Sailing and Yachting in Phuket
Phuket - the jewel of the Andaman Sea, and for sailing and yachting nothing could be more true, especially with the recent Government initiative in reducing the import duty for foreign-built yachts to, in most cases, zero. This has allowed a growth in the marine industry and thus more yachts to choose to from for chartering.
Chartering anything from a small bare-boat through to luxury vessels in the hundred feet range is possible, whether direct from an owner, or through a charter agency.
The Andaman Sea offers clear sparkling waters dotted with uninhabited islands, these isolated magical islands offer pristine beaches, and together with a warm climate and excellent sailing weather for most of the year, Phuket is the ideal base. Despite the many attractions, the Andaman Sea has yet to become congested with boat traffic.
The Andaman Sea has very good weather conditions all year and is comparable to any region in the world in this respect.
The long northeast monsoon season from November to May creates the best climate for sailing, with the best winds from November to February. The weather conditions are then even better than those in the Mediterranean. Steady winds and clear skies, together with flat seas and clean, clear warm water allow for the finest sailing experiences.
During the southeast monsoon from May to October, sailing conditions in the Andaman Sea are not as favourable. The western coast of Thailand is then exposed to squalls and heavy seas from the Indian Ocean. However, in the calm and protected waters on the eastern side of Phuket, safe and exciting sailing is possible all year.
Phang Nga Bay
The primary sailing destination has to be Phang Nga Bay, for its proximity to Phuket, variety of anchorages and stunning scenery. It is most famous for its dramatic limestone mountains reaching for the cerulean sky from tranquil sea. The bay offers year round sailing, even during the heavy months of the monsoon a yacht can find calm waters, and good sailing. The scenery may even be improved due lush vegetation on the islands and the odd white cloud scudding by overhead.
When the clear skies of the northeast season arrive in November or December the bay can offer both a fabulously beautiful playground and great day sailing.
One of the more fascinating aspects of cruising Phang Nga are the many little coves, bays and tidal sea caves which open up to hidden lagoons within the centre of many islands, and require a small dinghy canoe to fully explore.
As you move south through Phang Nga Bay, you ll leave the more stunning karst pillars behind in exchange for water clarity changing to near crystal clear and the dazzling white sand beaches of the islands off Krabi.
Krabi
Krabi itself is one of the most spectacularly beautiful places you'll ever see, with steep cliffs, topped with tropical greenery, overlooking alluring beaches.
As you head further south the snorkelling becomes even more interesting. There are beautiful coral reefs and an abundance of small, colourful reef fish.
The Phi Phi Islands are a must see port of call in the common, circular route taking in the three provinces that enclose Phang Nga bay. Anchorages here are plentiful, usually deserted and always beautiful. From here boats sail east, then turn south to the Ko Hong (Krabi) group of islands. If weather permits, these make a delightful overnight stop. Phra Nang, Krabi is the next overnight stop for most.
Companies to talk to about rental are:
Elite Sail & Dive
Faraway Sail & Dive Expeditions
Sunsail Thailand
Thai Marine Leisure
YachtPro Thailand
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