting fitness equipment on yachts really depends on space and power availability. A treadmill needs a powerful generator, but non-electrical options can also give you a good work out. But if you are thinking of outfitting your yacht and villa CJ will recommend what’s

right for you based on your workout habits or what your customers will most likely use. Treadmills, Ellipticals and Bikes are always a mainstay for most customers but many more are looking at Squat Racks, Functional Accessories and Free Weights to meet their exercise needs. SEARA has offices and showrooms throughout Thailand, including Bangkok, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Hua Hin and soon to be in Had Yai. The company is currently working on a fabulous new showroom for its main office in Bangkok, which will be located near the Rama IX and Ekamai intersection. Internationally, SEARA is active in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Bangladesh, Bhutan and the Maldives as exclusive dealers for Life Fitness, Hammer Strength, Octane Fitness, Escape Fitness, Brunswick and many more high-end brands. It is also the exclusive dealer of sports surfacing materials ranging from Plexipave, ActGlobal, Rephouse, Laykold and many more. There’s no doubt that SEARA is helping to plan, supply and build Asia's recreational infrastructure. CJ, himself, has close to three decades of working in the health, wellness and the fitness industry. His job plays to his strengths as he has a complete understanding of professional sports surfacing and sport facility construction. Mix in his strong sales skills, flair for entrepreneurship, business development and hospitality expertise and you can see why he has done well. He knows his stuff. Contact him or his staff if you want to know what exercise equipment, sports surface or even pool table is best for you. (All action shots with people are from Utime Fitness Blue Tree in Phuket.) www.searasports.com

Boatworks Phuket ticks all the boxes

when it comes to service and repairs

oatworks Phuket opened in 2020 and is located at the former Latitude 8 Workshop site in Chalong along the road up to the Big Buddha. Boatworks provides a wide range of services to its marine customers, including but not limited to marine repairs and restoration, rigging, race boat management, rubber dinghy repairs, and yacht delivery. Boatworks has established partnerships with pedigree marine brands such as All Yacht Spars, Australia and Colligo Marine. General Manager Nick Gutry started his career serving as an apprentice shipwright in New Zealand before moving abroad to Asia. Nick has an extensive history in working with composites, rigging and all manner of marine build and repairs. Locally, he is also the boat manager for the Fugazi Racing team and is actively involved in local cruising and racing activities. Feel free to contact Nick for any enquiries you might have about your boat, dinghy or project! nick@boatworksphuket.com (https://www.facebook.com/boatworksphuket)

Bay Regatta sails for 24th time

imon James and Kae Wattana of Regattas Asia have done what few people in this region have done: stage two major regattas throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Co-operating with local health authorities the 24th Bay Regatta, and second Bay Regatta since the novel coronavirus outbreak, set sail in early April from Ao Po Grand Marina. And indeed it was a breath of fresh sea air to see ten sailboats head out from their moorings to head through some of the world’s most stunning karst topography on their four-day nautical journey. Held later this year after from April 1-4, the Bay Regatta is a series of passage races – an event format that catches the attention of the region’s best sailors as they competed in two classes, Racing Multihulls and Monohulls with a cruising multi (Mojo) thrown in for good measure. This four-day circumnavigation of Phang Nga Bay focuses on fun. Attracting the serious, the not-so-serious and the not-at-allserious “racing” sailors, the regatta appeals to those who enjoy the stunning sailing grounds of the area and a different destination each evening. Each evening, the regatta anchors at a different venue and the sailors go ashore. Those staying ashore –the majority 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 the regatta visits — 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.

Day One

Starting in Ao Po on Phuket's east coast, after registration and an opening party at Ao Po Grand Marina, the yachts did something different this year. The government prohibited the yachts from racing north as they usually do, so they went south instead. On day one, PRO and race organizer Simon James had two starts for the competitors today: first off were all the multihulls (6 boats) followed by all the multihulls (4 boats). The weather did not cooperate on the first day as a squall set in almost as soon as the sailors crossed the start line (Thank God for warm rain!!). The 25-mile course set off from Koh Naka Yai, passing Koh Sup to starboard and rounding Koh Yao Yai to port, before passing through the gate (between the committee boat and the Hin Mu Sang Mu Nua). Dan Fidock’s Fugazi took line honors in the Multihull Racing class followed by John

Newham’s Twin Sharks, John Coffin’s Fez, and Glywn Rowlands’ Twister. The rough weather took its toll on Alan Carwardine’s Coconuts who did not finish the race. The results stayed the same for the Multihull Performance Class though Rick Fielding’s Mojo did finish ahead of Coconuts because if its DNF, and Mojo must be commended for sticking it out in the rough weather and finishing the race. Results for the four boat-Monohull IRC & Performance Class were identical with Andrew McDermott Jessandra finishing on top followed by Niels Degenkolw’s Phoenix with Torben Kristensen’s Kinnon in third, and Paul Merry’s Night Train coming in last.

