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Travel around on Phuket's BeachesDo you ever feel like
you know just enough about Phuket to be dangerous? Let's see if
we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from
Phuket experts.
Sailboats and motor yachts arrived from all over the world for
the sixth annual Phuket Invitational Superyacht Rendezvous. The
event gathered even more cachet this year at its new venue, the
exclusive Resort on Phuket's Andaman coast.
The champagne flowed at the opening cocktail party on board the
classic motor yacht Maid Marian II, which was celebrating her
75th birthday. Following cocktails, owners and crew were
whizzed ashore for another party. Hein Velema of the principle
sponsor Feadship then announced "The Feadship Challenge" over
finely flavored canapés. The objective was simple: Teams had to
design and build a model Superyacht in 15 minutes!
Feadship knows a thing or two about boats but wasn't giving
away any secrets, leaving teams scrambling. Hein looked on with
amused curiosity as the teams tackled the challenge, paying
homage to ancient shipbuilding traditions with balsa wood,
plastic, superglue, sailcloth and a few basic tools. Suitably
inspired by generous quantities of Moet and fellow guests, the
teams came up with some super - and not so super - yachts while
pondering the age-old question, "Does size matter?"
The boats took to the water in the specially built racing
trough. Wind power proved tricky as team members attempted to
blow maximum gale force to propel their boats. To separate the
men from the boys, a beer had to be downed at the halfway
point. The team from Sylvia encountered steering problems,
while superior wind power assisted Maid Marian through several
heats until Yanneke Too - built for speed, emerged the fastest.
"The Best Design" award went to the Silvertip team for sleek
clean lines. "The Ugliest Design" (fast but ugly) went to
Cordelia for an extreme flat bottom.
Truthfully, the only difference between you and Phuket experts
is time. If you'll invest a little more time in reading, you'll
be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to Phuket.
The following day dawned with glorious weather conditions. The
sun shone; a fantastic fresh wind blew to fill the sails; the
sky was a brilliant deep blue - all set against the lovely
coastline of Phuket. Veteran King's Cup race master Andy
Dowden, reminding everyone "it's a rally not a regatta," set
the triangular course leading the yachts close to land. Long
legs and downwinds provided spectators with a magical sight, as
sails were unfurled in majestic splendor.
The classic ketch Sylvia, always memorable, was an inspiring
sight as southwest winds filled her 600-square meters of sail
setting her on course for Sri Lanka. "Everyone got their
passport?" joked Capt. Bryce after Sylvia missed the starting
line. The 5O-year-old lady was challenged with rigging and
renegade sails that took a lot of combined muscle to rein in.
As every year, she followed a slightly different course. Capt.
Bryce acknowledged that perhaps a few regatta rules had been
broken, but everything was fine.
Yanneke Too - operating with push-button efficiency led the
field. After an exciting start, which had Yanneke Too and
Intrigue neck and neck, Yanneke the only boat that hoisted her
fabulous spinnaker, made headway. Unfortunately the spinnaker
just dipped in the water and Intrigue sailed sovereign in the
winner's position.
This year's Invitational captured a moment in history.
Following last year's tsunami, Phuket and the Andaman coast
have made an incredible recovery and many visitors felt a new
era was beginning for the region. The sponsors, including
organizing sponsor SEAL Superyachts, see Asia and especially
Phuket emerging as the ultimate yachting destination in the
not-too-distant future.
At the final gala dinner their predictions seemed to be on
track. The private beach was beautifully decked out. The lavish
buffet included fresh Andaman seafood and an array of sensuous
chocolate delights. Lashings of champagne added to the general
bonhomie as dozens of traditional hot air lanterns were
launched in the night sky, forming a canopy of tiny lights
above the yachts. "
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