In fact, there were two exciting sailing events in 2009!
Francois Van Well and co-organiser Gordon Fernandes presided over “The Challenge”, famed unique model boat team building
and racing competition.
Owners, captains and crew return to the annual Asia Superyacht Rendezvous with new participants, to enjoy the social and
casual side of the event. “It’s not often that you get motor boat owners mixing with sail boat owners and the event is
filled with camaraderie and fun, starting with the The Challenge”, reports co-organiser Gordon Fernandes.
“This is a great time”, commented one of the mega yacht captains, Rob Hossack of the 46 meter superyacht, Maverick. “Not
only do we enjoy the camaraderie of a superior party, The Challenge brings our crews together in an original competition
that seems to have a new twist each year, while pitting the wits of the crew in working together as boat builders.” Each
participating superyacht or sponsor crew is given parts to create a model yacht capable of winning the wild and fun gutter
boat race. When completed, match racing takes place with two teams competing in each race, the winner goes on to the next
round. Teams can only use their breath to move their constructed boats down and back a course set along a gutter.
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The model boat races are well organized amidst a relaxed yet stunning
tropical cocktail party. The social event & model boat race hosts a fantastic array of food and chilled beverages at
the luxurious Chedi Phuket artfully positioned around the pool and oceanfront decks. 2009 model boat design, construction
& race teams from superyachts and sponsors, included: S/Y Yanneke Too; M/Y Archimedes; S/Y Naos; S/Y Sililona; S/Y
Obsessions II; S/Y Thalia; The Chedi Hotel; M/Y Vie Sans Soueis; Jumeirah Private Island; M/Y Maverick; M/Y Braveheart;
and S/Y Bristolian.
“The Challenge is a lot of fun and our competition is hot!” report organisers. Amidst tumultuous cheering and whoops
of joy, the winner of the ‘Best Designed Model Boat’ was declared to be M/Y Silolona. Presiding Judge Francois Van Well
remarked, “The winner of the model boat design differed in that the design included an actual ‘super structure’, not just a
hollow hull.” The winner of the highly competitive “gutter race” was awarded to newcomers, M/Y Vie Sans Soueis. It was a
hotly contested race that had the audience wildly cheering on their favorites. |
The following day featured the relaxed and fun ‘sailing event’, reported Charlie Dwyer,
Captain of the Yanneke Too: “This is the most successful sailing event the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous has had to date. The
boats were evenly matched and the crew work as good as I have seen in any event. The sight of the Superyachts sailing within
a few boat lengths of each other was truly spectacular. It was Superyacht racing at its best!”
“Whilst everyone is a winner, it was the 48 meter Thalia that stood out
amongst the fleet. With 15 to 18 knots of breeze and impeccable crew work, Thalia was able to come from behind and pass the
fleet. Naos and Yanneke Too had a real fight on their hands and in the end it was Naos that tacked early with the shift and
took Yanneke Too just a few boat lengths before the finish”, he added. Sailing superyacht Thalia came in first place, followed
by Naos, Yanneke Too, Obsession II and Asia. There was an impressive participation, building from the previous year’s successful
event, including: S/Y Yanneke Too, S/Y Naos, S/Y Thalia, S/Y Red Dragon, S/Y Bristolian, S/Y Siloona, M/Y Maverick, M/Y Vie Sans
Soucis, S/Y Obsessions II, M/Y Samax, M/Y Archimedes, M/Y Braveheart and M/Y Anna. |
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The annual social gathering of superyacht owners, captains and crews is an
opportunity for both power and sail superyachts to come together for relaxed and fun shared times and to experience first-hand
why Thailand is so wonderful. “Elegance with an informal atmosphere is what makes this event so successful”, commented the
organisers.
A cocktail party was held aboard superyacht Silolona following the sailing event. “Yet again, the owner was a most gracious
host”, said organiser, Captain Charlie: “It was like walking back in time in time. The sailing yacht is incredible, with
attention paid to every detail of the building and decor. The atmosphere is like no other and each of the rooms on the wooden
schooner presents a special ambience.” A highlight was the appearance of the Indonesian crew in native island regalia, with a
performance using traditional instruments accompanied by spirited and harmonious vocals, including a few of the old ‘sea
chanteys’. |
Mr. Fernandes stated, “We want to position Phuket as a destination, the ‘Mediterranean of
the East’ and a ‘Superyacht Hub of Asia’. We are working diligently with all involved to ensure the best possible annual
event, hospitality and service for superyachts throughout the year. More and more yachts are coming here on a regular basis
and this annual celebration is the only major event of its kind in Asia. It also represents Phuket’s ‘coming of age’ as a
major yachting destination with the international community.”
At the end of the event, co-organisers Gordon and Captain Charlie commented, “Many of our fleet departed the annual Asia
Superyacht Rendezvous to discover and enjoy the more than 100 islands in the Phuket area during holiday season. All looked
forward to the warmth of Thailand’s hospitality and the gorgeous tropical waters and sunsets of the Andaman Sea. 2010,
featuring two race events in an extended 3-day event, December 16-18, 2010, is shaping up to be an outstanding event – not
to be missed!” |