Day Two

After a buffet and awards presentation at Baan Chang on Koh Yao Noi, the crews were well rested and set out for day two of the 2021 Bay Regatta on Friday April 2nd, sponsored by Octopus Electrical Service. The 20-mile course left from east of Koh Yao Noi rounding Koh Pang to starboard, then passing Koh Pak Bia to port, and then passing Koh Ka and Koh Ka to starboard. The fleet moved past through the gate to Koh Kaya (between the island and the committee boat), and then rounded Koh Ngang to port, passing between Koh Daeng and Koh Samet finishing between the committee boat and Koh Ya Man.

PRO and race organizer Simon James again had two starts for the competitors again: first off were the monohulls, followed by all the multihulls. Bad weather set in again soon after the start as a squall quickly moved in. This caused an unfortunate incident as Twin Sharks lost bowman Ken Wottowa overboard after he moved to the stern of the boat an during a manoeuvre and lost his footing falling overboard. Crewmate Olly Wilce was the first to notice as the crew scrambled to take down the kite – they were going 25 knots. Jason Corall spotted Wottowa in the water and directed the Firefly back to him. After being in the warm water for about 15 minutes, Ken was pulled onboard and later seemed the avid sportsman seemed totally unfazed by the whole incident - great recovery by the Twin Sharks crew. In Racing Multis, Dan Fidock’s Fugazi took line honors again finishing twelve minutes ahead of its nearest competitor but when handicap was figured in John Coffin’s Fez was the winner of the division, followed by Alan Carwardine’s Coconuts with Fugazi taking third. John Newham’s Twin Sharks rebounded after their mishap to take fourth with Glywn Rowlands’ Twister in fifth spot. Rick Fielding’s Mojo again hung tough through rough weather finishing the race and grabbing a sixth in Multihull Performance.

The regatta allows participants to experience the best of southern Thai hospitality.

Boats sail amongst 200-metre high karsts and past hidden bays on their way to nights under-thestars in idyllic anchorages. Results in the four boat-Monohull IRC Class saw Niels Degenkolw’s Phoenix taking top spot followed by Torben Kristensen’s Kinnon in second Paul Merry’s Night Train in third with Andrew McDermott’s Jessandra bringing up the rear. For Monohull Performance, Night Train & Jessandra flipped third and fourth place finishes. A big shout out to the all women making this regatta happen including co-organizer Kae Wattana and her volunteer crew, many of whom are university students. Jessandra has eight women sailors on board, Phoenix has four and Coconuts and Twister 2 also have a number of female crew. Many in the fleet docked at Port Takola Marina but it was a free night in the Krabi area for all competitors as the awards for day two’s races were handed out the following night at the Phra Nang Inn in Ao Nang.

Day Three

World Sailing International Race Officer Simon James continued his format of staging two different starts for the mono-and-multihulls on the third day of the 2021 Bay Regatta. Krabi Race Day saw both classes eventually settle on 17 mile course though there was a twoand-a-half delay between the start of the multi and monohull classes. Lack of wind, which wasn’t factor on the first two days of the regatta, was definitely a concern on day three with no sign of squalls anywhere.

The five-boat Multihull Racing Class saw John Newnham’s Twin Sharks rebound from their man overboard yesterday finishing first with John Coffin’s Fez in second, Alan Carwardine’s Coconuts in third, Glywn Rowlands’ Twister 2 in fourth and Dan Fidock’s Fugazi rounding out the class. Multihull Performance saw the order shift as follows: Twin Sharks, Fugazi, Coconuts, Fez, Twister 2 & Mojo. The four-boat IRC monohull class was agonizing slow, but all competitors finished the course and no one complained. When it was all sailed and done, Niels Diegenkolw’s Phoenix took top spot again followed by Andrew McDermott’s Jessandra and Torben Kristensen’s Kinnon was third. Paul Merry’s Night Train (named after the Jimmy Forrest song) brought up the caboose. Results were the same for the Monohull Performance class. Kudos must go out to Rick Fielding’s Mojo, no one knows how to have more fun in light wind than the crew on that cat. A special shout-out to John Newnham for freeing up Matt McGrath and his supply boat to be the photography boat for the day, which captured all the great images of the stunning karst topography that Phang Nga Bay is so famous for. The evening party was held at Pra Nang Villa where prizes were given out for racing on days two and three. A huge shoutout to Matthew na Nagara all the staff at the Port Takola Marina for the gracious hospitality in allowing the majority of the fleet to moor at the marina for two nights. Hughie Thompson turned 83 during the regatta serving as crew on Mojo. Hughie has been support crew for many Phuket regattas over the years and it was great to see him racing, Still sharp as a tack, Hughie shows no signs of slowing down.

