Please select your home edition
Edition
495 McKinley Drive Lboard Dec 2024

Top of the Gulf Regatta driving tourism growth in the Gulf of Thailand

by Chanut Nawnarong/ Nungruthai Julakul 15 Mar 2012 06:47 UTC 4-8 May 2012
Big expansion plans underway at Ocean Marine Yacht Club, host of the Top of the Gulf Regatta © Guy Nowell / Top of the Gulf Regatta

The sailing scene in the Gulf of Thailand is experiencing a period of sustained growth as more boats choose to locate themselves in the Gulf to benefit from the stunning sailing grounds, and the international-standard sailing events attract boats from all corners of the globe.

Home to Thailand's preeminent yacht club, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, and to many leading sailing events, the Gulf of Thailand is also home Ocean Marina – the host of Asia's largest annual multi-class competition, the Top of the Gulf Regatta.

Easy access to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi international airport, with a capacity of 45 million visitors per year, contributes to Pattaya and surrounds' attractiveness to boat owners.

To support the region's growing popularity, infrastructure development is apace. No more so is this evident than at Ocean Marina, on Jomtien Beach.

Ocean Property, the parent company of Ocean Marina in Thailand, has confirmed an expansion of 100 new floating marina berths (13m and 20m), and an upgrade to 100 larger existing berths – the single largest expansion since the marina was built 18 years ago.

Scott Finsten, Harbour Master at Ocean Marina, said: “The marina is not only a boost to Thailand’s boating industry, but also a boost to the local economy given the amount of jobs that will be created,” adding, “We have dredged the marina to 3.5m so we can accommodate the deeper draft vessels that visit Thailand. The new marina completes the investment, to ensure we can cater for long-term demand.”

Playing a central role in the growth of marine leisure tourism in the Gulf of Thailand, is the Top of the Gulf Regatta (TOG Regatta), taking place for the eighth time this year.

Held 4th to 8th May, Thailand's TOG Regatta has, since the very beginning, been a strong supporter of marine leisure tourism and grass roots sailing in the Kingdom, funding and supporting Thai youth sailing, and providing competitive experience through the hosting the Thailand Optimist Nationals.

The TOG Regatta is unique amongst regattas in Thailand and Asia, in that it brings together keelboat and multihull racing with beach catamaran, dinghies and optimist competition on a large scale.

“The TOG Regatta really is like no other. We continue to support a large variety of classes, and give opportunity to youth sailors as well as provide top quality competition for sailors from around the world in the keelboat and multihull classes,” said William Gasson, Founder and Chairman of the Regatta Organising Committee.

The TOG Regatta provides a truly multicultural experience. Attracting a large number of Thai sailors each year, TOG Regatta also attracts international participants across all classes, regularly including regional and world champions. Over 500 sailors from more than 30 nationalities competed in the 2011 Regatta.

“We expect over 70 boats on the keelboat and mutihull course this year, with an increase in interest from Singapore, Hong Kong and Manila, particularly the 40 foot keelboat range,” added Gasson.

Eight years old and the TOG Regatta continues to grow and develop. 2012 looks set to be a bumper year with a record fleet of one-design Platus including teams from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Thailand, competing for the Coronation Cup.

A first for this year, the NeilPryde Racing Series (racing the one-design RS:One sail board) will be incorporated as part of the Regatta and run off the host venue, Ocean Marina Yacht Club – the first time the Series has competed in Thailand.

Other classes for 2012 include: IRC 1, IRC 2, IRC 3, IRC 4 Cruising, Sports Boats, Platu (racing in the Coronation Cup), Ocean Multihulls, F18's, Open Beach Multihulls, Single-handed monohull dinghies, double-handed monohull dinghies and Optimist (racing in the Thailand National Optimist Championship).

Over 600 sailors are expected to descend on Jomtien Beach on the Gulf of Thailand, from 4th to 8th May, to enjoy some top quality sailing competition at the 2012 Top of the Gulf Regatta.

www.topofthegulfregatta.com

Related Articles

Oregon Coast coho sustain sportfishing seasons
Rebound of wild populations boosts productivity enough for harvest Low salmon returns have closed salmon fishing in California and limited it elsewhere on the West Coast. But Oregon anglers have enjoyed robust sportfishing on a strong wild salmon species. Posted on 23 Dec
Some fish and crab may shift further north
New regional models are being developed for the Bering Sea to better anticipate climate change The eastern Bering Sea is a highly productive marine ecosystem, supporting more than 40 percent of the annual commercial fisheries landings by volume in the United States. Posted on 21 Dec
How the 2024 hurricane season impacted fishing
Learn how business owners, marine ecosystems, and recreational fishing seasons were affected The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially ended on November 30, showcased above-average activity. It had a profound impact on recreational fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, causing recreational fishers to face challenges and interim closures. Posted on 20 Dec
"Sober Skipper™ Why It Matters" video series
Featuring a diverse group of boating influencers The Sea Tow Foundation™, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting boating safety, is excited to launch its new video series titled "Sober Skipper™: Why It Matters." Posted on 14 Dec
Preferred line choice for pitching and flipping
When it comes to fishing line, the right choice can make all the difference When it comes to fishing line, the right choice can make all the difference in performance and your ability to put fish in the boat. Posted on 13 Dec
DAIWA: New TATULA now available
New versatile TATULA SV100 – with the SV BOOST System DAIWA's new versatile TATULA SV100 – with the SV BOOST System – is now available at dealers nationwide. Posted on 13 Dec
Freedom Boat Club teams up with Savvy Navvy
One of the Club's largest franchise groups in the US loves this navigation app Freedom Boat Club Delaware, part of one of the largest boat club communities in the US, has teamed up with Savvy Navvy to bring easier and safer navigation to more boaters. Here they reflect on how it has helped their boat club members. Posted on 13 Dec
IGFA Walker's Cay Shootout 2025
Inaugural billfish tournament combines competitive sportfishing and conservation in the Bahamas The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) and Walker's Cay are proud to announce the inaugural IGFA Walker's Cay Shootout, taking place April 23-26, 2025, in the breathtaking waters of Walker's Cay, Bahamas. Posted on 12 Dec
47 Molokai Engine Package
Mercury 600hp Verado Outboards Unleash precision and power on the 47 Molokai with an upgraded engine package: twin Mercury Verado V12 600hp outboards. Posted on 12 Dec
Marine Auctions December Online Auction
Bidding to open Friday 13th and will close Thursday, 19th December 2024 at 2pm AEST Bidding to open Friday 13th and will close Thursday, 19th December 2024 at 2pm AEST. Posted on 9 Dec
Savvy Navvy 2024Maritimo 2023 S-Series FOOTER