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Ever wished you could spend a wonderful summer's day out on the
water, aboard a yacht? Sailing towards a tropical island, the wind
in your hair; the sun on your back and the gentle sound of waves
lapping against the hull as it slices through the water?
Sailing for many, either means being wealthy enough to own a boat,
by chartering one or being fortunate enough to live near water and
know someone with a boat. For most, the idea of sailing will always
be a dream and many may never have the opportunity to learn.
If you are on holiday here or live in the Phuket area, this fantasy
can easily become a reality. Also, you don't have to be rolling
in cash to afford it. You can master basic sailing skills easily
in a few days here, with little more than a wish to realise your
fantasy and a day or two to spare.
A sport for all ages, from toddler age through to grand-dad's peers,
it's very affordable for the entire family.
The Phuket Yacht Club
The Phuket Yacht Club, one of the friendliest sailing clubs to
be found anywhere, offer sailing to all, at ridiculously low rates.
Sailing dinghies, in the form of Optimists, Concepts and one Laser
comprise much of their fleet. Private boat owners with larger, sea-going
yachts also offer classes and welcome anyone who, like 'Ratty',
of 'Wind in the Willows' fame, enjoys 'mucking about in boats'.
For more information on the boats available and the costs involved,
contact the commodore, Robert Warnes on +66 (0)81 539 9560.
Ao Chalong Yacht Club
Another friendly yacht club worth contacting, even if you have
never sailed before, is the Ao Chalong Yacht Club. The boats connected
to this club regularly compete in 'round the buoy' races and are
a sight to behold as they sail, spinnakers flying, off Phuket's
coastline.
The club holds twice monthly regattas and the yachts competing,
are continually looking for extra crew. Experience is not always
vital and captains and crew are always willing to show newcomers
'the ropes'. Not only that, if you have the experience; the 'high
season' for racing, starts in November and there are plenty of boats
seeking crew for the international regattas held in the waters around
Phuket and neighbouring areas. Give the club a call on +66 (0)76
381488 if you want to know more and how to get there.
Tip: If wanting to sail as a family, pop down to the Phuket
Yacht Club on the first Sunday in any given month when the club
hold's a Family Sailing Day. Visitors are welcome and on these days
as well as going sailing, you'll be able to enjoy the great BBQ
that comes with salads, as well as drinks and beer.
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