Day Four

The fourth and final day of the Bay Regatta saw Simon James start the multihulls and monohulls together in the Coca Cola Haad Thip Race for their long race back to Ao Chalong. Originally scheduled to start off of Krabi’s Railay Beach, a lack of wind saw the fleet motor till they found some. John Coffin’s Fez pulled the surprise of the regatta winning the five-boat Multihull Racing Class with John Newnham’s Twin Sharks coming in second. Twin Sharks had a man overboard on day two, which saw them lose valuable time and finish fourth, which would hurt them later in the overall standings, though thank God crewmate Ken Wottawa was alright (a big shout out to Grenville Fordham who was crewing on Coconuts as they were hot on the heels of Twin Sharks as he managed to alert his squad to avert as Wottawa hit the water). Dan Fidock’s Fugazi had a number of line honours throughout the regatta but handicap saw them settle for third overall. Alan Carwardine’s Coconuts never recovered from their DNF on the first day and settled for fount overall, while Glywn Rowlands’ Twister 2 took fifth-place in the class. Multihull Performance saw the order shift as follows: Twin Sharks, Fugazi, Fez, Coconuts, Twister 2 & Mojo. Niels Degenkolw and Phoenix rode three first-place finishes to victory in the four-boat IRC monohull class allowing the Dane to win this class for the umpteenth time in the Bay Regatta. Fellow Dane Torben Kristensen’s Kinnon was third and it was only Andrew McDermott’s Jessandra, who was able to take a spot away from Phoenix at the top of the podium winning day two of the regatta, allowing them to finish second overall in the class. Paul Merry’s Night Train was fourth. Overall results were the same for the class in the Monohull Performance division. While Rick Fielding’s Mojo did not finish high in the standings Fielding did show great

sportsmanship in ferrying all of Night Train’s crew to shore safely in his dinghy when they stuck in the channel outside Ao Nang beach. He was honoured by PRO Simon James with a bottle of port in memory of the late Marty Rijurkis who made a habit of highlighting good deeds people would perform during regattas. Simon 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 sure everyone was happy on shore, providing plenty of good food and drink and great entertainment from songstress Bonnie Anderson. Bob Mott provided his “Rainman” boat as the support vessel which Chandran used to lay the marks and act as a gate to record times during the regatta. A big shot out to Simon’s team on the water—Susie, Chandran & Eddie—who as always, made sure all the starts and finishes were correctly posted and recorded. And a huge round of applause for the great job Brenda Kealy did for providing his catamaran Catapult as the committee boat. The final night’s party was once again held at Kan Eang 2 restaurant, overlooking Chalong Bay and a great time was had by all.

Java

Watersports

ava Yachting has recently opened a watersports center on the Island of Koh Lon, just off the southern coast of Phuket, some 15 min boat ride across Chalong Bay. At the new Java Watersports center, there are a variety of dinghies for rent and for small sailboat training. Additionally, kayaks and SUPs are available for exploring the islands and waters around Koh Lon. For those not familiar with Java Yachting, they have been around for 12 years in southern Thailand and China, offering IYT sailing and powerboat courses, charters and more. However, this new facility is just one more addition to their already expansive operation. They offer half day and full day dinghy, catamaran, trimaran, and large sailboat training, with certified trainers, plus hourly, half day and full day rentals for people already familiar with the sport. They are fully set up and ready to get people on the water for the adventure that is sailing! In addition, Java Yachting has recently been appointed the local agent for RS Sail Boats and has a range of RS craft for clients to enjoy. Java Watersports is currently expanding their operations on the island of Koh Lon to provide clients with a new boating destination, equipped with accommodations and a restaurant, plus camping and glamping facilities for those interested in staying on the island. The newest addition to their fleet is the converted live-aboard dive boat, named “Henrietta”, anchored off the beach at Koh Lon and which was publicly revealed and used as the start boat for Phuket Race Week. The boat is fully equipped with a restaurant and various sleeping cabins for guests, plenty of lounging space to enjoy the magnificent view of the natural surroundings, and for relaxing with friends and family to hangout and watch the sunset. John Coffin, owner and founder of Java Yachting and Watersports, says, “Our goal is to provide the ultimate watersport destination, with quality boats, for anyone vacationing or living in Phuket and southern Thailand. With a variety of options and activities for all ages, we want to become the #1 boat training and adventure center in the Andaman Sea”. For more information, please visit our website at JavaYachting.com or check us out on Facebook at FB.com/ JavaCharters. For email inquiries please contact john@ javayachting.com or call our office at +66 64 195 5140 (Line/WhatsApp).

www.javayachting.com

Into the Blue -

BVZ Asia

gets your boat sun, salt and sea ready

VZ Asia® carries specialty fabrics, hardware and finishing materials for boat tops, covers, tarps, sails, seat cushions, interiors and more. With the widest distribution network of outdoor performance fabrics and associated products in Asia, it has inventories in five major distribution centers in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. Clients can order directly from any of the offices ensuring convenient and reliable delivery. “BVZ Asia’s thrust is to continue to provide customers with the latest and most customer-centric products,” says Kurt De Wilde, BVZ Asia’s general manager. “We carry the best lines for marine applications and are always on the lookout for products and solutions that can better serve our customers.” The BVZ Asia Marine Fabric Stock Program now features Sauleda® fabrics. Offering excellent fade and weather resistance, Sauleda® Nautic fabrics are easy to work with and are guaranteed to withstand the harsh marine environment. “We stock 20 of the best-selling Sauleda® Nautic range of stylish, superior quality performance fabrics that are purposed designed for marine applications,” continues De Wilde. “Sauleda® Nautic is made with 100% solution-dyed acrylic, water-resistant, and easy to clean. With a warranty of up to 10 years, the range offers

B Ideal for biminis, enclosures, sail covers, boat covers and more, Sauleda® Nautic fabrics are durable and UV-resistant.

Eqodry’s open cell structure does not hold water and is great on your boat cushions. It is Üre-retardant and is great for below the deck applications, specially where Üre safety can be an issue.

complementary styles for any project design.” One of the world's oldest and most respected textile manufacturers, Sauleda S.A. has been weaving, dyeing and finishing superior grade textiles for more than 122 years. Vertically integrated, Sauleda utilize only the finest quality raw materials. Exercising rigorous commitment to strict quality control ensures textiles are of the highest standard. Continuous capital investment in advanced production lines is testament to this commitment. “By working together, we at BVZ Asia through our stock programs are able to continue to provide the level of service in terms of supply. With the same quality and benefits, Sauleda® Nautic fabrics are 20% less expensive, on average, than other solution-dyed acrylic fabrics,” De Wilde discloses. The company has recently introduced Eqodry smart all-weather foam as part of its offering. Eqodry®— pronounced as ‘E-Co-Dri’ — is fire retardant foam and protected from mold, fungi and bacteria by Ultra-Fresh® antimicrobial, which is incorporated during the manufacturing process. Eqodry foams come in four different hardness: soft, medium, firm, and extra firm, all in similar foam densities guaranteeing they stay in good shape for years. “Eqodry® smart outdoor foam’s open cell structure allows water to pass through for zero water

retention and fast drying times, which makes it perfect for outdoor furniture and marine applications where moisture can shorten the foam’s lifespan,” says De Wilde. “For boat owners who are serious about keeping the quality of their seats dry and fresh-smelling, they can have custom-cut Eqodry foam fitted into their vessel. Durable and extremely fast drying, Eqodry cushions remain fresh, clean, and odor-free,” De Wilde continues. “Having the right foam ensures durable and worry-free cushions above and below board.” “We also carry Nautolex® Grand Cayman fabrics. They are durable marine vinyl upholstery fabrics finished with the easy-to-clean protective, PreFixx. Resistant to staining, abrasion, and scuffing, they are suited for both indoor and outdoor marine applications,” says De Wilde. “Coupled with the Surefas® fasteners as well as Gore® Tenara threads, we continue our positioning as a one-stop-shop for all your marine requirements.” In the grand scheme of all things marine, the bottom line is that they need to stand up to the harsh elements. With the BVZ marine collection, you are guaranteed unparalleled performance. For more information on these marine products, visit www.bvz.com. In Thailand, you can call (+66) 02-174 5174-5.

Krabi Boat Lagoon –

an affordable berthing alternative

ooking for a quiet, out-of-the-way spot to store your boat, do some repairs and enjoy the leisure marine life? Then Krabi Boat Lagoon (KBL) might be exactly the place you are looking for. Krabi Boat Lagoon is a sister property of the renowned Phuket Boat Lagoon. This lagoon is far removed from Krabi town and life is peaceful and serene. With the airport being located just a fifteen minute drive away, and the culturally rich Krabi town just another ten; you’re never bereft of things to do if you fancy a change of pace. KBL is the perfect location for retirees that are seeking a little privacy in a gorgeous coastal location. Facilities include the Cleat Clubhouse, a little library and a delightful swimming pool in the shape of a Parrot Fish with an adjacent kiddies’ pool as well. The complex is self-contained environment, and there is free Wi-Fi internet access, a laundry service, a shop and restaurant. You can also rent kayaks if you would like to go for a paddle.

