TAT backs Samui Regatta as it sails into the 14th successful year

Bangkok, 6 May, 2015 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is helping to promote the upcoming 14th Samui Regatta that will take place from 23 to 31 May in the seas off the popular tourist island. This internationally acclaimed boating event attracts teams from all over the world and has become a much-anticipated feature on the competitive sailing calendar.

The 14th Ko Samui Regatta is expected to attract some 500 competitors from 22 countries who will compete in passage and buoy racing off the famous Chaweng Beach on the island’s eastern coast. The Regatta will end with a gala dinner at the Centara Grand Beach Resort, which is regarded as the “Home of the Samui Regatta.”

Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT’s Acting Governor and Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas said, “We are delighted, but not surprised that the Samui Regatta is thriving in its 14th year. Samui’s warm seas, balmy winds and adjacent national marine park make it perfect for lovers of boats and yachts. Thailand has a rich maritime tradition, some of Asia’s best marina facilities and a wealth of off-shore wonders, so is the natural place for an international boat event such as this.”

The Samui Regatta started in 2002 and is organised by Regattas Asia in conjunction with the Samui Yacht Club Regatta, the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Sports Authority of Thailand, and Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui. In its inaugural year, 11 boats, mainly beach catamarans, raced.  Over the years the event has grown and is now the final event of the prestigious Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championship (AYGP) and attracts some of the best yachts and crews from around the world.

Over the course of the regatta, many beach events will be hosted allowing visitors to enjoy the world-class resorts and hotels of Samui and experience the warm hospitality for which Thailand is famous. There will also be fund raisers to support youth education and sporting activities on the island. The event also pays honour to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is himself a prize-winning sailor and boat designer.

The Samui Regatta will culminate with a champagne gala dinner on the lawns of the Centara Grand Beach Resort during which the winning skipper and vessel will be crowned the 2014-15 AYGP Skipper and Yacht of the Year and awarded the traditional winners’ navy blue blazer.

The 2015 Samui Regatta promises to be the best yet and should increase an awareness of water sports in Thailand while boosting top-end tourism and helping businesses. Last year, the Regatta generated an estimated 30 million Baht worth of media coverage and put over 18 million Baht into the local economy.

For more information, visit: http://www.samuiregatta.com/home

Contact Information

International Public Relations Division

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48

Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419

E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th

Website: www.tatnews.org

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