Kim Khamzin caught Twin Sharks in action during this year’s Bay Regatta.
Da Nang
n
Manila
Top of the Gulf Regatta www.topofthegulfregatta.com LOCATION & FREQUENCY The magazine is published under contract in Thailand, with editorial, advertising and design offices in Phuket and a head office in Bangkok handling production and shipping.
Mergui ArchiPelago
PHOTOGRAPH RENTALS Photographs in this magazine taken by D r a g o n Art Media photographers are available for rent. Please go to the online photo library www.pixasia.com for information on photo rentals. FREELANCE CONTRIBUTIONS Freelance contributions are welcomed, but the publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited photographs or other materials sent. Editorial guidelines are available on the website. SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available worldwide through the network of distributors in each country, or when not available, from Dragon Art Media directly. Please see the subscription card in this magazine first, and if the service is not available in your country go to the website for details. RELATED WEBSITES For this magazine: www.seayachting.net For Dragon Art Media photo library: www.pix-asia.com For info on Phuket: www.phuketmagazine.asia
Sihanoukville n
n COPYRIGHT Kings Cup Regatta All text, photographs and other materials in this www.kingscup.com magazine are the property of AP PACIFIC Co., n Phuket Raceweek Phuket Ltd . or Dragon Art Media Co., Ltd. or the respective authors and photographers and the www.phuketraceweek.com copyright is reserved. Reproduction in whole or in Banda Aceh n part in any form, electronic or otherwise, without the written permission of the copyright owner is strictly Superyacht Rendez-vous prohibited. To obtain permission for reproduction w w w . a s i a - s u p e r y a c h t - r e n d e z v o u s . c o m please write to the editor. PIMEX
DISCLAIMER Although the information in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, the magazine cannot guarantee accuracy in all cases. Persons wishing to purchase boats, yachting equipment or other related marine or other products should consider all information or advice in this publication as a general guide only, and should consult a professional prior to making purchases. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor but are usually those of the writers. All editorial is published in good faith, but the editors cannot vouch for the accuracy of all information provided by others.
n
n
The Bay Regatta www.acyc-phuket.com/ bayregatta.htm
Samui
Saigon
Koh Samui Regatta www.samuiregatta.com Borneo International Yachting Challenge www.borneorace.com Royal Langkawi International Regatta www.langkawiregatta.com Boat Asia www.boat-asia.com
www.phuketboatshow.com
Nias Raja Muda Regatta www.rmir.com
n
n
n
n
Kota Kinabalu
Palawan
n
Kuching n
Singapore
Palembang
Makassar
Jakarta
n
n
n
Bali
Christmas Island
Sail Indonesia 2010 www.sailindonesia.net
Distribution: SEA Yachting is distributed in sufficient quantities to reach virtually all professionals in Southeast Asia's and selected tropical Australian marine industries by free distribution through all yacht clubs, marinas and other marine outlets. It is also retailed comprehensively through bookshops throughout the region, reaching all visitors with in interest in boats. Free copies are also placed in up-market rental villas in Phuket and Bali. Sufficient copies are delivered to all marinas and yacht clubs in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia for virtually all members to receive a personal free copy
SEA Yachting is a production of AP PACIFIC Co. Ltd. Suite D, 16th Floor, On Hing Building 1-9 On Hing Terrace, Central Hong Kong. SEA Yachting is produced under contract by Dragon Art Media Co. Ltd. of Bangkok.
November - April NE trades “It is an interesting biological fact that all of us have, in our veins, the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or watch it – we are going back from whence we came.” John F. Kennedy
Bangkok Office: 1201/ 65-66 Soi Lat Phrao 94 Wangthonlang, 10310 Tel. (66 2) 559 0360-3 Fax (66 2) 559 0363
Phuket Office: 169/63 Ban Benjamas, Soi San Sabai Rat-U-Thi Song Roi Pee Road Patong, Katu, Phuket 83150 Tel. & Fax (66 76) 341 685
n
Editor: Nanta Boonmee Managing Editor : Scott Murray
Davao
scottm@dragonartmedia.com
Associate Editor : Ken Loh
Designer: Apichai Ekapoom
Krisana Ekapoom
Advertising Regional: Ratchanee Poosa
Manado n
Mobile 085 661 2735 ratchanee @dragonartmedia.com
Ternate n
n
Distribution Thailand: Ratchanee Poosa
Biak
ratchanee @dragonartmedia.com
Jayapura n n
Ambon
Dili
n
Timor
Thursday Is. Darwin
n
Port Moresby
n
Cairns
S E A Y a c h t i n g is Southeast Asia's regional marine industry magazine. We welcome your comments. Please feel free to send comments or letters to the editor at editor@seayachting.net. Where possible your letters will be published.
n
Marina Distribution
Southeast Asia's yachting and marine industry magazine
CONTENTS Regional News Catch up on what’s happening in Southeast Asia’s leisure marine scene. We preview the upcoming Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek as well as the Raja Muda Regatta; we also take a peek at some brilliant artwork by Robin Gillow and Libby Harrison and note that Prometheus Marine was recently appointed Simpson Marine’s Singapore dealer.
Top of the Gulf Regatta celebrates 8 years on the water More than 600 participants in 270+ sailing craft from 30 countries competed in 12 classes making this Asia’s largest multi-class regatta. Congratulations go out to Bill Gasson and his team for an outstanding job of putting this regatta together.
Bakri Cono’s Heliotrope 65 From their yard in Ocean Marina, Bakri Cono is putting together a luxury expedition yacht called the Heliotrope 65. SEA Yachting recently caught up with the builders, the Lamprecht family, to get an update on how the boat is coming along.
The Royal Singapore Yacht Club The RSYC is one of the most storied yacht clubs in the region, in fact, it’s the oldest. Learn a little more about the fascinating history of this club and what makes it a fixture on the Singapore sailing scene.
Acceleration: a new problem for high-speed boats Naval architect Albert Nazarov contributes this interesting piece about the impact that more powerful engines and lighter composite structures have had on acceleration and performance as well as on human comfort and safety.
www.seayachting.net
12 24 32 36 40
Southeast Asia's yachting and marine industry magazine
CONTENTS 44
Kudos to Simon James and Regattas Asia
52
A Southeast Asian sailing legend
They did a great job of staging their first Samui Regatta, ensuring that this event will stay a fixture on the Asian Yachting Grand Prix. The Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui once again played host to the event and Captain Marty handed out his slick Armani jacket to Neil Pryde, who won both AYGP skipper and boat of the year forHi Fi.
John Stall is one of the region’s most well-known sailing celebrities; almost every one that has been here for a while has a story about him. Unfortunately, we don’t have the pages to print all those stories, but we do hope this piece will give you a glimpse into his colourful history.
56
Singapore Yacht Show wows visitors
60
Isabella Rose on charter
64
SEA Yachting Q & A
The 2nd annual Singapore Yacht Show was staged at ONE°15 Marina, Sentosa Cove, and brought together some of the world’s top yacht builders and brokers. The three-day event showcased some of the finest superyachts and luxury yachts, together with luxury products and services.
Want to cruise Phang Nga Bay and the Andaman in style? There are few boats that can deliver a more comfortable voyage than the Isabella Rose. Contact Asia Marine for more info.
In this issue’s SEA Yachting Q & A we turn to Captain Shane Granger of historical vessel Vega to find out his thoughts on all things nautical.
www.seayachting.net
12
Regional
NEWS
Prometheus Marine, Singapore’s leading luxury yacht dealer and brokerage company, has announced its appointment as official dealer for iconic British brand, Princess Yachts. Princess, based in the historic naval port of Plymouth, has been building power yachts since the 1960s. It is not much of an exaggeration to say that the company invented the motor cruiser market in the UK. Seminal designs that broke new ground, years ahead of the competition, are fondly remembered, and indeed can still be seen every weekend in harbours all over the world.
The breath taking Princess 40M Based in some of the most advanced marine manufacturing facilities in the world, the Princess name has become synonymous with all that is finest in luxury motor yacht design and as part of the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) family, has become a brand of distinction around the world. The strength of the marque lies in its timeless elegance and impeccable build quality, its thoroughbred handling and confidence-inspiring ride. Princess Yachts are known the world over for their sublime interiors and immaculate finish. Every Princess is a perfect balance of style and substance, combining tradition and innovation, creativity and cutting-edge design. Prometheus Marine recently displayed no less than four Princess yachts at Boat Asia, including the superb Princess 60 and the stunning Princess 72. Princess Yachts has consistently been at the forefront of the international awards scene in the boating industry. Princess V52 recently won the 2012 Motor Boat of the Year Award in the Sports Cruisers category. Will Green, Sales Director with Princess Yachts International Plc, said, “We are delighted to welcome Prometheus Marine aboard as part of the Princess family. My recent sojourn with them in Singapore convinced me that Alan Pickering and his highly experienced team of yacht brokers and after-sales staff are the right people to represent us in this important regional market. We look forward to building the Princess brand in Singapore in conjunction with our new partners here”. Alan Pickering, Managing Director of Prometheus Marine Pte Ltd, said, “We are truly honoured and very excited indeed to have been awarded this highly prestigious, award-winning UK brand which is ideally suited to the needs and tastes of well-heeled Asian yacht buyers. We made an excellent start exposing the brand at both Boat Asia 2012 and the Singapore Yacht Show in Apriland will continue to elevate the profile of Princess Yachts in this territory as well as regionally, as our remit allows”.
Regional
NEWS 13
Prometheus Marine Appointed Princess Yachts Dealer for Singapore
About Prometheus Marine Alan Pickering started Pro-Marine (ProMetheus Marine Pte Ltd) over two decades ago, after extensive boating experience in Europe, the Caribbean, Hong Kong, Japan and South East Asia. His vision was to develop a professional operation to help people with a desire to enhance their family and corporate lives through sailing or cruising. ProMarine genuinely understands the joys and pitfalls of boat ownership and it is this insight that drove Alan to assemble the experienced and international team that is ProMarine today. Today, that vision still holds true and ProMarine is one of the longest standing and most respected marine businesses in Asia. ProMarine is active in all aspects of boating in the Asia Pacific region and features prominently in regional boat shows and seminars. Offices in Singapore and Malaysia (in PuteriHarbour) are staffed by mature, highly competent marine professionals who bring local knowledge - both legislative and practical - to bear in their dealings with prospective and existing clients. ProMarine also has a successful track record as Consultant and Project Manager for several major marina developments throughout Asia, including The Yacht Haven Phuket, Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, Sebana Cove Marina, PuteriHarbour and Sutera Harbour. ProMarine provides full brokerage, charter and support services through an experienced team. For more information, please visit http://yachtsasia.com
14
Regional
NEWS
RMSIR 2012 - The excitement never stops!
Story by Shawn Rathgerber Photography by Guy Nowell
In November, yachtsmen from all over the world will gather again at the Royal Selangor Yacht Club (RSYC) in Port Klang to participate in Malaysia’s oldest keelboat sporting event, the Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta (RMSIR). Now in its 23r d year, the regatta has attracted a loyal band of followers who turn up year after year, often with bigger and better boats each time. They come from Hong Kong, Australia, Thailand, Singapore and further afield, with crews representing 24 nationalities. Teams are made up of both professional and non-professional sailors, with the latter being the majority. The offshore keelboat race organised by the Royal Selangor Yacht Club (RSYC), in association with the Royal Ocean Racing Club, will take place from 16 to 24 November and comprises a total of 240 miles, with stops on the unique tropical islands of Pangkor, Penang and Langkawi. Founded in 1990, the recurring annual event is a mix of overnight passages and harbour races, while not falling short of social events such as luscious dinners, convivial parties and, of course, the much anticipated Rickshaw Race in Penang. Indeed, there will be lots of opportunities to socialise and according to participants from past RMSIR’s, onshore activities can be just as demanding as the sailing. Yachts competing will range from top class IRC1 racers to beautiful classic cruisers with long overhangs dating back over 100 years. Skippers and crew will have to cope with the unpredictable weather, changing tactics and heavy shipping traffic in the Straits of Malacca, making the regatta a matchless experience. The month of November typically marks the height of the northeast monsoon on Peninsular Malaysia where sailors can
Regional
expect anything from glassy waters and light breeze to a sea heaving with two metres of swell or higher and 30 knot squalls blowing off the coast. In other words, these northeast monsoon months bring conditions that are challenging enough even for seasoned sailors. The island hopping regatta will commence in Port Klang, a town located just 42 kilometres from the county’s capital Kuala Lumpur. The capital is not only the financial centre of Malaysia, but also a unique city for tourism that offers iconic attractions, bustling entertainment and shopping facilities. Here crews can do some sightseeing prior to departing on the first overnight passage to the scenic tropical island of Pangkor situated approximately 90 miles north of Port Klang. Pangkor, with its charming mix of fishing settlements and resorts, will then welcome the sailors in the modern Pangkor Marina where tired crew can simply enjoy the fine beaches and resort amenities to recuperate from the first leg. A highlight for many skippers is a visit to the world renowned resort of Pangkor Laut located on a separate privately-owned island nearby. Described by many as a hidden gem, Pangkor Laut boasts magnificent beaches, stunning views over infinity pools and stilted accommodation over the water. A combination of luxury, natural beauty and age-old wilderness woven together produce an environment of tranquillity where sailors can relax before the second offshore passage race, which leads up to Penang.