This stunning region is home to several national parks and over 130 surrounding islands; Krabi also offers many attractions that suit both tourists and expatriates alike. The adventures are never ending, from lazy days at the beach to rock climbing, fishing, diving and sailing adventures. There is access to a number of terrific golf courses only 15-20 minutes away and the Nattha Waree Hot Spring is just 25 minutes by car. By boat you can be at Koh Jum within half an hour; Koh Phi Phi within 40 minutes; and Koh Lanta within an hour. Dining options are abundant ranging from local street food to fine dining. Krabi has not been overrun with tourism and offers a unique tropical experience without being too chaotic. If you want to be able to experience Krabi’s unique beauty without having to live bang-smack in the city centre then The Cleat offers the perfect opportunity to live in and enjoy the perfect blend of serenity, with all of the local amenities within your reach. The condominium project is a low-rise development that features three floors totaling 45 incredible units that range from studios to two bedrooms with breath-taking rooftop balconies that each boasts some of the most magnificent sweeping views. Each unit is unique featuring contemporary and nautical themes. There are eastern facing condos that overlook the sweeping and lush mangrove forests with views of the Andaman Sea. The western-facing units overlook the man-made lagoon with both transient and timeshared slips available for yachts and small crafts alike. You can either purchase or lease a condo and keep your boat

KBL is a stunning jewel that offers safe harbor for those chartering the great Andaman Sea. You can Ünd everything that you’d normally expect from a standard boating marina and more in this expansive and resourceful facility.

right below thoroughly safe with the 24-hour security service. Perhaps you’re a boat owner who is on the lookout for a place to keep your boat and home together in a secure and convenient location? Perhaps you’re simply an investor that is looking for a wise and profitable investment opportunity? Whatever the case: Krabi Boat Lagoon is the perfect location for many a yachtie’s needs. Thanandorn “Jack” Numnun is the marina & resort manager. He says there is ample storage including 80 wet berths—maximum length 88 feet—with room for 100 more boats on the hardstand and of course twenty four hour security. There is an electricity and water supply available for your boat plus, high pressure washer facilities for cleaning your boat, wireless internet and of course KBL’s own fuel dock. Jack says there’s also a 35-ton travel-lift, which can hoist boats with up to a 7.8m beam

and a maximum length of 65 feet. There’s a COVID deal now on for the chic bungalows on site (750 baht, including breakfast), The condos are leasing from Bt20,000-27,000 a month. There’s also a 50 percent discount on wet & dry-dock berths, and 30 percent off travel lift costs. There are three contractors based in the marina who can cover all your boat maintenance and repair needs: a) Popeye Marine Services Co., Ltd; Mr. Des Kearns, deskearns@icloud. com; 084-846-8869. b) Ricardo Modified Marine; Mr. Riccardo Serino, noflag789@ gmail.com; 087- 884-6280 c) Wit & Lek’s Marine; Mr. Wit, 082-266-4385 For more information, you can contact Jack at: resort@krabiboatlagoon.com, marina@krabiboatlagoon.com.

PCYC – the Welcoming Sand Bar

Brent (second left) with winners from a PCYC sailing race.

he Phuket Cruising Yacht Club (PCYC) captain and founder Brent McInnes says the club has been around for twelve years now and it is constantly evolving, the latest addition being a Mr Moo Really Good Deli wholesale outlet on the club’s waterfront premises. The newly renovated Sand Bar and restaurant is open from 12 noon until late, and the full bar includes PCYC signature cocktail the Margarita made from scratch in the blender, Bloody Marys and a full range of local and imported, light and regular beers. The PCYC’s jet-setting manager Yai, a woman of the world is currently trekking in Tibet for a month, she has studied English at the University of Dubai and provides translation services by appointment, and she also possesses a wealth of information on many levels. The restaurant has a new menu specializing in Indian,Tex-Mex & Western style food, and the usual Thai dishes are also available. All the food is MSG free and there’s fresh ground coffee & a selection of tea served all day, The wildly successful Taco Tuesdays is now into its 5th year and patrons have been known to come from all over island and even fly in for the regular Tuesday night out in the Sand Bar with friends.

The PCYC also has a few waterfront bungalows for let and the club has good Wi-Fi, as well as chess & backgammon sets. There’s a new air conditioned lounge/dining room with a big screen to catch up on your favourite events. Phuket Tide Tables, local marine guides & magazines are available free of charge and you can also rent a motorcycle if need be. If your boat is moored in Ao Chalong, your dinghy will be safe on their flood-lit dinghy lines in front of the clubhouse. The clubs’ showers are available to all, and there are plenty of outlets for charging phones or running your computers. The club has a good PA system, a mixing board and a mike stands available for events or live bands, The great Gene Neilson entertains the crowd with his finely-tuned guitar playing skills when he in port. The PCYC clubhouse is also available free of charge for members or guests to use as a party venue; the club can cater or you can bring in your own food and the PCYC will supply the bar. During those nights the club has been full to capacity making full use of its 2am closing licence. There’s a VHF base station on standby, but it’s more for outgoing or emergencies, the best contact number for the club is Brent’s mobile at + 66 (0)86-269-7138.

