23rd Samui Regatta starts in light winds.

Ever since COVID-19 hit the shores of Southeast Asia, regatta numbers have been down across the region, and organisers have had to scramble to keep their events going. Regattas Asia organisers have had to deal with innumerable headaches to keep both their Bay Regatta and Samui Regatta going.

But one thing that hasn't changed is the pedigree and quality of the sailors involved. For this year's Samui Regatta, Duncan Hines' Alive, a two-time Rolex Sydney to Hobart, sailed over 2,500km to be here. Steve McConaghy, fresh off being named "Yachtsman of the Year" by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, has brought back Aftershock and Team Hollywood, the defending champion, who has won just about every regatta in the region, ranging from the Phuket King's Cup to the Raja Muda.

Race Officer Simon James, known for his ability to negotiate with the wind gods, didn't have much luck today as the wind kept changing both speed and direction. Despite a new, later start time, the marginal conditions allowed him to get in one windward-leeward race to satisfy the sailors.

Ray Roberts and his professional crew on Team Hollywood made a triumphant return to Koh Samui, capturing the first day's race in the 23rd Samui Regatta. The regatta held off the picturesque Chaweng Beach saw keen competition in the IRC Open class. Alive was first across the line in just under 1 hour, but when handicaps were applied, Team Hollywood won with a corrected time of 01:30:35, slightly over two minutes ahead of Alive. Aftershock, led by Steve McConaghy, placed third, and Iolanthe 3, led by fellow Aussie skipper Terry Foster, on his A25, finished fourth overall.

The Samui Regatta, a prestigious event in the sailing calendar, runs from May 24 to May 30, 2026, and features all keelboats racing in the same IRC Open class. The event is centred at Nora Beach Resort and Spa, offering an ideal backdrop for both participants and spectators.

The racing programme spans five days, from Monday to Saturday, with a reserve day planned on Thursday to provide an opportunity for the sailors to explore and experience the hospitality of Koh Samui. Each day's competition concludes with a ceremony to honour and award the winners, culminating in a gala dinner on the beach on the final day.

The Nora Beach Resort and Spa Hotel was the gracious host of the opening ceremony, presided over by Khun. Klanarong Yutitham, the Vice Governor of Surathani, and the daily award ceremonies.

The final gala dinner and awards ceremony will be hosted by Khun Suparerk Thongsuk, President of the Samui Tourism Association and held at The Fair House on Saturday night.

The Samui Regatta Committee organises the event in collaboration with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, the Surat Thani Province, and Regatta Asia.

The 23rd' Samui Regatta's sponsors and supporters include Samui Tourism Promotion Association, Nora Beach Resort & Spa, Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel, Regent Chaweng Beach Resort, HaadThip Public Company Limited, Frank Pong's Jelick, UK Sailmakers, Samui Verticolor Hotel, Chaweng Garden Beach Resort, Bangkok Airways, Bangkok Samui Hospital, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Media Partners include VivaldiPR, Thailand Marine Guide, and SEA Yachting Magazine.

About the Samui Regatta:
The Samui Regatta is the island's longest-running sporting event and reinforces Thailand's position as a premier sailing destination and an essential stop on the Asian yachting circuit. Since its inception in 2001 with a modest fleet of beach catamarans, the event has experienced remarkable growth and gained recognition among international sailors.

Organised by Regatta Asia, the regatta continues to focus on increasing tourism to Koh Samui, elevating the profile of sailing in Asia, and promoting water sports participation.

For more information on participating in the Samui Regatta or to register, please visit the regatta's website at https://www.samuiregatta.com and update activities on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamuiRegatta.