Phuket King’s Cup Regatta 2016

The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta 2016, now the biggest and most popular boating event of its kind in Asia, will this year pay tribute to His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The one-week event will feature several days of exhilarating races and on-shore events.

Phuket, 4 December, 2016– The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Under Royal Patronage, one of the most prestigious international sporting events in Asia, formally opens its 30th Anniversary at Kata Beach Resort and Spa, Phuket, Thailand, from 3-10 December, 2016, under theme of ‘Heritage of Passion’.

All participants, local and international sailors and organizers join in 89 seconds of silenceto mourn the passing of HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the opening event. There will also be the “Sail Pass” ceremony off Kata Bay, in honor of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun.

Kevin Whitcraft, President of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organizing Committee, said “The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta has been the pinnacle of international regattas in Asia. For this special year, the regatta is organized in memory of His Majestythe late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and in honor of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun.”

The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta has helped to position Thailand as one of the world’s premier and most popular centers of the International yachting destination. The regatta is again expected to drive global awareness of Thailand as a yachting destination and help its yachting industry continue to grow, contributing in no uncertain manner both directly and indirectly to the local economy. We are delighted to see more than 200 international boats and yachts, as well as over 1,000 sailors, including Thai national team members and participants from over 30 countries. Local residents and business operators gladly welcome the event because of the economic boost which is expected to generate more than 300 Million Baht over the week. This has a positive effect on Phuket and the brand of Phuket among travelers, as it has evolved to become ‘The World Class Yachting Festival.”

The event was first held in 1987 under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, and in collaboration with the Royal Thai Navy and Phuket Province. Back then, the Regatta featured a mixture of smaller vessels such as keelboats and catamarans. These days, big oceangoing boats and multi-hull vessels come from all over the world to the event and thousands of sailors attend to enjoy the sea, swap tales and take part in the regatta’s legendary nightlife and parties.

Phuket King’s Cup Regatta 2016 Schedule:

Sat Dec 3: Registration