The Ao Chalong Yacht Club (now the Phuket Yacht Club), of which Brent was a member for many years, had its home at PCYC’s current location for a number of years before moving up the beach a few hundred metres. When the ACYC moved out, Brent moved in and started using it as a waterfront bungalow. Soon afterwards, he partnered with his landlord, Thitti Mokapan, a retired Bangkok lawyer, to create the Sand Bar & PCYC, and a long standing successful partnership was launched with a handshake. The PCYC has a large expat following who like spending time by the seashore and chatting with yachties; its members varying from oil tycoons & doctors to sea gypsies. The PCYC also does extended-period boat minding; the flat rate for this “basic care” is Bt2,000 a month, and this includes checking the mooring lines, the waterline, the companion way (done daily) Brent calls it a “representation of the owner’s interests”. Many insurance companies endorse the PCYC boat care program & their policies are valid while in the PCYC care or on anchor in Chalong Bay. The club also acts as a broker (http:// phuketcruisingyachtclub.org/category/boatsfor-sale/) and charters boats as well (http:// phuketcruisingyachtclub.org/category/charter-boats/). since the new concrete storm-water culverts have been installed in Chalong that flow into the Bay near the club have sped up the water flow washing the lighter mud away & replacing it with sand so the PCYC now has sand

Relaxing at the PCYC.

Khun Yai & Brent make sure nothing goes amiss at the PCYC.

out about 100m from the high-tide line, which is great for beaching catamarans & powerboats for periodic maintenance. The club is also home a black poodle named Teddy, who is in charge of reception along with a number of other soi dogs who patrol the premises with waging tails, there is also a large boat cat named meow yai (big cat) that hangs out with the dogs. The cat jumped ship and swam ashore from a cruising yacht 10 + years ago and made her new home at the PCYC, eventually her owner came by and said she looked happier here and the truth be known she didn’t think much of being a boat cat, the owner is now a PCYC member and calls in for beer and to visit his cat. The annual membership fee is still only Bt4,500, which starts from the day you sign up. You are given a photo ID membership card, club t-shirt, club sticker—no joiner’s fee. The PCYC gives you full-yacht service, and using the club’s

Brent at the helm.

extensive local knowledge, tradesmen & techs you can get the inside track on cruising grounds & maintaining your yacht here in paradise. The PCYC has regular events on the water with a unique handicapping system that allows all yachts to start and finish the races together. The system has proved to be popular with races and cruisers alike. If you are interested in yacht racing the Phuket Yacht Club (PYC) also runs a race series and PCYC members are welcome to join in. Request to join the PCYC’s Facebook group, with its 4,600 members, is the best way to stay up to speed & informed on all aspects of the local marine scene; its open for input & comments - here is the link: https://www.facebook. com/groups/187918071231247/

How Brent Got Here

Brent directing trafÜc.

Brent was raised on the waterfront in East Gosford between Sydney and Newcastle, on the central coast of New South Wales, growing up with tinnies, and sailing dinghies and surf. “We sailed when it blew,” he says. “If it was blowing 20 knots, out came the sailing boats just because it was fun to do, we didn’t do any official racing, I worked on offshore fishing boats, learning ocean skills, primarily how to make it home alive at night in a black nor’easterly on a well-loaded boat.” His neighbour had a 45ft ketch, and that’s how he developed an interest in blue water cruising. He learnt early how to make and lay moorings. Brent says growing up in that neck of the woods was a good kindergarten for seamanship with no shortage of tutors, good and bad alike. Brent wound up in Vancouver for Expo 1986 and he worked there as a waiter at the Munich Festhaus, but on a visit down to the

docks he discovered a ship named Golden Eagle III a 56ft motor sailor looking for a captain. He flashed his NSW boat driver’s license and got the job, sailing the boat down to Cabos San Lucas, Mexico, with a retired German sea captain named Karl Bolland who imparted a wealth of knowledge to him on the way. It was far from a routine delivery as everything that could go wrong did and Old Karl was on top of it all. After returning the boat to San Francisco, Brent took a job as project manager for a commercial real estate developer and worked at that that for seven years. He spent many hours in the left seat of a 414 twin engine Cessna Chancellor flying between the company’s many projects around the USA. In 1993, Brent speculated on lowground pressure tractors (snow-grooming machines to Canadians) for use in tailing pond maintenance in the Australia mining industry after studying international trade at Sydney Uni his company Alpine Venture was founded. He then spent a number of years working that business and travelling between Jindabyne New South Wales, USA, far north Queensland & Western Australia. Brent first came to Phuket in 2001 to buy a catamaran called No Fixed Address off of Stafford Steer with every intention of taking the boat back to Australia. But while he was refitting the boat at the Latitude 8 boat yard with lots of help from Mark Horwood & Mark Pescott, he took a liking to Phuket and decided to stay. Twenty years on, he is one of most popular and charismatic characters in the Ao Chalong area and is grooming his 6 year old daughter Indiana to one day take over the business. Email: no_fixed_address2003@yahoo. com.au Web: www.phuketcruisingyachtclub.org LAT N 07.49.463 LONG E 098.20.758

PCYC Members beni¿ts Discounts include 15 % off from Rolly Tasker (only club offering this promotion), then Royal Phuket Marina gives 20% on haul outs and work on the hard, and a PCYC member can also get a 20 % discount on marina berths and F & B at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club our sister club. Major Phuket chandleries like AME, Boat Marine, Tops Marine and Surapol all give discounts and Chao Fa East Auto Parts gives up to 20% on oil-belts, filters, tools, and diesel algae killer to PCYC card-carrying members. Check out the PCYC web page for full details.