Hull Marine
NEWS 15
16
Regional
NEWS
In Penang, the fleet will berth in and around the newly installed Straits Quay Marina, which offers a comprehensive mix of retail outlets and attractions – from boutiques to bistros, seafood restaurants to seaside cafes, a promenade and a performing arts centre, coupled with spectacular sea views and a clear sight of the historical George Town skyline. Some skippers reportedly never left the beautiful marina as it truly provides all the facilities and provisions visiting yachties require, including a good choice of bars! For those wishing to explore a bit, the island of Penang is a fascinating fusion of the East and West. It embraces modernity while retaining traditions and old world colonial charm. These are reflected in its harmonious well-preserved heritage buildings, which led to George Town being accorded a listing as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site recently. After a day of harbour racing in Penang, the fleet will set sail on the shortest of the offshore legs, a quick 55 mile sprint up to Langkawi. The last stop of the event is an archipelago made up of more than 100 islands surrounded by turquoise sea, with shorelines fringed by powder-fine sand and swaying coconut trees. The interior of the main island is a mixture of picturesque paddy fields and jungle-clad hills. Yachts will be greeted at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, a world-class 200 berth marina situated on the southeast corner of Langkawi island, close to the island’s main town, Kuah. Here sailors can also purchase duty-free alcohol, cigarettes and chocolate, while nature-lovers can enjoy the island’s excellent diving opportunities and discover a treasure trove of tropical gems. Eight days of racing always end with an evening social on the terrace of the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, against a spectacular backdrop of the sun setting over surrounding islands. With speeches and prize giving out of the way, the real party starts on the dance floor. Crews banter about final results and taking each other on at the Kings Cup in Thailand, the next event in the Asian circuit. For long time competitors and first timers alike, taking part in the RMSIR brings a true sense of achievement. Internationally acclaimed sailors such as Frank Pong, Neil Pryde, Ray Roberts and Nick Burns are among former RMSIR winners who regularly enter their state of the art racing yachts, with professional crews to trim sails and grind winches. Dr Jon Wardill has lost count of the times he has competed in his Cassidy 55 Australian Maid, and there are Singapore and Hong Kong based sailors who claim close to 100 percent participation. Club sailors are also well represented in the seven entry classes. A unique aspect of the RMSIR is that local crews represent a microcosm of Malaysian society, with the same interesting ethnic mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Expat members. Since its inception, the RMSIR has progressively evolved into what may well be the region´s most exciting sailing event of the year. The Regatta Patron, His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor, has continued to support the event both on and off the water, and enjoys meeting and greeting the competing sailors each year, as well as presenting the magnificent Raja Muda Cup. The RSYC welcomes all competitors to join the Regatta, whether sailing the most modern racing yacht, or a stately classic vessel, and wishes you all fair winds. www.rmsir.com
Regional
NEWS 17
SEAT BOAT
LAP MARINE
18
Regional
NEWS
Silhouettes and Sails
Medium: Oil on canvas Size: 80 x 60 cm (31.5 x 23.5 inches) Artist’s Description: The ocean, the endless sky; its myriad of colour, ever changing shape and mood have always captured my interest. Here a fleet of yachts sail towards the monolithic islands of Phang Nga Bay, their towering shapes dwarfed by mother nature’s early morning colour. A typical scene during the local regatta season and one, I have had the pleasure of experiencing both as a participant and spectator. This piece has been donated to the Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Race Week regatta. It will be on auction during the sailing event to help raise funds towards the sport of sailing in Phuket. For more information contact the regatta organisers via their webpage www.phuketraceweek.com or at the regatta venue: 27, 27/2, Mu 8, Sakdidej Road,Cape Panwa, Phuket during the event 18 - 22 July 2012. Artist: Robin Gillow
Dated: 2012
Happy Sails
Medium: Oil on canvas Size: 76 x 103cm (30 x 40 inches) Artist’s Description: I started this abstract painting before I took a trip to Phuket last year. After my first sailing experience, during the Phuket Race Week regatta, all I could see on my return to completing it were sails! This piece has been donated to the Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Race Week regatta. It will be on auction during the sailing event to help raise funds towards the sport of sailing in Phuket. For more information contact the regatta organisers via their webpage www.phuketraceweek.com or at the regatta venue: 27, 27/2, Mu 8, Sakdidej Road,Cape Panwa, Phuket during the event 18 - 22 July 2012. Artist: Libby Harrison
Dated: 2011
Divided by an ocean, yet linked through art and friendship, Phuket based artist Robin Gillow and South African artist, Libby Harrison invite you to their up-coming exhibition, OCEANS APART. To be held at Mom Tri’s Villa Royale Gallery, 14th July – 17t h August 2012. The artists have known each other since their early teens, when Robin used to stable her horses at Libby’s parents house. Although they attended separate high schools, they both attended the (then) Johannesburg College of Art together. Libby studied Fine Art and Robin, Graphic Design. On completion of her studies Robin left Johannesburg and moved to the Durban area where she met and married her husband. Soon after, the newlyweds emigrated to Australia and bar one brief visit over 15 years ago; all contact between the artist friends was lost. Then Facebook hit cyberspace! The result was a 3 week stay when Libby visited Robin and her family in Phuket in 2011. Conversations led to a joint exhibition and OCEANS APART, is the result. As request of Mom Tri, the exhibition’s ocean related theme, perfectly suits the art duo’s subject matter. Oceans apart in life, the style of the work being shown is very different., as well and suits a varied audience. The exhibition also offers a wonderful opportunity to experience South Africa and Asia in true colour. In addition to the exhibition, each artist has donated a painting to be auctioned via the Phuket Race Week regatta to raise funds to promote sailing for underprivileged children in Thailand. The paintings concerned will be on display at the Villa Royale Gallery until the regatta start, when they will be displayed at the regatta venue. Libby Harrison is both an illustrator of children’s books and a fine artist. She has been drawing and painting for as long as she can remember and created her first cartoon character when she was five. For the past 25 years or so, she has been working from home in Cape Town. A single mother of four, Libby not only paints, she dances, plays saxophone in a big band and recently received her Competent Crew certificate, having been inspired when participating as a crew in the 2011 Phuket Race Week sailing event. Australian artist, Robin Gillow (nee Bullen) was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, but has lived in many countries. Her exhibiting career began while still in primary school and despite spending much of her married life aboard her home, a small 30ft yacht with her husband and daughter, she continued to paint. Using her lap or the chart table as her easel pieces tended to be on the small size. Painting became a way to help earn cruising funds and keep her hand in. It is only recently – since 2009 - that Robin has had the luxury of a studio, time and the space in which to paint larger work. From race horses, race yachts, land and seascapes, portraits to commercial work, there is not much Robin has not covered at some point in her creative career. A highly prolific artist, she exhibits her work both locally and internationally regularly.
Regional
NEWS 19
Going for Gold Triptych A r t i s t: Robin Gillow M e d i u m : Mixed Media on Canvas Size: 1.21 m x 90 cm (Individual canvas’: 70 x 90cm (82,5 x 35.5inches) Artist’s Description: Regatta racing has been part of my family’s life for many years, At one with the wind and water; it is a sport of many moods. A simple painting of yachts under sail, although perhaps interesting does not convey the true sense of chaos and excitement regatta sailing often offers its participants. In this work, the viewer is aboard the leading boat. The view behind: galloping chaos as other yachts follow. Heading towards the windward mark each boat vies for that extra puff of wind, a lift, to point higher and gain extra ground. You are invited to feel the bumpy rhythm water induces; the fluid motion and liquid speed of the sport. (This art work is certified as being recorded in the National Registry of Australian Art and Artists. National Registration No: 000-1729-0137-01, Dated: 2012)
OCEANS APART An exhibition of Original Art LIBBY HARRISON
Awards/Achievements 2007 and 2008 - Libby was part of the team involved with the design of the Adderly St (Cape Town) Christmas lights April 1993 – Received the NCBF Award for the illustrations in “MONYENYANE”, an African Cinderella story written by Jenny Davis. Galleries Displaying Libby’s Paintings These are scattered across Cape Town and a full list of venues is availavle on request.
ROBIN GILLOW
Exhibitions/Awards/Achievements – since 2000 Exhibitions: December 2011 - One of a number of artists invited to show their work at the inaugural Think Design Art Festival Phuket, Thailand. February 2011 - A guest Artist at the joint exhibition ‘A Matter of Perception’ with 20 invited Australian artists at the Collingwood Gallery, Melbourne, Australia December 2009 - Solo exhibition ‘Wet & Wild” at both the Ao Chalong Yacht Club, and the Kata Beach Resort in con-junction with the King’s Cup Regatta, Phuket, Thailand July 2009 - Guest Artist at the Cork County Council Summer Exhibition, Ireland December 2002 -Joint exhibition ‘In a Tropical Mood’, with fabric artist and friend, Katherine Willsteed, at The Green Man, Ao Chalong. Phuket, Thailand. Awards: 2010 - 2nd place: Traditional Artist of the Year Fanartreview.com 2009 - Traditional Artist of the Year Fanartreview.com Achievements: 2012 - Robin’s work is recognized by the National Registry of Australian Art and Artists. Should you require further information regarding the work on show/ more photographs of the work being shown etc, please feel free to contact either myself (Robin) via robinzart@gmail.com
Muizenberg Sunset
A r t i s t: Libby Harrison M e d i u m : Acrylic on canvas S i z e : 71 x 93cm (28 x 37 inches) Artist’s Description: A peaceful end to a blustery day. It’s difficult to leave a sunset on the beach until the last colours leave the sky.
20
Regional
NEWS
Asian Yachting Grand Prix kicks off in Phuket
Miss Thailand World 2012 recently joined the Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek press conference at TAT Bangkok headquarters.From left: Kasemkij Hotels’ Group Director, Poomiphat Navanukroh; TAT Executive Director Southern Region, Mr. Poramet Amatyakul; Miss Thailand World 2012, Miss Vanessa Muangkod; regatta organiser and rights owner, Grenville Fordham; TV personality and yacht racing enthusiast, Kipsan Beck.
Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek, the ninth edition of Phuket’s ‘‘home-grown’’ international yacht regatta, marks the start of the 2012/13 Asian Yachting Grand Prix campaign to decide the coveted ‘‘Asian Yachtsman of the Year’’ title. The regatta will be held from 18-22 July 2012. About 40 yachts and up to 500 yacht owners, captains, crew, families and friends from more than 20 countries will descend on the luxury Cape Panwa Hotel on Phuket’s southeast coast for four days of intense, but fun, competition and five nights of glittering beachside parties. “The financial benefit of this regatta to Phuket businesses is much higher than the numbers suggest,” said Grenville Fordham, managing director of rights owners and organisers, Image Asia Events Co., Ltd. “Yacht repairs, servicing and provisioning go alongside hotel accommodation, marina berthing, wining and dining around the island, transport and other services to bring in many millions of baht in direct tourism revenue from this high spending sector. In addition, we pump about 5 million baht into local suppliers for infrastructure, entertainment, boat hire, logistics and other services,” he added. Reliably good winds on the water, and attention to the highest quality onshore, have made Phuket Raceweek a firm favourite of regional and international sailors for many years, and in 2011, the regatta was officially recognised as “Best Asian Regatta” at the Asia Boating awards in Hong Kong – one of only two South East Asian regattas to receive the accolade at the time. Hosting the event for the first time this year, Cape Panwa Hotel (part of the Kasemkij Hotels group) recently signed a multi-year Title Sponsorship deal to name and host the regatta. “This new partnership is a perfect fit with our position in the market,” said Tirawan Pangsrivongse, Kasemkij Hotels’ Project Development Manager, adding that Phuket is a leader in Thailand in promoting the fast-growing sports tourism sector. Commenting on the number of entries expected for the 2012 regatta, Fordham said, “Although formal entries tend to come in during the final month preceding the regatta, entries at this stage are a bit higher than they were at this time last year and there’s a positive ‘buzz’ in the yachting community, so we anticipate a strong fleet this year. And the feeling we get from participants is that they’re looking forward very much to the new venue.” Online registration for Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek 2012 is open with a very special offer for entries registered before June 17. Participants wanting to book rooms at special regatta rates at either Cape Panwa Hotel or its sister property, Kantary Bay Hotel, should visit http://www.phuketraceweek.com/accommodation.htm.
Regional
About Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek Coming into its ninth year, Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek comprises four days of world-class yacht racing and five nights of beachside parties – all captured for international TV broadcast to 140 million households. Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek, run over six or seven classes including Racing, Multihull, Cruising and Bareboat Charter, has gained a reputation for its competitive racing for the serious boats and fun courses around the islands for the less serious racers. It is also the first event on the 2012/2013 Asian Yachting Grand Prix Circuit. Phuket Raceweek enjoys the support of Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sports Authority of Thailand, Yacht Racing Association of Thailand and Ao Chalong Yacht Club.
