Phuket - Thailand was voted the favourite sailing venue in Asia and the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta best regatta in Asia, according to a recent survey. The survey found also that the Regatta generated approximately 40 million baht for the Island economy during the 2009 event.
The Sailing survey was conducted by the Top of The Gulf Regatta in co-operation with the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, with the aim to find out sailing trends and provide useful information in helping to attract more sailors to Thailand.
Phuket King’s Cup this year attracted 111 boats, approximately 1,000 registered sailors of 33 different nationalities from all corners of the globe. The survey found that over 30% of the sailors who participated in the 23rd Phuket King’s Cup Regatta have been sailing in Thailand for more than 10 years, while 20% are new – sailing in Thailand for 1-3 years.
The survey found that Thailand is a popular sailing destination with international sailors, with many returning numerous times to enjoy the cruising grounds and sailing events Thailand has to offer. 56% said that the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is their favourite regatta in Asia while 71% said that Thailand, with the main sailing areas being Phuket, Pattaya and Samui, is the best sailing venue in Asia due to an ideal geography, good weather conditions and beautiful scenery.
31% of the survey were sailors who have been sailing in Asia for more than 10 years, with 27% newcomers (having sailed in Asia for only 1-3 years) and 15% having sailed in Asia for 4-6 years.
Asia has long been a popular sailing region with residents and expatriates. This was reinforced recently with the confirmation of an Asian series of the popular European Extreme 40 Sailing Series. More recently, there has been confirmation of Hong Kong being part of the Louis Vuitton Series in 2010. Such events bring the world’s attention on Asia as a leading sailing destination.
When asked how they found out about regatta’s/sailing events in Asia, 50% said ‘Friend/ Sailing community’, followed by 38% who said “specific event website.”
One of the aims of the survey was to find out what kind of people, and from where, attend the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, and approximately how much money does the event generate for the Island economy. It was found that participants in the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta are truly international with 35% from Australia and New Zealand, 30% from Europe, 27% from Asia with strong participation from USA, Canada and Russia, amongst others.
Mr. William Gasson, President of the Top of The Gulf Regatta, said, “Apart of organizing a good regatta, we have to understand the sailors and find out sailing trends, to help promote all sailing events in Thailand and expand the sailing network throughout the country and beyond.”
The recent survey showed that the majority of participants spent approximately 40,000THB on accommodation, food and drink during their time at the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, and that over 30% spent in the region of 150,000THB per person. Based on the survey results, it was found that Regatta participants spent over 40 million baht in the local economy during the Regatta week. These figures do not include expenditure associated with hosting the event, corporate hospitality, travel by participants, charter revenues and more. All of this is as a direct result of hosting the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta.
Mr. Kevin Whitcraft, President of the 23rd Phuket King’s Cup Regatta commented, “On behalf of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, we are pleased that the event was found to be the favourite regatta in Thailand and attracts repeat sailors to come to Phuket every year. We are committed to delivering the best regatta in Asia.”
The Top of The Gulf Regatta is one of the major sailing events in Thailand. The Regatta is hosted by and held at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club on April 30 - May 4, 2010. The event is the only Marina-based regatta in Thailand and attracts over 200 different boats in different classes from optimists to bigger keel boats.