I N T R O D U C I N G

Sritanapat Diesel & Service

here’s a lovely family-owned business in Phuket Town that can help you with all diesel-related problems as well as electrical wiring, injection issues and much, much, mu more. Sritanapat Diesel & Service has been operating out of of Phuket P since 1991 and was originally called Asupon Diesel. The Th company’s main services are: • Pump & nozzle checking • Diesel & common rail systems • Benzene & EFI systems check • ECU electrical wiring • Turbocharger repair • Boat & yacht repair

Sritanapat’s talented technicians are skilled in injector & pump services; Northern Light marine gensets; changeovers & the installation of the Volvo Penta D6-310 engine: modifing an electric pump to a mechanical pump: and repairing pumps in the new Yanmar Turbo 6HL-STP, Khun Tanawat and is lovely wife Thorntamon & daughter Lily are more than willing to assist you with any questions you may have, They are happy to provide a quote for services and can usually be anywhere in the greater Phuket area within a couple hours after receiving a call for assistance. The shop is located in Phuket Town on Thepkrasattri Road and is open every day from 8am-5pm (Tel: 080-535-5335), except Sundays. It also imports machinery and spare parts from overseas, www.facebook.com/TT-truck-and-marine-Diesel-service-395027494432592 www.facebook.com/STPdieselservice

Sea Yachting Q and A with

Mick Coleman

ick Coleman was born in Sydney, Australia and lived his early childhood on the south coast at Batemans Bay until later moving to the big city of Sydney. While around the water and the boating scene growing up, he didn’t pursue a career in it and instead became a carpenter and builder following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. Over the past 12 years, boating and sailing became his career. Based primarily in Phuket, the leisure marine world is his passion and he wouldn’t change it for the world. Favourite Sailing Film? Captain Ron. Wish I could be that good. Favourite Sailing Book? Rescue in the Pacific by Tony Farrington, true story. Favourite Fictional Sailing Hero? Captain Ron, again, haha. Biggest Sailing Inspiration? Mark Pescott . Favourite Regatta? Any regatta. Favourite Anchorage? The one where no one else is.

Favourite Chandlery? The one that has what I need, when I need it it’s there at the right price. Favourite Marina? Port Takola Yacht Marina & Boatyard, Krabi. Favourite Boat Show? Australian wooden boat festival. Favourite Sailing Bar? Not really into the bar scene, but if I had to choose it would be the one at the end of the days racing with mates. Favourite type of sailing boat? Has to be a multihull: Stealth catamarans, Firefly 850, 3 Itch (Danny Moore) Favourite motor yacht? Halvorsen Boats Boat you’d most like to design/build? A replica of HMS Endeavour. Sailing race you’d most like to compete in? Caribbean 600 Sailing destination you most want to get to? Norfolk Island What brought you to Thailand originally? 2010 Multihull and Phuket Raceweek regattas on DaVinci, thanks to Andy Pape. Please tell us a little about the scope of your job as a skipper of a private yacht. As skipper, I have responsibility for the entire show and the main goal is to run a safe and enjoyable boat for my owner, giving him the best experiences he can have on the water each and every day. What would you like the Thai gov’t to do to help the leisure marine industry? Open up the water ways and encourage the cruising sailor to visit and stay as long as they wish. If you weren’t in the leisure marine business, you would be…? A rocket scientist.

The enthusiasm on Jessandra's II crew shines on thru.

Jessandra II encourages inclusivity & it’s paying off

Andrew McDermott at the helm.

ndrew McDermott and his skilled predominately very female crew on Jessandra II can be seen sailing the waters around Phuket taking part in the island’s racing and regatta scene and usually doing very well. But how did Andrew end up here, come to purchase Jessandra II and end up with his female crew? Andrew hails from Sidcup, in southeast London. He’s an electrical engineer by trade (Royal Engineers). After leaving the army, he had his own engineering business in Sidcup, which he sold in 2014 to move to Hua Hin. He has been coming to the Land of Smiles since 2008, primarily to play golf. He always wanted to sail but the water in the UK was too cold, so in January of 2015, he took an RYA competent crew course in at Yacht Haven with Mervin Wilson. He went back to Mervin a year later, not having sailed once in the interim, and took his RYA day skipper in January of 2016. His next course was “coastal skipper” and Mervin recommended Andrew take that with the Langkawi Sailing School. He did, joining them for the Raja