About Kasemkij Hotels Kasemkij Hotels is the owner and operator of Thailand’s three leading hotel brands, the Cape, Kantary and Kameo Collections with 15 properties countrywide. Each collection is committed to providing the highest standards in service, accommodation and facilities to its target segment. The Cape Hotel Collection offers unsurpassed standards of luxury; the Kantary Collection provides executive-class residential style hotels for short and long stays, while the Kameo Collection specialises in offering excellent facilities and attractive rooms for the price conscious business and leisure traveller. www.capecollection.com www.kantarycollection.com www.kameocollection.com
Regatta sponsors & partners Sponsors and partners of the 2012 Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek include: Cape Panwa Hotel, Kantary Bay Hotel, Mount Gay Rum, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Budget Car Rentals, Charter Catamaran, Cholamark Boat, Gybe, Mont Clair Wines, The Moorings, Neil Pryde, Phuket Beer, Rodenstock, 91.5FM Phuket Radio, Asia Pacific Boating & China Boating, Cape + Kantary Magazine, HELM Superyacht Asia-Pacific, Lifestyle Asia.com, MyDestination Phuket, The Nation, Phuket Gazette, Prestige Magazine, Russian TV Channel, SEA Yachting, Phuket International Hospital, The Boat Lagoon, Electrical Marine, SY Seraph, ISS Security, Sunsail, Quantum Sails. Marketing support by Paul Poole (South East Asia) Co., Ltd.
Information about the regatta: www.phuketraceweek.com raceweek@image-asia.com (English) nit@image-asia.com (Thai)
Information on sponsorship opportunities: http://www.paulpoole.co.th/phuketraceweek paul@paulpoole.co.th (English) udomporn@paulpoole.co.th (Thai)
Asia Marine
NEWS 21
24
ToG regatta celebrates
25
eight years on the water
26
Family team racing at 2012 Top of the Gulf Regatta Fantasia is a 50-foot catamaran designed and built by owner Andrew Stransky and family in Australia. Her cruising lines and large size belies the speed she has under sail. Fantasia walked away with the Royal Langkawi International Regatta earlier this year with a clean sweep of seven straight wins. She preceded that by placing fourth at the 2011 Phuket King’s Cup Regatta – her first ever attempt at the infamously “hard-to-win” event – and was the only catamaran to do the entire Raja Muda International Regatta – a mix of passage and inshore races. More recently, Fantasia added to her trophy cabinet with a class win at 2012 The Bay Regatta – Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi. What is notable is not just the success of the boat – though she clearly has pedigree – but the fact the crew for is mostly family – father, mother and daughter, as well as septuagenarian parents aboard. Three generations showing the Asian multihull scene a clean pair of heels. Impressive. Fantasia and the Stranksy family are now enjoying the Gulf of Thailand and at the Top of the Gulf Regatta are taking on a quarter of Corsairs, local Thai favourite Radab Kanjanavit and his crew on Cedar Swan, and the rapidly improving SeaCart 26 Sweet Chariot, skippered by John Higham, amongst others. Andrew’s pedigree includes three Sydney to Hobart races. He was near the top of the rankings in the Australian Laser youth division and a world circumnavigate aboard his previous yacht. He has been sailing all his life, his parents sailed out from England on a 35-foot yacht, his experience runs far and deep not just in multihulls but in monohulls alike. Following the Top of the Gulf Regatta, the Stransky’s will take Fantasia south to the Samui Regatta – the final event of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championship. Story & Photo Marine Scene Asia
The Top of the Gulf Regatta is Asia’s largest multi-class regatta, combining keelboats and multihulls with dinghies and beach catamarans.
Overview Asia’s largest multi-class regatta, the Top of the Gulf Regatta, celebrated its eighth year with an expanded fleet and entries from throughout Asia and beyond. Ocean Marina underwent an expansion recently, which added more berthing capacity for regatta participants, and recent dredging allows larger boats to berth in the marina. Over the years, the entry list and competing classes at the Top of the Gulf Regatta has continued to grow impressively and the 2012 fleet line-up was one of the most competitive yet. More than 600 participants in 270+ sailing craft, from 30 countries competed in 12 classes, on four racing areas over four days of racing at Asia’s largest multi-class regatta. Close to 70 boats raced on the keelboat and multihull courses, including one of the most competitive fleet of 40-footers ever assembled in Asia, as well as a large one-design Platu class competing for the Coronation Cup, plus top racing, cruising and multihull fleets. On the second course, the growing fleet of beach cats saw a number of international champions take part, and the monohull dinghies (single and double-handed) formed a large and competitive fleet as well. The pedigree of sailors was exceptional, with winners from all major Asian Regattas in the
27
last 12 months taking part, as well as Olympic hopefuls, national and regional champions competing in the Optimist, Windsurfing, Laser and beach catamaran classes. Also up for grabs are the National Optimist titles and the long running One Design Platu 25 Coronation Cup. A record fleet entered in the highly competitive IRC keelboat and multihull classes. In the absence of big yachts, Neil Pryde’s regatta winning Welbourn 52 Hi Fi and current AYGP Championship leader had to contend with Asia’s rapidly expanding and fully optimised 40-foot class. Fresh from the Phuket King’s Cup victory, Yasuo Nanamori’s Summit 40 Karasu, was pitted against other regatta newcomers, among them David Ross’ Kerr 40 KukuKERchu, Steve Manning’s Sydney GTS 43 Walawala 2, Timothy Long’s newly-launched Soto 30 with the Red Sailing Team, Bill Bremner’s newly acquired Mills King 40 Foxy Lady 6 and Simon Powell’s Archamault 40 R Sell Side Dream. Regulars on the Asian scene Kevin Whitcraft’s GP42 Won Ma Rang, Ben Copley’s Swan 42 Katsu, Rick Pointon’s J130 JingJing, Dimitry Gornyy’s Sayer 13 Siren and Robert van Paridon’s Beneteau 44.7 Tantrum all had their sights set on ruining the favourite’s party. After dividing the entries based on IRC ratings, two evenly matched classes (2 and 3)
saw mainly local-based Thai boats fight it out on the water. Gary Baguley’s H&P 52 El Coyote topped the list in Class 2, but had its hands full with David Bell’s Jenneau 35 Magic, Jean Rheault’s J41 Souay I, Brad Kirk Farr 12.8m Dynamite. Surapol Tippawongse’s X99 Hi Jinks, Lennart Fahlgren’s Tasker 32 Amanda and the two Royal Thai Navy’s Farr MRXs 36 Navy 1 & 2 would fight it out in class 3. Last year, Andrew Watt’s Jenneau 36i San Sanook and Eric Habers’ Bavaria 39 Reef Knot claimed the silver and bronze medals in the Cruising Class and they hoped to go one better this year. Peter Herning’s bigger Bavaria 42 Kirafiki was ready to mix it up with the Japanese pairing of Tetsuo Ogino’s Oceanis 320 Olmi and Sadunori Osada’s Beneteau 21.7 Tai Two. Over the years, it has proved difficult to have a consistent Sports Boat turnout at regattas in Thailand, but this finally appears to be changing with two new Shaw 650s being built and launched locally. That makes it six entries all very different in design concept and performance ranging from Scott Duncanson’s Phuket 8 Qantum. Paul Murphy’s Welbourn 25 with the horizontal waterline foil Brace Brace Brace, Mikael Pophillat’s T650 CU Later and the three Shaw 650s shared between Miki and Kipson Beck.
28
The Ferret wins the Coronation Cup (again) Heading into the last day at the 2012 Top of the Gulf Regatta, tensions were high. Protest room action the evening before meant the top two in the Platu Class were equal on points with a two-race finale planned, while in other classes places could be lost (or gained) on the last day’s performance. With all the dinghy classes finishing their three-day series, only the keelboat and multihulls took to the water on the last day, and as crews left the dock, black clouds from the north looked ominous. Would the final day be a wet and wild affair? This was not the case. The expected storm never arrived, hanging along the coastline toying with the patience of the Race Committee who searchedg for some breeze on the race course to get the classes underway. By early afternoon, the wind gods were clearly not going to play ball and Principal Race Officer Jerry Rollin, called it a day. The regatta was over... all bar the shouting and celebrating, and for the Platu Class, back to the protest room. The Jury’s rulings made no change to the standings. The Ferret, skippered by Chris Way and the all Australian “Easy Tiger Racing” team, including Tom Spithill, the younger brother of America’s Cup winning skipper James Spithill, finished the regatta on equal points with Nataya, skippered by Rolf Heemskerk. Looking at the score sheet, each boat had the same number of firsts, the same number of seconds, the same number of thirds, fourths and fifths, and both dropped their worst score, a sixth. Working back through the Series, The Ferret scored first in the penultimate race and thus, on count-back, was declared the winner of the 2012 Coronation Cup. Tight battles were seen throughout the one-design fleet with Naiad, skippered by Russel Ken taking third place just two points ahead of Ian Short’s Short Time in fourth.
Neil Pryde Racing Series a success at ToG Regatta Twenty-two windsurfers from four countries competed in the NeilPryde Racing Series at the Top of the Gulf Regatta. This RS:One Class features a new, attractive, and dynamic race format: one sail, one board - everyone on the same equipment allowing male and female racers of all ages to compete together with equal chances. Courses were set within Ocean Marina, providing a unique spectator experience and allowing for some exciting close-quarter competition on-the-water. Racing took place over two days in three divisions – Male under 22 years; Male over 22 years; and Women – the top three in each division went into the “Super Final” – a single race to determine the overall winner. After the final three races in the series, first in the male under 22 years division was Natthanont Chui, followed by Pornanan Payurgkasem in second and Sirichai Phusiri in third. In the male over 22 years division, Thai Olympic hopeful Ek Boonsawad was the hot favourite and after a poor start in Race One, he found his form and took the series win with Navin Singsart in second and Natthaphong Phonopparat in third. In the women’s division, competition was tight in all three races, with Thai Napalai Tansai, who will be representing Thailand at the London 2012 Olympics, being the pre-series favourite. She finished the series number one ahead of Sunaree Soemros in second with Sarocha Prumprai third. Being a one-design class, all RS:One equipment was supplied by NeilPryde and is equal, giving an equal chance to all competitors no matter sex or age. The winners of each division and overall Super Final winner shared the prize money of US$3,000. In the Super Final, Natthaphong Phonoppharat sailed a stunning race and was announced the inaugural winner of the Thailand stage of the NeilPryde Racing Series. Taking place in Thailand for the first time, the NeilPryde Racing Series held its first stop of 2012 in Pattaya in conjunction with the Top of the Gulf Regatta – the Series’ first-ever stop in Thailand. Subsequent sailing venues for 2012 include Istanbul (Turkey), Dunkerque (France), Porto (Portugal), Cardiff (Wales), Trapani (Italy), Nice (France), Hong Kong and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Story & Photo by Marine Scene Asia
More than 600 participants in 270+ sailing craft, from 30 countries competed in 12 classes.
29
An interesting array of skippers guided 14 racing teams competing in the hotly contested onedesign Platu class for the prestigious Coronation Cup. Three teams represented the Singapore Management University (SMU) joined Aussie legend Frazer Johnston, fellow Aussie Chris Way, Singapore’s Simon Piff and Jun Avecilla’s of the Philippines. Past winners making a return visit were Rolf Heemskerk up from Malaysia and Thai favourite Wiwat Poonpat. A huge variety of Ocean multihulls went head to head in the regatta. Henry Kaye’s Sea Cart 26 Sweet Chariot was skippered by John Higham with a team from the builder CMI. Andrew Stansky’s allconquering 15m cat Fantasia was looking to add another trophy to their collection on her first season in Southeast Asia. Khun Radab’s F9A Cedar Swan and Khun Nim’s Crowther 42 Sonic have both won here before and expect to compete well. A selection of locally built Corsair trimarans, Thierry Cercleron’s C28R Bladerunner, David Race Corsair 28 Free Wheeler, Paul Koch Sprint 750 No Limit and Bob Garner Dash 750 Dash were very evenly matched and boat handling in the forecasted high teens will make all the difference. The largest fleet of boats was the 100-plus Optimists racing for the 36th Thailand Optimist
National title. Chaninat Poolsirikot, the 2011 winner, returned to defend her title oozing with confidence from her recent win at the Asian Sailing Championships. Organized together with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand (YRAT), teams travelled from far and wide to take part including Thai teams from Royal Varuna Yacht Club, Samui and Phuket together with neighbouring Malaysian teams from Terengganu and Sabah, Past winners have gone on to become Asian and World Champions making this the pre-eminent Optimist event in the Kingdom. A new addition this year was the NeilPryde Racing Series, which joined the regatta racing their one-design ISAF-approved RS:One sailboards; and the all new, never-raced-before, Soto 30, making its worldwide debut at the Regatta. The Windsurfing Association of Thailand sent members of the Thai national team to take part in the Series, including Napalai Tansai and gold-medal winner at 16th SEA Games in Indonesia (2011), Ek Boonsawad, both of who will be representing Thailand at the London Olympics. Also competing were Siriporn KaewduangNgam, Navin Singsrart, Natthapong Po-nopparat and Sarocha Prumprai, all from the national team (after the TOG Regatta, they went off to compete in the 2012 Asian Beach Games in Haiyang, China, in June).
30
Sarawut Phetsiri crowned winner of 2012 Thailand Optimist Championship The 2012 Thailand Optimist Championship saw three days of racing off Ocean Marina Yacht Club in some of the most challenging conditions the youth sailors have experienced. Going into the final day, 2011 national champion, Chaninat Poolsirikot had a onepoint lead over Sarawut Phetsiri, with Pongsapat Pumyam a further two points back in third. All was in play for with three more races scheduled and the drop race to come into play. Sarawut took the win in the first race with Malaysian entry Connie Riverra Tsen in second and Suthon Yampinit in third. Pongsapat scored a sixth with Chaninat finishing eighth. In the second race, the top three tracked each other around the course and Chaninat fought back with a second place finish, behind Sarawut in first and Pongsapat in third. The title went down to the wire and was decided in the final race of the series. Markey Lilienthal saved his best for last taking the win in the final race ahead of Sarawut in second and Nopporn Boonchard in twelfth. Sarawut’s second was enough to take the overall title with Pongsapat in second and Chaninat third. In 1976, the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand (YRAT) started Junior Sailing, a programme to encourage and train young Thai sailors and send them to compete in international sailing events. In the same year, YRAT started what was then called the Optimist Thailand Championship Cup, known today as the Thailand Optimist Championship. The best performing girl this year was Chaninat, the 2011 winner and winner of the 2012 Asian Sailing Championships (Girls Division). Second in the girls division went to Connie Riverra Tsen with Kanapan Pachatikapanya in third. In the Under 12 division, Voravong Ratcharttanarak placed first with Suthon Yampinit in second and Kamonchanok Klahan in third. The best performing international youngster was Connie Riverra Tsen (Malaysia) with Brandon Sung (Malaysia) in second and Hong Kong youngster Calum Gregor in third. Now in its 36th year, the Thailand Optimist Championship is as competitive as ever, with leading Thai juniors, international teams and regional champions competing for the title. 110 youngsters from nine countries competed this year and while prizes were presented at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club, adult sailors looked on at the sailing stars of the future. Photo by Guy Nowell
Wrap-up from Captain Marty (asianyachting.com)
The ToG regatta is a “must do” regatta, so mark May 3rd to 7th 2013 firmly in the diary.
“Although the last morning arrived surrounded by ominous dark storm clouds, there was a light breeze blowing which looked promising. As the 11:00am start time drew near, the building storm over Pattaya temporarily exerted its pressure and disrupted the flow from the SW. After three stunning days of racing the breeze completely deserted the race course and left the fleet waiting for something to materialize. Eventually just before the 13:00 cut off time, with the sea completely glassed over, PRO Jerry Rollin had no other alternative but to call it a day and send everyone back to the marina. What a let-down, as everyone was full of anticipation for the final day showdown. The only thing left to do was apply the drop race and recalculate the points’ tally, which still held a remarkable twist of fate in some classes. “By dropping the missed race due to being high and dry in the marina entrance, Neil Pryde’s Welbourn 52 Hi Fi became the 2012 IRC 1 champion winning one of the few regattas he has not won in his illustrious sailing career on Asian waters. Yasuo Nanamori’s Summit 40 Karasu was relegated to second place due to his slow start in the event. David Ross’ Kerr 40 KukuKERchu and Steve Manning’s Sydney GTS 43 Walawala 2 ended up tied on 16 points but the Race 2 win for KukuKERchu put them on the third step of the podium. “David Bell’s Jenneau 35 Magic and Gary Baguley’s H&P 52 El Coyote traded first and second places throughout the regatta but it was the Race 1 win for Bell’s Magic that secured them the IRC 2 title. Brad Kirk’s Farr 12.8m Dynamite and K. Pote Suyasinto’s Jenneau 42i Le Vent battled it out for third with Kirk’s Dynamite winning out.
31
“Once again, Damrong Sirisakorn’s Farr MRX
36Navy 1 reigned supreme to add another TOTGR
IRC 3 trophy to their cabinet. Gregory Ho’s X99 Hi Jinks managed to take a couple of wins from the Navy but had to settle on second place. The other Farr MRX 36 Navy Academy skippered by Khun Navi seemed to lack the horsepower of their sister ship on some occasions and ended up in third place. “Four wins in a row handed Peter Herning’s Bavaria 42 Kirafiki a walkover in the Cruising Class. Consistently scoring second place Andrew Watt’s Jenneau 36i San Sanook naturally came second. Eric Habers’ Bavaria 39 Reef Knot secured third after a battle with Sadunori Osada’s Beneteau 21.7 Tai Two in fourth place. “Aussie Noel Leigh-Smith’s Shaw 650 Crime Scene decimated the Sportsboat fleet with six wins in a row. Local Shaw 650 promoter Kipsan Beck huffed and puffed but could not place his Porn Star any better than second place. After a slow start, Paul Murphy’s Welbourn 25 Brace Brace Brace with the horizontal foil came good after burying the leeward hiking wing in strong wind to take third place. “Unfortunately, the much anticipated twoway shoot out for the long running Coronation Cup did not eventuate. Although Chris Way’s Aussie team on The Ferret incurred a four-point penalty on the second last day, when the drop race was introduced they ended up tied on points with their biggest rival Rolf Heemskerk’s, Nataya. On count back the same number of first second and third places plus the sixth place drop race still had them tied, so it came down to The Ferret winning the last race to sail away with the prestigious King’s Coronation Cup. Rolf Heemskerk was deprived of the win and settled for
second. Ken Russell’s Naiad held onto third place to be the best of the rest in a fourteen boat fleet. “After Henry Kaye’s Sea Cart 26 Sweet Chariot skippered by John Higham dropped their Did Not Finish (DNF) they romped away with the Ocean Multihull title on their first attempt. Andrew Stansky’s 15m cat Fantasia led for most the regatta but finished second overall. David Race’s Corsair 28 Free Wheeler was the best of a gaggle of different Corsair trimaran’s and slotted into third place. “Every time we are asked how to run a regatta, the reply is ‘take a page out of Bill Gasson’s organizational skills and delivery methods.’ They maybe a bit abrupt for some people but all the hard work is conducted long before the regatta starts. Individual roles can be divided into race management, sponsorship, social activities, daily boat logistics and media. With all these in place the organizers work is done and they can sit back and oversee the operation as the regatta progresses. Having a marina at your disposal is a blessing and a area at the front door makes it convenient for all concerned. The only thing that cannot be controlled is the weather, but there will always be highs and lows with everything in between. The unique multi-class nature of this event caters for dinghy’s right through to big monohulls and multihulls. As ISAF encourages youth sailing, what better way of introducing self-confidence and character-building than to mix the kids with the adults and have them stand alongside some legends of the sport. It’s taken some years but finally the secret is out that the ToG regatta is a “must do” regatta, so mark May 3rd to 7th 2013 firmly in the diary.” (Photos SM) www.topofthegulfregatta.com
32
Heliotrope 65 The Luxury Expedition Yacht
I
n SEA Yachting 6.5 (Nov-Dec issue last year) we featured a story on the Heliotrope 65, a fascinating vessel that Bakri Cono is building at its factory at Ocean Marina. During the recent Top of the Gulf Regatta,SEA Yachting popped in to see how things were going with the build.
The boat was designed by Albatross Marine and most of the interior concepts were planned by Bangkok’s 760i Interior Designers.
This yacht, classified as “Category A – Ocean” of the European Recreational Craft Directive carry an EU certification. Overall the yacht is 65ft (almost 20m) long with an 8-metre beam. The name Heliotrope signifies the sun and when you consider the solar-generated power of this yacht the moniker is well suited. The purposely designed hard rooftop on the flybridge will accommodate more than 40sqm of solar panels. With an industry leading 20% efficiency from the solar panels imported by ASAP Marine, Heliotrope will generate a peak of nearly 5kW of electricity on a good sunny day. Supported by a total of 24V/2000Ah battery banks, this yacht will be perfect for evenings in quiet bays when you don’t want a generator to spoil the mood. But when power is needed, a 22kW generator is on board to provide the much needed juice. The on-board equipment has been selected for optimizing energy consumption for long-term savings. All the electrical systems use the latest C-Zone Electrical Control System from BEP. Not only are there remote control panels, but the system can also be programmed to different schemes that are activated with a simple press of one button. Such as when you go to sleep, press one button and the yacht goes into
33
sleep mode with all non-required systems powered down. Or docking your boat and going ashore, press one button andHeliotrope will shut down all the non-essential systems. For the lighting on Heliotrope, only top quality LEDs from Hella Marine are being installed for the least amount of energy consumption. Other equipment like fridges can be separately cycled on time control to save more energy. The Heliotrope 65 design and outfitting is for the ultimate experience at sea; be it for a short weekend or an extended cruise and liveaboard. The boat was designed by Albatross Marine and most of the interior concepts were planned by Bangkok’s 760i Interior Designers. While Bakri Cono is building the vessel, the owner made sure there was nothing left to doubt. The 3D image team of Albatross had to create images in the finest details; even the art work the owner wants to place onboard has been incorporated into 3D designs. Power-wise, this yacht is equipped with two Volvo D9-500 engines (lightcommercial rated), which will reach a comfortable top speed of 22 knots and a cruising speed 12-16 knots. Even with only a
The yacht is equipped with two Volvo D9-500 engines, which will reach a comfortable top speed of 22 knots and a cruising speed 12-16 knots. single engine working this yacht can still cruise at a comfortable 12 knots. This is ideal when you’re on long voyages without a good technician on-hand for repairs. At cruising speed with two engines the four fuel tanks totalling 6,000 litres will ensure a range of more than 2,200 km. Another first in Asia is the deck material Bakri Cono is using on Heliotrope. All of the exterior deck will be covered by ESTHEC™ from Holland. It looks and feels like teak, but this semi-recycled decking material requires ZERO maintenance and has a life expectancy of 20+ years. Better still, it requires no chemical cleaning, no sanding, and no oiling - nothing but normal water with maybe a bit of soap.
34
The construction of the Heliotrope started in March 2011 and expected sea trials are set for March/April 2013. The stern section is ready for almost any activity. The 3.2 metre jetpowered RIB is located in an easy accessible “garage”, covered with a large “infinity” sun bed. There’s plenty of storage space under the seats, in the backrest, armrests . . . oh and don’t forget the dive gear. There are special racks for the BCDs and air tanks, plenty of space and features for the serious or leisure diver. The construction of the Heliotrope started in March 2011 and
details, 3D imaging files of nearly everything - and the laser cut templates were superb. Everything fitted like a giant jigsaw puzzle. Once all parts of the hull were assembled, Bakri Cono measured the distances with laser measuring tools. Only on the diagonal (left front to right back) did Bakri find a small discrepancy - an error of only 4mm over the total yacht with distance of 19,279 mm! All of the fiberglass was laid up by hand using LINTEX multi-axle glass. The hull, deck, flybridge, stern section and many other interior parts were all done in separate moulds; when completed they all fitted perfectly during assembly. The owner is very keen to see the final result. Most of the interior of the Heliotrope is made from honeycomb sandwiched in fiberglass, which is very smooth and covered with various wood veneers. In all, 12 different types of wood were used to enhance optical effects.
Southwest Wind
expected sea trials are set for March/April 2013. One of the reasons for this long construction time is the intensive details and quality work on the interior of the yacht. The owner is very serious about quality and even the finest detail does not escape attention. Bakri Cono adopted a system of making temporary moulds from plywood and MDF boards; every piece was designed and CNC cut to near perfection. Bakri Cono had excellent support from Albatross Marine’s technical staff. The design files were immaculate, drawings to the smallest
In December 2011, Bakri Cono took on the assignment of repairing problems for another boat that was build two years ago in Pattaya. The Hummer was seven tons overweight, so even in a half-metre swell you experienced a rough ride and heavy slamming on the demihull. Bakri Cono’s initial task was a fibreglass hull modification, but when the boat was taken out of the water the owner realized there was a lot more to do, including installing a whole new electrical system, which is quite intricate, because the owner is an airline pilot. The engines were also changed from sail drive to straight shaft. Working again with Albatross Marine, Bakri Cono will increase the length of the boat from 42 to 49ft with both aft and bow extensions to increase the waterline. The boat will be rechristened Southwest Wind and the expected launch date is late 2012 (www.bakricono.com).
35
Simpson Marine
36
T
he Republic of Singapore Yacht Club (RSYC), the oldest yacht club in Asia, recently constructed a 5-storey vertical dry stack, a central part of its ongoing S$9 million expansion project. After operating from its modern yacht club premises for 12 years, the RSYC decided to upgrade its services and facilities to meet the discerning needs of Singapore’s upcoming new generation of boaters and marina-going club members. The new dry stack, one of the largest of its kind in Singapore more than doubles the capacity from 110 to about 230 boats. This will be in addition to RSYC’s 127 existing wet berths at the present West Coast Ferry Road location. The 5-storey vertical dry stack will accommodate 230 boats up to 35 ft in length. It is expected that there will be high demand for dry berths among boat owners in Singapore, as they appreciate the advantages of keeping smaller size boats of below 35ft out of the water when not in use. As well as upgrading the berthing facilities, the plan also calls for the doubling of the RSYC’s accommodation from the current 32 suites and rooms, to around 60, in a four-storey adjoining new wing that will also provide members with additional facilities. Founded in 1826, the RSYC moved to its current premises in August 1999, its third home since 1920. Its dry berths have been running at full capacity in recent years. In June 2010, the membership gave its Main Committee the mandate to expand, a plan conceived some two years ago by the RSYC Committee. Besides the two new buildings, there are also plans to upgrade the existing Clubhouse. The RSYC has numerous advantages as both a boating and a leisure facility, such as its rich heritage as Singapore’s first and original yacht club, its familyfriendly, unpretentious and relaxing ambience and its connection to 101 reciprocal clubs worldwide. It’s also convenient yacht club location for boaters with its competitive fuel rates and strategic location close to popular destinations in Singapore’s waters.
