Optimistic Outlook for Phuket At Start of High Season

Created by jimmy. Last modified on 2002-11-13 07:33:37
Countries: Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand

News from Phuket by Noonsite Regional Editor Bob Mott

Life in the cruising fraternity goes on as usual in Phuket with large numbers of yachts arriving as usually at this time of year. Two new regattas / rallies will take place this season: The Andaman Sea Rally to The Andaman Island, starting from Phuket on February 8th and The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club Regatta in Langkawi on March 11th. These events compliment the successful King’s Cup and Phang Nga Bay regattas. The expectations of the organizers are optimistic for this season’s events.

The Ao Chalong Yacht Club has regular sponsored racing events on Sundays. Local Thai companies such as Big “C” shopping centre and Yacht Solutions sponsor race events during the season. The Phulet Yacht Club, based at Ao Yon, has sail training for children during family picnic days teaching children of all nationalities and ages to sail. They also offer free sailing tuition for under privileged, physically impaired children or those suffering from HIV and orphans in the Thai community. The boats used are “Optimists” which oddly enough describes the current feeling in Phuket.

The Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina is near full both in the water and on the hardstand with extensions underway for hardstand storage. The Yacht Haven Marina at the north of the island continues to attract mega yachts and is about two thirds full. Ratanachai Slipway near Phuket Town has extended its hardstand area due to demand by both local and overseas boats.

Professional manufacture of catamarans has increased over the last few years with three companies constructing in materials such as composite foam, balsa, strip plank, epoxy and plywood. Recently the manufacture of a new Duncanson one design yacht has begun in the area under agreement with Latitude 8 Yachting.

The yachting industry is booming in Phuket and appears to be unaffected by events in Bali. Tourism has actually increased this season and most up-market hotels are now fully booked for this high season. The diving industry has also seen a shift in business to Phuket.

The general feeling is to simply go on with life. No one here wishes to give up their hard earned lifestyles. A multitude of nationalities exist side by side in Phuket within the yachting community. The King of Thailand is an avid supporter of local yachting events here. Regulations for visiting yachts have been relaxed allowing vessels to stay for 12 months with 6 months given initially followed by a six month extension on application.

Extra efforts have been made by Thai authorities to increase security for travelers with an increase in police presence. Added security is in place in the nightlife areas particularly Patong with road security checkpoints and restrictions on parking in the main nightclub areas.

Phuket is a large island with many places of interest to visit. One should note that the tourist and nightlife areas occupy only a comparatively small part of the island. For cruisers Phuket is a place not to be missed with its easy going lifestyle and friendly culture.