Muda regatta, earning sea miles and finishing his course in Langkawi in January of 2017. He then chartered Feijan with his Thai wife Saiyud for the 2018 Bay Regatta and chartered a few other boats to do some cruising with some friends out of Yacht Haven. But Saiyud became seasick often and couldn’t go cruising regularly, so that made Andrew look to the Phuket Yacht Club to in search of some sailing action. From March to July 2018, Andrew and his wife regularly did the nine-hour drive down from Hua Hin to Phuket to take part in the Phuket Yacht Club racing schedule. He had planned to charter a boat for Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek in 2018, but weather reports forced him to reconsider. Alfie Rowson had heard Andrew was looking for a chance to crew so offered him a spot on Astraeus. Little did he know at the time, the crew was all female, and skippered by Liz Schoch, Alfie’s partner at the time. So Andy went sailing with them and had a great time. He got to know the crew and Liz kept badgering him to buy a boat. “Andy, you need to buy a boat,” she would repeatedly tell him. In November, Liz sent him a note saying Jessandra II owned by Ronald Dane (the multimillionaire who started Triple 8 Race Engineering in Australia) was up for sale. Michael Spies played the middleman and Andrew took possession in November of 2018, three weeks before the King’s Cup. So Andrew took the only crew he knew with him into the Phuket King’s Cup of 2018 and the women just moved from Astraeus to Jessandra II. They did the King’s Cup, and Liz Schoch was in charge till she left to move to Indonesia. Andrew says the first couple years were a rough learning curve some poor finishes, and mishaps. But he’s very happy with the crew he has now. Today the crew features: Etaterina Malakhovskaya (Katia), who does the bow, Michele Hossack on the mast and Lies Sol who is in the pit. Katie Bimson does the main and Désirée Albada Jelgersma Is on the spinnaker trim and second jib trim. The other male on board is Tom Ryfell, the skipper of Intrigue, who trims the jib and talks tactics with Andy. Most women racing in Phuket are the wife or partner of a male sailor. What Jessandra II does is let independent women hone and pit their skills against Phuket’s best sailors. Andrew says he has always been a mentor. He mentored apprentices for the Matthew Hall Electrical Limited after he got out of the service, and before starting his own business.

Jessandra II in action.

“I want to see people do well,” he says. “Many crews are not willing to bring new sailors on board because it might jeopardize their results. But I like to bring newbies on board and help them learn.” Andrew loves the competitive part of sailing and all the technical aspects that go with it such as tuning the rig, using the right sails, check the weather forecast, etc. Nick Gutry of Boatworks Phuket takes care of the boat when Andrew is not in Phuket. Tom Cracknell, now working in the Middle East, was a huge help to Andrew in his first couple years learning to skipper Jessandra II. Andrew says he does his best to maintain his cool and never lose his temper while at the helm, if there is a hiccup or two on the water he and the crew will discuss it when they are back on shore to see how they can do better next time out. If you would be interested in helping sponsor Jessandra II in any upcoming races or regattas please contact Andrew at mcdermottandrew@rocketmail.com.

Regional

NEWS 65

Dehler Discounts Dehler Yachts have released their Champions Choice Discounts effective July-August, September-October and November-December on Popular Option Packages. Package Model B&G Navigation B&G Nav Cruising TP6 sails Gennaker Upgrade Chartplotter

Dehler 29 x

Dehler 34 x

Dehler 38SQ

Dehler 42

Dehler 46

x x x

x x x x

Discount July - Aug. Discount Sept.-Oct. Discount Nov.-Dec.

€8,040 €6,030 €4,020

€10,280 €7,710 €5,140

€20,770 €15,578 €10,385

€24,370 €18,278 €12,185

€30,360 €22,770 €15,180

Contact: SEA Yacht Sales Co.Ltd Dealers for: Hanse, Dehler, Moody, Sealine and Fjord inq@sea-yss.com +66-81-370-1995

Great deals from Hanse

Hanse Yachts have released their Early Bird Discounts effective July-August, September-October and November-December on Popular Option Packages,

Hanse 315

Hanse 388

Hanse 418

Hanse 458

Hanse 508

Hanse 548

Hanse 588

B&G Navigation Performance Comfort Upgrade Chartplotter Entertainment

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Hanse 348

July – Aug. Discount Sept. - Oct. Discount Nov.-- Dec. Discount

€7,480 €5,610 €13,090

€9,480 €7,110 €16,590

€9,980 €7,485 €17,465

€16,280 €12,210 €28,490

€24,370 €18,278 €42,648

€28,260 €21,195 €49,455

€39,450 €29,588 €69,038

€41,750 €31,313 €73,063

Package/Model

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