37
RSYC
Patrons have included King George VI 1937-53, and Queen Elizabeth 11 from 1953-67. The club has 2,000 members and is 186 years old.
38
History
The RSYC is Singapore’s oldest club, Asia’s oldest yacht club.
The Republic of Singapore Yacht Club (RSYC) is a maritime recreational society and club for yachting enthusiasts. It was established in 1826 and is the oldest recreational or social club of any theme in Singapore. It is also the first yacht club in Asia. It was known as the Royal Singapore Yacht Club till 1967, when it changed its name to the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club to coincide with the country’s independence two years earlier. The Club has its founding roots with men who were part of Sir Stamford Raffles’ initial voyage to the island. William Montgomerie served as the first president of the Club from 1826. It was initially known as just the Singapore Yacht Club, but changed its name to the Royal Singapore Yacht Club in 1922 after it came under the Patronage of the then Prince of Wales and later King Edward VIII. This variation of the name remained till 1967. Apart from the Prince of Wales, other prominent Patrons of the Club have been King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. Singapore’s first President, Yusof bin Ishak, became the first local Patron of the Club in 1967 and the name of the Club was subsequently changed to reflect the shift in patronage and the independence of the country. Singapore’s former President, Ong
Teng Cheong, was chosen as the club’s Patron in 1997. He was the Guest-ofHonour at the Club’s 174th anniversary celebrations in June 17, 2000 and opened the club’s current clubhouse and marina. His Excellency, President SR Nathan, is the current Patron of the RSYC and has been so since 2004, while Balakrishnan B. is the Commodore. The Club also has four serving Honorary Members, namely His Royal Highness Tunku Ibrahim Ismail Sultan of Johor, Rear Admiral Teo Chee Hean, Professor S. Jayakumar and Dr. Tan Cheng Bock. In 1920, the RSYC opened its original clubhouse at Trafalgar Street in Tanjong Pagar. It was opened by His Excellency the Governor, Sir Laurence Guillemard, who was then the Governor of the Straits Settlements. He also served as the Club’s Commodore from 1922 to 1927. After independence, the Club had to relinquish its clubhouse premise location to the Port of Singapore Authority to make way for a container terminal. As a result, the RSYC, with the help of the British Army, reclaimed five acres of mangrove swamp along Sungei Pandan to build a new clubhouse. President Yusof bin Ishak officially opened the new clubhouse on October 8 1966, upon invitation from the Club.
39
The RSYC made a third relocation when it moved to its current premise at West Coast Ferry Road in August 1999. Its official opening ceremony was held a year later, graced by the then President Ong Teng Cheong. The state-of-the-art clubhouse, designed by Edward Wong of Alfred Wong Partnership Pte Ltd, is an award winner in its own right. In July 2001, the building was the recipient of a Singapore Institute of Architects’ (SIA) Architectural Design Award in the recreational category at the 2001 SIA Architectural Design Awards. The new building was cited by the judges as the following: “The nautical theme of the Yacht Club is projected as a strong architectural statement, wellchoreographed entrance sequence to the complex, as well as the expressive roof form, the construction of which is expressed in the interior.” Despite the RSYC’s legacy and motive, owning a boat is not a prerequisite to joining the club. Approximately 20 percent of club members are owners of yachts or other types of sea-faring vessels. The RSYC also functions as a regular social club with emphasis on a maritime lifestyle. The RSYC has also been instrumental in several sea sports, both recreationally and competitively, over the decades. In 1923, famed yachting enthusiast and
renowned tea merchant, Sir Thomas Lipton, of Lipton Tea brand legacy, donated the Lipton Cup to the RSYC. Since 1987, the Lipton Cup has been used as the centerpiece for the winner of the Perpetual Cup Series, a combination of three regional regattas, the Singapore Straits Regatta, Raja Muda International Regatta, and the Phuket King’s Cup. Independently, the RSYC most notably holds the annual RSYC Regatta, a premier local club yachting event open to all local clubs and marinas. The RSYC Regatta is the oldest regatta held in Singapore and traces its origins to as far back as the early 1920s. Apart from the traditional race formats, the regatta has also added the Round-the-Island Challenge and the Passage Race to Tioman to its competition schedule in recent years. The Regatta is held over a two weekend period in July. Apart from competitive events, the RSYC is also active in organizing recreational activities and holding courses and sailing lessons for its members. It also offers short-distance trips to locations along Singapore’s southern coast and offshore locations such as Pulau Pawai, Indonesia’s Bintan and Batam as well as Malaysia’s Tioman. (Source: Bhaskaran Kunju)
The club has 2,000 members and is 186 years old.
40
Acceleration:
A new problem
for high-speed boats
By Albert Nazarov
Acceleration acting on a high-speed boat can be subdivided into three directions in relation to the boat: Longitudinal accelerations – horizontal increases or reductions in speed, extreme cases being crash stops and collisions Transverse accelerations – mainly during high-speed turns due to cen trifugal force Vertical accelerations – due to craft motion on waves Below, we will look at some important issues in more detail. l
l
l
Longitudinal acceleration and cases of collision
AT800 8m power catamaran on seaway (design by AMD). These cats are known for an excellent soft ride and ability to maintain such at higher sea states.
I
n the last few years, the availability of more powerful engines and lighter composite structures has led to an increase in speed for pleasure, commercial and special craft. On the seaway this increase in horizontal speed and associated considerations for emergency stops, sharp turns or collisions, often coupled with vertical acceleration (i.e. unsteady vertical motions) and comfort of ride considerations, are defining modern safety requirements. These acceleration factors are already used in car design, public transport and other fields, but are still fairly novel for boats. For the pleasure boater, speed is an important image factor and sales point, but unfortunately the average pleasure boater does not consider acceleration levels on his craft at that desired speed. Some commercial small boat operators in Asia are negligent about the impact of acceleration on human comfort and performance as well as on safety, though for fully class approved and certified high-speed commercial vessels, these factors are of primary concern.
Statistics of boating accidents indicate that collisions between one boat and another boat or object are the most widespread accident type with small craft, comprising up to 60% of total accidents [9]. During collisions, two stages are considered: 1. Boats come into contact and keep moving, penetrating and damaging the structure of each boat’s hull. Injuries at this stage are prevented by ‘stronger structures’ and by not locating passengers in dangerous zones of the boat. 2. The boats have almost stopped, but people and equipment on board continue moving, causing damage and injuries. Injuries at this stage can be minimized by proper accommodation design, use of seats and handholds in their correct locations, avoiding shifting of luggage and heavy items, etc. Research carried out on pleasure boats with safety test manikins [5] indicated that acceleration levels during collisions can comprise 5-8g and even higher. Most injuries, including major damage to the neck and spine, occurred during the second stage of collision by contact between bodies and boat structures. Presently there are no regulations for this type of craft, and such collision events would not be possible to predict. However,
41
good design should always take worst scenarios and risks into consideration. For commercial passenger craft designed to IMO High Speed Craft Code [2] maximum levels of acceleration during collision are classified in two design levels: Design Level 1 is characterized by longitudinal ‘crash accelerations’ below 3g. For this type of craft, sofa seating and bar counters are allowed in any direction and there are few other restrictions. This level of acceleration refers mainly to slower boats or to relatively large craft. Design Level 2 refers to ‘crash acceleration’ levels between 3-12g, and restrictions are imposed on fore and aft seating, use of seat belts or other protective measures, other limitations on accommodations and limitations on luggage storage. l
l
Most of the speedboats used in Thailand are of Design Level 2. Though formal compliance to HSC Code is not required, it would be good practice to follow common sense and good design practices where feasible with regards to the size of the boat in question. Some of the most important (and evidently ignored on local speedboats!) safety issues on commercial high speed craft are: Passenger seats should be located facing forward, or facing backward if seat belts with shoulder straps are used. For forward facing seats, belts are unnecessary if other seats or structures are protecting people from shifting forward. The bow area of the deck, comprising a minimum of 4% of its total area (or more, depending on speed and hull material – there is a formula in HSC Code), should not be used to accommodate passengers or crew. This means that the front area of the hull/deck is sacrificial; damage to this area will absorb energy from a collision, leaving the accommodation area untouched. This limit also matches with require ments to have collision bulkhead placed in this section. Luggage, bar counters, cargo and bulky items should be situated in such a way that they cannot slide during an emergency stop. The quintessence of safety features related to longitudinal accelerations is presented using one of our designs as a sample. l
l
l
Transverse accelerations Transverse accelerations are often checked for high speed commercial craft which are required to install rate of turn meters and are not to exceed a maximum of 0.2g of side acceleration during a high-speed turn. On smaller boats these meters are not used/checked, but experienced operators can avoid unfavorable effects by reducing turning speed or by using a larger turning radius. This helps to prevent passengers from falling out of seats, an event often coupled with increased heel during turns.
NS680 6.8m RIB performing a high-speed turn (design by AMD). Crew/ passengers on these boats can experience significant vertical and horizontal accelerations thus special safety measures are mandatory; note the seats, console location and plenty of handholds on this design.
Vertical accelerations
Ratios between vertical
Vertical accelerations acceleration levels are the most important of the Well, this is a bit confusing… three in the daily operation of When talking about vertical boats and have a direct effect accelerations, one should always conon passenger comfort, crew/ sider that moving on the seaway is a personnel performance and stochastic process, and one has to structural loads on the hull and deal with probability (or occurrence) equipment. Thus, vertical levels. Say average accelerations a accelerations are one of the are in certain relation with ‘signifimost important measures of cant’ accelerations a 1/3 (usually taken seakeeping and structural as 1/3 of the highest acceleration), loads for high-speed craft. also with a 1/10, that is 1/10 of the In engineering prachighest acceleration, and peak a 1/100 tice, vertical accelerations on acceleration (usually taken as 1/100 high-speed craft are estimated or 1% of the highest acceleration). by calculations using SavitskyDifferent standards refer to different Brown or Hoggard-Jones acceleration levels, thus: formulas [11] or more sophistia=3.3a 1/10 and a 1/100=1.7a 1/10 cated methods. Detailed information can also be obtained during tank tests and self-running tests of radio controlled models; we use both methods depending on the project’s budget and level of requirements. After launching and during sea trials, vertical accelerations are also measured using three-component (or sixcomponent if angular accelerations are also of interest) acceleration gauges. Some sample results of measurements are presented for an 8m power catamaran. For a monohull of similar size and conditions, measurements indicate 30-50% higher acceleration values. We used to perform seakeping analysis for all high speed craft at very early design stages, thus ensuring that the craft would be capable of performing the mission in designated conditions and at desired speeds [6-8]. Often customers’ expectations and budgetary considerations for passenger craft or dive charter boat are to deliver higher speeds on smaller boats. We would certainly recommend an appropriate size of boat or catamaran as the way to increase ride comfort. It is generally accepted that average vertical accelerations of 0.2g are acceptable for passengers. In this case,
42
the MSI (motion sickness incidence) parameter will not exceed 10% of people in two hours having signs of seasickness, such as vomiting and task performance degradation [10]. The effect of acceleration is also evaluated using MII (motion induced interruptions) criteria, which shows how many times per minute a person must stop task activity to maintain balance. Unfortunately the MSI criteria used in ISO [4] uses the root-mean square procedure, which ‘smoothens’ the peaks of accelerations, so it does not say anything about the possible injury that is likely to happen precisely due to those peaks. Thus, for special service craft, other criteria such as ICI (impact count index) [1] is used, based on the full spectrum of acceleration values and their possible effects on personnel. So what are the features of crafts that result in lower or higher vertical acceleration values? Of course in design practice all of these are evaluated numerically, but there is some information that is useful for boaters. First of all, a reduction of speed in accordance with encountered wave heights will reduce acceleration levels; choose comfortable speeds for certain seastates and wave headings. Reduced beam of bottom (i.e. beam of chine) and increase of deadrise (especially at the front 40% of hull length) will definitely reduce wave impacts and accelerations. Catamarans generally possess narrower demihulls and higher deadrise angles, thus their acceleration levels are lower. In general, larger and heavier craft are more comfortable following vertical acceleration criteria. The most uncomfortable area on high speed boats is the front section, where accelerations due to pitching motions can be 20-100% higher than those at the center of gravity (CG). The most comfortable area of planning craft is from CG to stern, where accelerations are the lowest and are best suited for passengers. Table 1 - Effect of horizontal accelerations on passengers and crew Acceleration value
Effect on passengers and crew
Horizontal accelerations (longitudinal, transverse), maximum level 0.08g
Elderly people can keep balance standing and holding
0.15g
Sitting person starts holding
0.25g
Adult can keep balance standing and holding
0.45g
Sitting person will fall out of seat without seat belt
>1.0g
Dangerous level for passengers
Table 2 - Effect of vertical accelerations on passengers and crew Acceleration value
Effect on passengers and crew Vertical accelerations, average level
0.2g
Insignificant discomfort, passengers, 2 hours
0.35g
Acceptable discomfort, personnel, 4 hours
0.5g
Discomfort, personnel, 1-2 hours
1.0g
Significant discomfort, crew with use of means of protection (shock-mitigations seats, body supports, etc.)
>2.0g
Extreme discomfort – short time for crew and personnel with means of protection, injuries possible
Budget solution for seating – jockey seats without shockabsorbing. Crew/ passengers might use their legs to absorb impacts, avoiding direct transfer of impact into their spines. Shock-mitigating seats installed on rescue/patrol boats. These seats are capable of reducing the vertical shock loads on crews from 60-70%.
Effect on structural design In Albatross Marine Design we use different rules and standards defining acceleration levels and loads on structures. The two most important are vertical accelerations defining loads mainly on the bottom (peak loads of 1/100th highest are used), and the impact of acceleration at bow affecting loads at the bow area during collision. Pleasure planing craft below 24m covered by international standard ISO12215-5 [3] will generally be in range a 1/100<3.0g of 1/ 100 of vertical acceleration values. This assumes that the operator is reducing speed values according to sea state conditions to avoid ‘overloading’ the boat. Another common approach is to limit loads on structure based on crew performance limitations - say, in Bureau Veritas Rules for yachts level of a 1/100=2.5g is used as the upper limit of structural loads, that might be good reference for relatively large motoryachts. Similar limits are always used for commercial high-speed craft, where a 1/100=2.02.5g are common values derived from passenger comfort considerations. Here again, common practice is to assume that these craft are not operated far beyond the comfort limits of passengers. Smaller craft, RIBs and some sportboats are operated at higher relative speeds, and thus levels up to 4-5g can serve as good reference points. These craft can be out of water for short times (become airborne) during operation. For special and patrol craft, equipped with shock mitigation seats or designed for standing operation, those ‘comfortable’ levels of acceleration might be exceeded, as the craft are expected to perform rescue/patrol missions in robust environments. This will result design acceleration levels up to 6-8g.
43
What is the difference? For a 15m powerboat, an increase in design speed from 25 to 55kts will cause an increase in design acceleration level from 1.9g to 5.4g, thus causing an increase in weight of structure by 35% (if the same materials are used).
Conclusions Acceleration levels are to be considered at all stages of boat design – from defining the general dimensions to the design of general arrangements and structures. Negligence of these issues can result in craft that is not functional and unsafe. Understanding of issues related to acceleration is important for operators of both pleasure boats and small commercial craft. For passengers, our general advice is always to choose larger/heavier craft or catamarans for ride comfort, avoid sitting at the bow and sideways, and watch for some of the security features discussed above.
Sample of a general arrangement for a 24m passenger catamaran, showing major accommodation concerns related to acceleration criteria.
References 1. Dobbins T. et.al. High Speed Craft Motion Analysis – Impact Count Index (ICI)// 43rd United Kingdom Conference on Human Responses to Vibration - Leicester, September 2008. 2. International Code of Safety for High Speed Craft (2000 HSC Code) – IMO, 2008 Edition 3. ISO 12215 - 5 Small craft - Hull construction and scantlings - Part 5 Design pressures, design stresses, scantling determination. 4. ISO 2631: Mechanical vibration and shock - Evaluation of human exposure to whole-body vibration - Parts 1-5 5. Lucas S.R., McGowan J.C., Salzar R.S., Planchak C., Getz G.E. Biomechanical Assessment of Small Craft Collisions// 2nd Chesapeake Power Boat Symposium - Annapolis, USA, 2010. 6. Nazarov A. Application of catamaran concept for small commercial, special and pleasure craft// 16th High Speed Marine Vessels Conference (HPMV-2011) - Shanghai, China, 2011. – E18. 7. Nazarov A. Power catamarans: design for performance// 2nd Chesapeake Power Boat Symposium - Annapolis, USA, 2010. 8. Nazarov A. Practical Small Craft Design: Combining Art with Science// International Conference on Marine Design, Coventry, UK - September 2011 9. Recreational Boating Accident Statistics – USCG, 2010. 10. Ross J.M. Human Factors for Naval Marine Vehicle Design and Operation. Ashgate Publishing, 2009. 11. Savitsky D., Brown P.W. Procedures for Hydrodynamic Evaluation of Planing Hulls in Smooth and Rough Water// Marine Technology, Vol.13, 1976.
Results of measurements of vertical accelerations on 8m power catamaran at sea state 2, for speeds of 20, 25 and 30kts.
About the author: Albert Nazarov is a naval architect (1996) and managing director of Thailand-based design office Albatross Marine Design. He has a Ph.D. (2004) in the field of sailing craft hydroaerodynamics, and also possesses a Yacht Captain License. Together with his team, Albert is developing pleasure, passenger and special high-speed craft for builders in more than 10 countries.
44
Setting Sail The entry list for this year’s Samui Regatta, also known as the “Tropical Island Regatta”, was impressive with thirty-two boats, representing over 20 countries and nearly 500 participants entering in five classes. Although formed in 2001, the regatta this year was in serious jeopardy until Simon James and his crew from Regattas Asia swooped in to save the event and what a marvelous job they did indeed of hosting and organizing the regatta, guaranteeing that moving forward this will be one of Asia’s leading regattas. The opening ceremony was hosted by Zico’s Brazilian Grill & Bar, and presided over by Suthep Thaugsuban, Member of the Thai House of Representatives; Chalorsak Vanichareon, Deputy Governor of Suratthani Province; and Danny McCafferty, General Manager of the Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui. Samui Regatta is well-known for attracting top boats and sailors from around Asia. This year, sixty percent of the fleet came from overseas to challenge a strong locally-based fleet including past winners and regatta legends. A number of strong Thai crews participated including Radab Kanjanavit on Cedar Swan, Kirati Assakul on Bandara Sonic, and Saad Panyawan on Kindred Spirit, all in the Multihull Class; and Amanda in IRC Two skippered by Lennart Fahlgren who led an all Thai crew. The entries in IRC Zero class read like a who’s who of Hong Kong sailing with four of the five boats coming from the former British colony. Largest in the class was the 90-foot Dubois Genuine Risk, who went up against four 52-
footers: three TP52’s and the 2011 Samui Regatta class winner Neil Pryde and his Welbourne 52 Custom HiFi. The only non-Hong Kong entry, Marcus Blackmore and his predominantly Australian Crew on Hooligan (chartering the TP52 Team Premier) brought with it an almost unblemished record of regatta successes in Australia and were determined to make their mark at their first Samui Regatta, having won the Royal Langkawi International Regatta earlier this year. The IRC Premier class saw three entries: Peter Churchouse and his crew on the Warwick
Organized by Regattas Asia, Samui Regatta is headquartered at Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, with sailing taking place off the island’s west coast.
45
Regattas Asia takes
Samui Regatta to new heights Photos by Anne Sophie Maestracci (samuipics.com)
46
64, Moonblue 2 (Hong Kong) were pitted against two Pattaya-based boats Brad Kirk’s Dynamite and Gary Baguley’s H & P 52, El Coyote. The continuing growth of 40-footers in the region saw a large fleet converge on Samui and the IRC One class was set for a tight battle. 2011 class winner Elektra, an Archambault 40R skippered by Marcel Liedts, was back to defend its crown against the likes of Walawala 2, a GTS 43, and winner of the 2012 Singapore Straits Regatta; David Ross’ Kerr 40, KukuKERchu (third place 2012 ToG Regatta); as well as perennial top-performer Nick Burns/Fred Kinmonth Mills 40 EFG Bank Mandrake from Hong Kong. This class saw an international mix of boats and crews from Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Thailand including Rick Pointon’s J130 Jing Jing, Sarab Jeet Singh’s Sydney 40MOD Windsikher, Bill Bremner’s Mills King 40 Foxy Lady 6, Simon Powell’s Archamault 40R Sell Side Dream. A mixed assortment of seven different boat designs made up the IRC 2 Class. Defending champion Greg Coops X 372 Abraxas sailed against CPO 1Royal Thai Navy 1, skippered by CPO 1 Wiwat Poonpat, won the 2012 ToG Regatta at the beginning of May. The biggest boat was Sail Quest’s Sun Odyssey 43 Paprika II with sailing students onboard and the smallest boat was Lennart Fahlgren’s Tasker 32 Amanda. “The pre-registration entries were very strong this year and included a multinational mix of boats and crews from Asia and beyond. Of particular note, was the large IRC One fleet and the large number of Thailand-based boats spread across the classes taking part,” said Simon James, Samui Regatta Race Director. The Multihull Class underwent resurgence with eight entries. Six catamarans and two trimarans with different levels of performance based solely on wind strength made this class open for the taking. Andrew Stransky’s 50-foot selfdesigned-built multihull Fantasia has taken the Southeast Asian regatta scene by storm since arrival last year, but Stransky and his predominantly family crew would have fierce competition from 2011 class winner Bandara Sonic, skippered by Kirati (Nim) Assakul, and the tuned-up SeaCart 26 Sweet Chariot, skippered by 70-years young Henry Kaye, hoped to carry their winning form from the ToG Regatta to Samui, while former winner Radab Kanjanavit and his crew on Cedar Swan also had plans to be a repeat winner. And Samui’s own Kunta’s Radical Bay 8000 Team Zanzen Crazy Horse knows the local waters and winds better than most, while Pierre Forsans Firefly 850 Sports Pagatoon and Kim Thomas KT 33 Turbo Cat will also give it their best shot. And although a little heavy in displacement Saad Pangawan’s Belize 43 Kindred Spirit would just love to get the better of its Samui rivals. The 2012 programme included five days of racing with a reserve day, and six parties, including a lavish beachside gala dinner at host sponsor, Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui. Samui Regatta continues to go from strength to strength. Eleven years since inception, the regatta has established itself as a leading sports event on Samui, with a
47
The wonderful relaxed location of Koh Samui mixed with friendly Thai hospitality and top racing makes this venue one of the best in Asia.
48
strong track record of contributing to the island. A 2011 survey found that regatta participants’ spend over Bt13 million on accommodation, food and beverage on the island during regatta week. Further expenditure on inbound travel and organization on the island pushes the net benefit to Samui in excess of Bt30 million. Local community support is integral to the Regatta’s success, and the organizers provide Thai youngsters with education scholarships and continue to support grass roots youth sailing. “Since the Regatta’s inception, the event has received strong support from organizations and businesses on the Island. We work closely with our partners and continue to support and develop community initiatives,” said Kae Wattana, Samui Regatta Event Director. The 2012 Samui Regatta was organized by leading regatta services provider, Regattas Asia, with strong support from Samui businesses and staff.
Folding Sail Racers headed out for the last day of racing with plenty to play for in some of the classes, but the Multihull and IRC Zero titles were sewn up the day before. Steady breezes at the startline belied what was to come; a storm rolled off the northern tip of Samui Island and out to the race area delivering 30 knots and gusts, leaving a trail of tied sailors, breakages, shredded sails and one “woman overboard”. IRC Zero was first off with a single windward/ leeward to finish their 10-race series. Despite already winning the class the day before, Marcus Blackmore and his crew on Hooligan were on the startline, their competitive nature undiminished. But a blown spinnaker and woman overboard unfortunately added a DNF to their six firsts. The battle was on for second and third places between HiFi and Freefire (Sam Chan) who came into the final day with equal points, and after some close racing and screaming runs HiFi came out on top winning the last race on corrected time. Freefire came second ahead ofMui Mui (Frank Pong) in third. While Hooligan took their inaugural Samui Regatta title, the 90-foot Maxi Genuine Risk (Geoff Hill) was a sight to behold throughout the week. Despite being unable to compete with the 52-footers on handicap, the 24-man crew had a great time and secured 10 line honours from 10 races (a new regatta record!) Two races were schedule for IRC One and with only one point separating the top two, and the race-track looking tricky, no-one was celebrating just yet. Foxy Lady 6 needed to keep ahead of EFG Bank Mandrake on the scoresheet to score the series win. In Race One, things didn’t go to plan. The building winds played into EFG Bank Mandrake’s hands, who sailed a flawless race to finish third on-the-water behind KukuKERchu and Walawala 2, and take the win on corrected time ahead ofWalawala 2, who took second while KukuKERchu placed third. Foxy Lady 6 finished fifth in the first race putting a serious dent in their chances of the class title.
49
Despite being unable to compete with the 52-footers on handicap, Genuine Riskâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 24-man crew had a great time and secured 10 Line Honours from 10 races.
