International sailors flock to Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek

PHUKET: The island of Phuket is preparing for an influx of visitors in July, as more than 500 sailors and spectators from around the world flock to be part of the prestigious Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek 2015.

Now in its 12th year, with this year’s event taking place from July 15-19, Phuket Raceweek’s reputation continues to grow as an increasing number of participants from all over the world fly in to enjoy the event and the beauty of Phuket’s ‘green season’.

“We are very pleased to see more international participants taking part in Phuket Raceweek each year. There is a large local fleet of boats for charter in Phuket and nearby, and as word continues to spread about Phuket’s stunning sailing grounds and Phuket Raceweek, we expect to see continued growth in the number of overseas sailors taking part,” says Byron Jones, Managing Director of organizer Media Business Services Co Ltd.

Equally important to overseas participants is the regatta shore venue. With the five-star Cape Panwa Hotel as title sponsor and host venue, together with sister property Kantary Bay Hotel, Phuket Raceweek provides an idyllic beachfront venue and safe anchorage with exceptional onshore service.

“Cape Panwa Hotel is an excellent host of Phuket Raceweek. With direct beachfront access sailors can anchor meters off in safety and enjoy the Regatta Village and social activities in the hotel’s gardens. The service is five-star, and the parties are second-to-none, and this has helped Raceweek to win its awards and set a new regatta standard,” added Mr Jones.

Further underscoring the commitment to Phuket Raceweek this year will be Tirapongse Pangsrivongse, owner of Cape & Kantary Hotels, who’ll be competing aboard his newly acquired 12.8-meter boat, Kantus’ Bride.

“All of us at Cape Panwa Hotel are excited about Raceweek. It is truly a privilege to host such a prestigious event and have an opportunity to meet such talented and driven sailors from around the globe. We can only hope that all of our guests enjoy our numerous restaurants, our secluded beach that is calm year round, and the lively parties that will be held during this year’s regatta. I have a personal stake in this year’s regatta, as I will participate on board my own yacht. I look forward to a spirited race, and may the best crew win,” said Mr Tirapongse.

Often perceived as a niche sport, regattas in Thailand attract between 300 and 2,000 sailors and spectators to a destination for a week or longer, delivering revenue directly into the local economy through expenditures on accommodation, food and beverages, and entertainment.

Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek is the opening event of the 2015/16 AsianYachting Grand Prix – a regional sailing championship that includes twelve of the best regattas in Asia. Organized by Media Business Services, the regatta consists of four days of world-class racing.

For more information, visit www.phuketraceweek.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/PhuketRaceweekRegatta; Twitter: www.twitter.com/phuketraceweek; or
YouTube: www.youtube.com/phuketraceweek