50
Pressure was building on Foxy Lady 6 who needed to finish four points (or more) ahead ofEFG Bank Mandrake in the last race of the series. KukuKERchu continued their improving form and finished the regatta impressively with line honours and a handicap win in the last race of the Series, with Walawala 2 in second and Foxy Lady 6 improved to finish third. However, for Foxy Lady 6 it was not enough. EFG Bank Mandrake’s fourth place in the final race was enough to earn them the Series title, two points clear ofFoxy Lady 6 who had started the day one point ahead. After retiring from yesterday’s race in IRC Premier, Dynamite was back on the race course on the final day. El Coyote revelled in the winds and enjoyed victory on corrected time in race one ahead of Moonblue 2 who placed second with Dynamite in third. In the Race Two, the tables were turned with Moonblue 2 taking the win ahead of El Coyote in second, while Dynamite posted a DNC. At the end of the Series Moonblue 2 and El Coyote finished tied on nine points, with an equal number of firsts and seconds. Having placed first in the final race, Moonblue 2 took the Series win. The top three in IRC Two/ Bareboat were separated by just two points going into the final two races of the Series. Reef Knot (Stuart Collins) took to the front and lead through to the finish taking Line Honours and the win on corrected time. Swedish entry Lennart Fahlgren with his Thai crew on Amanda finished second and Abraxas (Greg Coops) in third. In the final race, only two made it to the start and Amanda kept close on the heels ofReef Knot, managing to secure the win on corrected time, with Reef Knot second. This wasn’t enough to knock Reef Knot off her perch who finished with nine points overall to take the series title. Andrew Stranksy and his crew on Fantasia had wrapped up the Multihull class title the day before with three wins and an unbeatable scoreline, but nonetheless headed out for the last day of racing and put in a stellar performance to add another first and another line honours to their collection in race one. Despite being second to finish on-the-water, Sweet Chariot slipped to fourth on corrected time leaving the door open for Crazy Horse to take second. All-Thai entry Cedar Swan, who has blown four spinnakers this week, finished an impressive third. Three DNFs and one broken mast in the race was testament to the strong winds that regatta sailed in. In the second race, only two made it to the startline, Fantasia and Crazy Horse, with Fantasia taking the final win of the Series. Crazy Horse finished second in the second race, and second overall. Participants and VIPs gathered for the final prizegiving – a lavish Gala Dinner hosted by Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui. This regatta is the final event in the Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championship, a series of 5star racing events held throughout Asia. Following the Series presentations, the 2011/12 Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championship “Skipper of the Year” and “Yacht of the Year” prizes were presented to Neil Pryde andHiFi, respectively.
Overall Series Results RC Zero 1 st Hooligan, Marcus Blackmore (13) 2 nd HiFi, Neil Pryde (19) 3 rd Freefire, Sam Chan (20) IRC One 1 st EFG Mandrake, Nick Burns/Fred Kinmonth (19) 2 nd Foxy Lady 6, Bill Bremner (21) 3 rd Walawala 2, Steve Manning (23) IRC Premier 1 st El Coyote, Gary Baguley (9) 2 nd Moonblue 2, Peter Churchouse (9) 3 rd Dynamite, Brad Kirk (16) IRC Two/ Bareboat 1 st Reef Knot, Stuart Collins (9) 2 nd Amanda, Lennart Fahlgren (10) 3 rd Abraxas, Greg Coops (15) Multihull 1 st Fantasia, Andrew Stransky (9) 2 nd Crazy Horse, Kunta (17) 3 rd Sweet Chariot, Henry Kaye (23)
About Regattas Asia Regattas Asia is a brand name of Phuket and More Co. Ltd., established in 2001 with over 15 years involvement in the organization of leading marine events in Asia. Formed by Simon James and Kae Wattana, Regattas Asia has become a prominent player in Asia’s regattas industry, with an innovative approach to the management of major sailing events in the region. Core team members have been involved with the Samui Regatta since its inception in 2003, and have provided on-water race management for the past five years. Regattas Asia provides services to the following marine events: Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, The Bay Regatta, Phuket Raceweek, Sabang International Regatta (Indonesia), Royal Langkawi International Regatta (Malaysia), and are sole organisers of Samui Regatta. www.Regattas.asia. For more information: Website: www.samuiregatta.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamuiRegatta Twitter: http://twitter.com/samuiregatta
51
The 2011/12 AY GP Championship “Skipper of the Year” and “Yacht of the Year” prizes were won by Neil Pryde and HiFi.
52
Thai sailing junk, Pla Luang 2.
Ferro-cement boat, Songkran 2.
J Thai sailing junk, Den Dao Sakorn.
John has introduced three sailing classes to Thailand – Prindles, Nacras and Lasers.
ohn Stall or Cap’n Squall or “Squally”’ as he is affectionately known is a living legend in these parts, and probably best known for cofounding the Samui Regatta. But how did he end up in Thailand the first place? Well, Mad Mike Hoar, a mercenary, set up a company in Singapore called Coastal Surveys, and recruited Aussie technicians because American ones were too expensive back then. Or so says John, a Perth native, who became one of those technicians. He had just spent nine years in the Australian Navy, leaving in April of 1968, when he jumped on a boat called Nomad and headed for Singapore; ending up in Loyang, the base for rig boats and Coastal Surveys; the Changi Sailing Club happened to be right next door. John was based in Singapore for four years, and during that time spent four years working on seismic survey boats, among them Western Geophysical, Delta Exploration and Eastern Marine who had a converted freighter that measured seismic activity while cruising the Fly River, which he entered from Daru, in Papua New Guinea. Their guide was a well known crocodile hunter George Craig with a ferro cement supply boat named Nardi Pelican and over the years he had amassed one of the world’s largest collections of primitive art. George later moved his collection and most of his largest crocodiles to Green Island off Cairns. In 1970, he started building his first boat Songkran out of
53
John Stall today.
A Southeast
Asian Sailing Legend By Scott Murray
ferro-cement (the craze at the time) at Singapore’s Hoe Ah Lam shipyard. At the same time, Harold Stephens was building The Third Sea out at Jurong with the help of Peace Corps volunteers with the same material. John says that some of the other characters with ferro-cement yachts back then were Bob Stevens who was building ferrocement yachts at Prapadeang in Bangkok and Jack Hargreaves a Kiwi with a beautiful 55-ft Herreshoff, a copy of Ticonderoga. (Jack, by the way, sailed into the Caribbean port of St. Martin one evening, spotted the mighty Ticonderoga, stealthily tied up alongside creating an uproar the next morning when the harbor awoke to see the two lookalikes side by each.) The boat was completed in August of 1972, fitted with a Perkins diesel sold to him by visiting adventurer John Calvert, the seagoing illusionist who was installing larger engines in his motor yacht. You may recall John Calvert was washed up on the beach during Cyclone Tracy on his schooner Sea Fox with a bevy of Philippine actresses and singers. John sailed Songkran into Pattaya in November of that year. For the next decade or so, he did daily tourist trips to Koh Larn though an embassy or international school might rent the boat for a week at a time. If he was ever short on cash, he’d take Songkran down to Singapore for a proper haul out and then do some work for Coastal Surveys, or other seismic companies.
Kati Lodge Samui early 80s’ (today Tradewinds resort).
54
Songkran anchored in a bay north end of Koh Kut. Picture taken from a nunnery, whose nuns helped the crew.
Bill Gasson and John founded the Samui Regatta in 2002.
John, however, never registered his business officially, so in 1977, Thai officials told him his fun was over and he would have to start paying taxes like everyone else. John decided to sell the boat instead for US$20,000 earning back his investment, but not much more. John was then approached by his Thai friends Manat and Rachanee Saiyud to start a tour company, called Pattaya Ocean Tours. John took the money from the sale of Songkran and bought two Thai sailing junks (Pla Luang 2 & Den Dao Sakorn ) and four 50-ft motor boats and the company set up an office in the Pattaya Palace Hotel. With a couple of other friends, they opened a restaurant on Haad Tien on Koh Larn, and the tours would stop there every day, so the restaurant could expect an average of at least 40 people a day. The company had a mini bus, a tour bus and even did country tours. John started the Koh Si Chang tour, an island he compares to a Greek island, and he had an English sheep farmer named Farmer John take tourists on a tour of the island. Farmer John raised mutton for Muslims in Bangkok and his father had been the warden on a Thai island prison on Koh Pai. In 1990, he started importing four 40ft containers of sail boats (Prindles from Santa Ana, California, and Nacras and Lasers from Australia), introducing three new sailing classes to Thailand. He would sell them out of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club (RVYC), who held races on the weekend. When he wasn’t working on the tour company, or selling boats, John would race setting a record of 7 hours and 45 minutes while delivering a Nacra 5.0 from Pattaya to Hua Hin without accompaniment (John and his wife Wunwelai represented Thailand by sailing Prindle
catamarans in World Championships in South Carolina & Hawaii and a Laser in Sardinia). In 1982, John and his wife purchased some land in Samui and built four bungalows. But the island was somewhat lawless then and a group of nine thugs took over the property brandishing M-16s and hand grenades. John’s wife’s uncle happened to be the governor of Surat Thani province, so he helicoptered in and with 5 jeep loads of commandoes, who took the property back. The problem was that if John and his family wanted to stay on the property they would have to live under armed guard. John’s wife had just given birth to a daughter (today she works in the American Embassy in Bangkok, while John’s son works in the British embassy) and the couple decided it would be better to raise her in Pattaya. So Samui settlement plans were put on hold and John leased the property to another couple for a decade who totally rebuilt it (there was only five beach resorts on Chaweng Beach back then). They then returned in 1997, when John handed over his Pattaya business, which included a chandlery, to Gary Baguley, who had set up Blue Sea Watersports at the RVYC. In 2002, John who been racing in regional big boat regattas this whole time decided that it would be terrific if Koh Samui staged its own international regatta. So with help from his buddy Bill Gasson (who would later go on to form the Top of the Gulf Regatta) they set up the Samui Regatta, staging it in late May because there was a gap then in the regional regatta calendar, strong westerlies prevailed and the anchorages were good. Gary Piermain from Coconut Land & House came on board as the principal sponsor and the Centara Grand Samui Resort & Spa (with GM Jacques Mury), which became the base of operations from the beginning. A number of people have managed the regatta over the years, but John feels he’s finally found the man to do it properly in Simon James, who with his Regatta Asia crew did a superb job of organizing and running the regatta this year. There are enough stories floating around out there to fill a book about Squally. Whether it’s been starting a regatta, exploring unchartered waters, racing competitively around the world, dealing with armed thugs, John Stall has certainly lived an action-filled life and he shows no
signofslowingdown.
55
Ad open
56
Singapore Yacht Show showcases Singapore as superyacht destination
T
his year’s Singapore Yacht Show showcased some of the world’s largest superyachts, as well as some smaller and more affordable boats and tenders. The exhibition is principally by invitation, catering specifically to industry professionals and high net-worth individuals from around Asia, but open to anyone who has a serious interest in chartering, or buying a boat or a yacht, and discovering the luxury yachting lifestyle. The event is hosted at ONE°15 Marina Club, providing visitors with access to a whole programme of glamorous social networking events, including a gala dinner, various cocktail receptions on yachts and in luxury villas, and a host of other activities in association with some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands. Guest-of-Honour, Mr Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, officiated at the opening ceremony of the three-day show, which ran from April 27th-29th. “Singapore has a burgeoning superyacht industry. We are opening new marinas capable of berthing superyachts. We are also welcoming more yacht charters and agents, while marine engineering companies and shipyards are converting their services for white boat repair,” said Mr Teo. “The four local world-class marinas hosting superyachts – Raffles Marina, the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club, Marine@Keppel Bay and ONE°15 Marina Club – have seen an
57
Azimut 116 Hye Seas II.
Vantage.
Montigne.
H6050.
58
Aerial shot of the SYS.
The three-day event showcases some of the finest superyachts and luxury yachts, together with luxury products and services. The 2nd annual Singapore Yacht Show was staged at ONE°15 Marina, Sentosa Cove, brought together some of the world’s top yacht builders and brokers.
increase in the number of superyachts berthed in Singapore and are looking at expanding to meet the growing demand.” Fantastic on water displays included the likes of Aegean Yachts, Azimut, Cranchi, Feadship, J-Craft, Mangusta, Megaway, Palmer Johnson, Princess, Riva, San Lorenzo and Westport. Also participating are leading yacht brokers including Burgess, Northrop and Johnson, Ocean Independence and Simpson Marine. Further highlights for the show include the dockside exhibition village, car previews from Lamborghini and BMW M; wine tasting by SUTL; fantastic food courtesy of Michelin-star chef Pascal Aussignac, and the chance to win a free trip on a ZAR Formenti 97. With a number of world-famous superyachts on display, together with an impressive line-up of other smaller luxury yachts, boats and tenders, the three-day show provided visitors with a unique opportunity to delve deeper into this luxury lifestyle – one that is showing signs of growth within the region. “The presence of the biggest names in the yachting industry is testament not only to Singapore’s but Asia’s growing economic clout,” said Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of the Singapore Yacht Show. “As the ranks of billionaires and multi-millionaires in the region continue to embrace the yachting lifestyle, we want them to savour the best that the industry has to offer and we are confident the show will grow from strength to strength in the next few years.”
59
Matahari.
Nymphaea & Sea Bear.
The Singapore Yacht Show 2012 featured some of the world’s largest and most luxurious power and sailing superyachts. Some of the highlights include Feadship’s brand new 45 metre Helix, which is making its debut in Southeast Asia; the 45-metre powerhouse Vantage from Palmer Johnson, and Sanlorenzo’s stunning 35.5-metre Onyx. The Westport 130 Sea Bear, formerly owned by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, was also on display and is now available for Singapore charter. The 40-metre superyacht is managed by Aqua Voyage, the nautical arm of KOP Hotels & Resorts, and forms part of its fleet of luxury yachts. Other debuts included MY Phatsara and Singapore-built 39m Megaway, both presented by Northrop & Johnson; a Cranchi 64 presented by Hong Seh Marine; and celebrating the Year of the Dragon was the Torpedo, by J-Craft. The show is rapidly gaining momentum as one of the foremost yachting industry showcases in the Asia-Pacific region. Following the success of the preview edition last year, this year’s show doubled in size in every aspect, from the number of superyachts, finely crafted boats and exhibitors to the luxury lifestyle partners. This year’s edition featured a first class line-up of the world’s most influential yachting brands, including Palmer Johnson, Westport, Heesen, Azimut, Princess, SportRiva, Mangusta and among others. There was also strong participation from leading yacht brokers such as Burgess, Ocean Independence, and Simpson Marine. Other top exhibitors in the Dockside Village included Sevenstar, Gulf Craft, and Luxury Yachts. A parade of supercars shared the spotlight with luxurious superyachts at this year’s event courtesy of Eurosports Automobile Munich Automobiles with BMW M Owners Club and Lamborghini Club organizing convoys to the yacht show.
Simpson Marine’s Strong Presence at the SYS Simpson Marine, Asia’s leading yacht dealer and broker, unveiled an impressive line-up of more than ten yachts at this year’s Singapore Yacht Show (SYS) at ONE15 Marina. They included a good mix of power boats, sailing boats and superyachts ranging from approximately 12 to 60 metres. During the show, Simpson Marine launched a new brand, bold and exciting Atlantis (by Azimut-Benetti), showcasing the stunning new Verve 36. This was the boat’s first debut in Asia. Simpson Marine also showcased superyachts including SY Montigne, a very special 57-metre triple-masted schooner which fulfils the needs of the most discerning superyacht purchaser; the 52m Matahari, a CRN vessel built for the Emir of Bahrain; Hye Seas II, an elegant and swift 35.5m Azimut Grande 116; and Zeepaard, a 37m 122' explorer yacht.
60
Regional
NEWS
The Isabella Rose is a magnificent 68-feet flybridge Princess, generously put to the disposal of a few who have an eye for good things. Indeed, along her 68 feet, two decks and flybridge, she will be able to look after you in every possible way. From the moment you step aboard to the warm welcome provided by the crew and the relaxing environment the boat has to offer you will surely feel at ease and ready to zoom around what Thailand has to offer at its best: the jewels of Phuket. Step aboard using the well-designed hydraulic swimming platform at the rear and access the aft quarter where a large living/dining area is fitted with a wide table and comfy sittings organized in order to wine and dine you in style, either under way or at anchor; this position is a very comfortable place to satiate you palate with our Eastern and Western meals menus, especially designed to fit the taste and mood of the moment. From there you will be able to easily access the main cabin/living and entertaining area, and the foredeck or the flybridge where a large sunbed will welcome you for an afternoon nap or a nice tanning session. If tanning is not on your program you can still enjoy the views this high point has to offer and maybe accompany this moment with a nice and refreshing drink served directly from the upper bar/grill purposely positioned there for a quick answer to your desires. Indeed, the flybridge is such a nice area to spend time, that yet another dining table has been arranged there to make sure you don’t miss a glimpse of what Mother Nature has to offer. Alternatively, you could decide to go down below and enjoy the technical nature of the yacht as well as the well-designed interior reminiscence of a nicely decorated home. The feeling is instantaneous as you step through the large sliding glass door to access the main living area: you will find yourself surrounded by two large sitting areas, the starboard U-shaped sofa mirrors a more classical yet practical one that helps ease conversation flow as the night goes on. As you keep moving forward, you will walk pass the fully-equipped galley on starboard; then there’s a spiral staircase to access the flybridge and helm station, where you will probably have to stop a few minutes to appreciate the navigation and safety equipment this boat is built up with: Furuno Radar, Rayplot auto-pilot, Raytheon chart plotter, bow thruster, etc… just to name a few famous gizmos brands that shall look after you, the boat and you family as you are making way through the turquoise waters of Phuket and maybe beyond if you choose to (Asia Marine offers day trips as well as multiple-day cruises). Keep moving forward and step down a short set of stairs where you’ll find the living quarters: these have been designed keeping in mind the comfort of passengers as well as the practicability of a well-thought layout that allows the use of the space to its maximum capacity: as such, straight on
The boat features a powerful V10 MAN twin engine with a
Regional
NEWS 61
Cruise Phang Nga Bay on the Isabella Rose
top speed of 25 knots and a comfy 18kts of cruising speed.
62
Regional
NEWS
starboard you will find a generously-sized master cabin fitted with en-suite, large wardrobe and other smart recesses allowing you to get your life onboard perfectly organized and make you feel totally “at home”. Directly opposite the master cabin is a maid’s or twin single cabin, offering two bunk beds, or additional storage space, depending on the nature of your trip or the number of people aboard. A bit further forward sees the yacht fitted with a generously-sized VIP cabin with en-suite and generous storage similar to what is offered in the master cabin. Here, you will also find the guests’ heads and a two-berthed cabin that could eventually accommodate a third bunk for children or teenagers, or when too many friends crash the party! Furthermore, each of the cabins are fitted with an independently controlled air-conditioning system to make sure everyone enjoys their favorite ambiance. The well-minded designers of this Princess made sure your privacy stays unspoiled and have smartly build up crew quarters at the stern. This cabin is accessed by a totally independent hatch to double make sure the moment you spend with your loved ones and family stays a very special one! The boat features a powerful V10 MAN twin engine with a top speed of 25 knots and a comfy 18kts of cruising speed. Your professional crew will take you safely and in style to any of the well-known destinations, but as well as to some lesser known ones, including other remote hideaways known only by local seafarers. The experienced captain will typically sit down with you, show you the usual routes and other attractive points of interest around Phuket in order to find out what is it you have in mind and how he can satisfy these desires: he will make sure you are carefully listened to and catered for to your satisfaction and that of all the guests onboard (bear in mind, cruises are also weather dependent). As such, the crew would be happy to zoom you around Phang Nga Bay, stopping at James Bond Island, exploring the kayak-accessible cave at Koh Hong and other hideaways at Koh Panak, ending up visiting a fishermen’s village on stilts for finally knocking down a sundowner overlooking the otters playing in the mangroves. Don’t forget that the crew is as keen as you are on avoiding the usual tourist traps and as such are always making a point to try to miss the tour operators’ working hours and routes to give you an unforgettable and unspoiled experience aboard our Princess Isabella Rose. Once you will have reached your favourite spot, the friendly crew shall help you chose between a sea kayak expedition, a bit of snorkelling in the shallows of the Big Blue, where a myriad of tropical fishes await to play, or simply zoom around in our tender to discover the magic of those particular limestone ancestral formations. At your feet, throw a rod overboard and fish for a fresh catch to be enjoyed al fresco with your loved ones. Ultimately, if the need for a bit of terra firma is felt, we’ll take you to unspoiled and deserted beaches that only we know about! Remember that if you are after something special for your holidays, or any of your special days (birthday, christening, wedding cocktails, bucks/hens nights, business meeting, etc…) or just want to enjoy spending some time on the blue seas with your friends and loved ones, you came to the right place. From the moment Asia Marine pick you up from your hotel in a private limousine or van (to suit the number of guests), you will never look back; you will know straight away that you have made the right choice.
Asia Marine will zoom you around Phang Nga the kayak-accessible cave at Koh Hong
Regional
NEWS 63
Service is Asia Marine's motto and trademark and the reason you will want to come back. Email us at charter@asia-marine.net or call the office on 66 76 239111 or alternatively 66 81 8276075 (mobile). charter
01 May 12 31 Oct 12
01 Nov 12 30 April 13
half day 4 hours
138,600
154,000
full day 8 hours
173,250
192,500
2 nights 1 day
311,850
346,500
3 nights 2 days
457,775
519,750
4 nights 3 days
623,700
693,000
NOTE: Fuel surcharges apply non-standard itineraries. Rates are in Thai Baht and subject to change.
Islands Coral Island
Racha Island
Phi Phi Islands
Rang Yai Island
Phang Nga Bay
Naka Yai & Naka Noi
Koh Yao
Koh Kaew
Maiton Island
Koh Khai Nok
Bay, stopping at James Bond Island, exploring and other hideaways at Koh Panak,
Captain Shane Granger,
skipper HV Vega
Questions for
Favorite Regatta? That would have to be the Raja Muda in this area, or the Columbus Day Regatta in south Florida. The Raja Muda is serious sailing and good fun all in a very finely tuned mix. Sailing race you still most want to compete in? Do we have to? Seems to me the best races are always when you have two sailing boats going the same direction. Say what you will, but that situation almost always turns into a race. Sailing destination you still most want to get to? There are simply so many places I would like to go; where should I start? The real fun of owning a boat s is being able to reach places no one else visits. Sailing journey you’d still like to make? I am doing it right now. What could the Thai gov’t do to improve marina business in this country? apt. Shane Granger is not new to historical boats Simplify the regulatory issues. Insure that all entry ports have having directed the restoration of such famous the same rules and apply them in the same manner. The Thais period vessels as the 1670s ketch Adventure and could take quite a few very good tips from the Malaysian consulted on the Clearwater, Maryland Dove, system, which is working quite well and has done so much to Pride of Baltimore, the 1992 Columbus ships, and attract so many boats to Malaysia. other historically accurate vessels. He also If you weren’t in the sailing business, you would be…? trained crews to sail several well-known historical replicas. Pushing a shopping trolley full of bags in some city…who Granger studied under Capt Irving Johnston and Mr Jim knows? I have several professions I could practice and have Richardson and was skipper of the Class “A” Brigantine Stargate always been open to the “new ideas never hurt” concept. in the 1982 & 84 Tall Ships races. Somehow, I am pretty sure I would land on my feet. Shane, more of a historical rigger than a boat builder, even Favourite Marina? though he has done both jobs, finds the sailing of historical boats It really is a toss up between The Marina at Keppel Bay in fascinating. “Not only do I have to figure out how they did it, but Singapore and the Straights Quay Marina in Penang. Both why they did it that way.” He recently took the SEA Yachting Q & have easy in and out, are centrally located, have excellent A, check out his responses. management, and a totally professional friendly marina staff. Keppel is so clean I can make water while in the marina, and What’s the most important lesson you have learned about both have locations that must be the envy of all others. sailing? Nestled within the luxurious and secure Keppel Bay waterSailing on sail balance alone, the way the old timers did it; sailing front complex, the Marina at Keppel Bay is situated on its own without a rudder if you will. On modern boats the rudder forces private island within easy walking distance to the Harbour the boat to change course, even against the sails. Old ships’ Front, the largest mall in Singapore, Vivo City, and the MRT. rudders were small - just enough to give the boat a nudge toward It’s also only a 5-minute drive to the impressive Integrated the new course. The rest was a matter of proper sail use. A good Resort at Sentosa, the Universal Studios theme park, and boat should steer herself on just about any angle she is capable of. Resorts World hotel. The facilities are simply first class, little Favorite Sailing Film? wonder The Marina at Keppel Bay was chosen Best Asian Master and Commander, even if it was a hodge podge taken from Marina of the year and awarded 5 Gold Anchors accreditaseveral of the books in that fantastic series. tion along with a string of other excellence and green awards. Favorite Sailing Book? Don’t forget the fresh baked bread every morning from the Without any doubt, the Jack Aubrey and Steven Maturin series bakery right at the head of the pier and the great jogging by Patrick O’Brian. Those stories are so well written you can read routes with never a sign of traffic to disturb the enjoyment of them again and again always discovering something new. the well-maintained gardens. It is easy to understand why this Favorite Boat Show? marina has consistently been chosen as the site for Singapore’s The Boat Asia boat show, or should I call it a lifestyle show in prestigious Boat Asia boat show - Southeast Asia’s most Singapore. This year it was held from 12th–15th of April at the important yearly luxury lifestyle and yachting event. Marina at Keppel Bay. That is not only the largest show in the And before you start thinking the prices must be in the region but has such a diverse offering, the one show not to be “astronomical Bill Gates only class”‚ let me say they are not at missed, if you are interested in yachts and the water in general. all expensive. For what you get, this must be the most reasonFavorite type of sailing boat? ably priced marina in Singapore. Visit their website at http:// The topsail schooner; I think it was about the most versatile rig www.marinakeppelbay.com and if you have any questions or ever developed, for running, it had the power of square sails, and need information about arriving in Singapore, contact Roy Ng for windward work it had the drive of the gaff sails. Combined and his Team at rngsk@kepland.com.sg. Roy is the Marina with a Baltimore Clipper type of hull these are very fast boats Manager and one of the most helpful people you could ever indeed and good in all weather. wish to meet. (Contact Shane at: vega@sailvega.com)
C