The Royal Regatta in Phuket and Sailing
Phuket is one of the main sailing centers in Asia. Every year, hundreds of yachtsmen, boat owners, and spectators come to the island to take part in the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, the most famous and prestigious sailing race in Thailand.
In 2025, the competition will be held from November 29 to December 6 along the southern coast of Phuket, finishing near Kata Beach. More than 140 yachts of various classes will take part in the races: racing, cruising, and catamarans. The regatta will gather sailors from all over the world!
How the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta began
Its history started in 1987, and it emerged not just as a sporting event but as a celebration in honor of King Rama IX, a passionate lover of the sea and sailing.
1987 was a special year — the 60th anniversary of the birth of King Rama IX. Thailand was preparing for a major celebration, and a group of yachtsmen living in Phuket decided to do something grand — an unofficial gift to the monarch.
It was then that the Phuket Yacht Club (today the Royal Varuna Yacht Club) proposed holding a sailing regatta in honor of the king. The idea received approval, and in December 1987 the first Phuket King’s Cup Regatta took place near Nai Harn Beach.
Back then, it brought together 15 yachts and dozens of participants — mainly expats living in Thailand and sailors from Southeast Asian countries. Even then, the competition followed a motto not only of speed and skill but also of friendship among nations.
The event quickly became popular — year after year, the number of participants grew, and with it the scale of the event. This is how the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta became a symbol of Thailand on the international yachting stage.
Not just a race
The Royal Regatta is a combination of professional sport and festival: serious races are followed by evening ceremonies, awards, parties, and various activities. For spectators, it is both a competition and a show, as well as an excellent opportunity to get to know the international yachting community.
The program is usually as follows:
- Sailing races. The competitions take place in several categories — from high-speed IRC-class yachts to multihull catamarans and cruising boats. Each day, participants head to the starting line and follow routes around the picturesque islands near Phuket. Dozens of white sails against the azure water create an impressive sight.
- Evening events. After a busy day on the water, participants can expect an equally lively life on shore. Themed parties, receptions, and gatherings organized by the regatta’s partners take place daily. This is a time when athletes, fans, and guests mingle in an informal atmosphere, accompanied by live music and glasses of sparkling wine. The daily award ceremonies are held in a festive yet relaxed and friendly format.
- The Royal awards ceremony. The culmination of the week is the final closing ceremony and the presentation of the Royal Cup — the main trophy of the regatta. It is one of the most significant events in Thailand’s sailing calendar: a solemn occasion held with the participation of members of the royal family and officials, in an atmosphere of true grandeur and national pride.
How to join: a practical guide
- If you want to participate as a yacht owner or as part of a team, you need to register: the organizers accept applications online; filling out the form and making the payment is the standard procedure. Registration is available on the official website
- If you want to become part of a crew, you will need to look for openings on forums, Facebook groups, Telegram chats, and other crew-matching resources. Many charter companies and yacht clubs also publish listings. In addition, you can simply buy yourself a crew position. Even beginners with no experience can take part in the regatta — the yacht is always operated by a professional skipper. Moreover, crews usually include experienced sailors who will help you get oriented and feel comfortable.
- If you are a spectator or a tourist, everything is much simpler: just come to the marina where the main events take place and enjoy!
Kata Beach is an excellent spot to watch the start and finish of the races. Impressive views can also be seen from the viewpoints between Kata and Nai Harn beaches, such as Karon View Point, as well as from the terraces of coastal restaurants on the hills.
Useful tips
- Booking accommodation in advance
The first week of December in Phuket, especially around Kata, is very busy with regatta guests. Hotel prices rise noticeably, so it is better to plan your stay ahead of time. We have a selection of the best hotels, and you can sort them by area for convenience.
- Get out on the water
Some local tour operators offer boat trips that allow you to watch the regatta directly from the sea. This is an excellent way to be closer to the action and take vivid photos.
- Evening events
Although the official receptions for participants may be closed, the festive atmosphere is felt all along Kata Beach. In the evening, you can meet sailors from all over the world and feel like part of a major event.
- Safety on the water
During the regatta, boat traffic off Kata’s coast becomes intense. If you plan to rent a boat or a kayak, be cautious and try not to interfere with the race participants.
Where to learn sailing in Phuket
If being a spectator isn’t enough and you want to be at the center of the action, you can take captain training. Phuket has schools and yacht clubs for this. Here are some of them:
Seahorse Sailing Phuket
(Bang Tao)
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Website
Seahorse Sailing Phuket is located in the Bang Tao resort area, which allows you to learn yachting right by the beach. Training sessions are held either in the calm lagoon or in open water — the choice depends on the weather and the level of preparation.
The company emerged in response to the growing interest in sailing instruction within the sphere of sports tourism and hospitality. The school aims to make training accessible, safe, and truly motivating.
There are courses for beginners — especially for children and teenagers, but also for adults. Many young sailors go on to compete in national and international competitions after their training.
Phuket Yacht Club – Sailing School
(Chalong)
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A center where both children and adults are taught sailing. It was created in collaboration with Seahorse Sailing Phuket to promote sailing culture on the island.
The club’s mission is to develop team spirit, respect for nature, confidence, and healthy competition. Thanks to a well-designed program and quality training, many students quickly reach a confident level and go on to compete in national and international regattas.
Intensive courses combining theory and practice are popular here — ideal for those who want to quickly gain the skills needed for an independent sailing trip.
The club’s instructors are certified according to international ISSA standards, have completed water safety training, hold first aid certificates, and have been vetted by the Royal Thai Police.
Andaman Discovery Diving & Yachting Center
(Chalong)
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Website
An accredited center and an official member of the international ISSA association, where students are trained in both sailing and motor yachting and prepared to become confident captains. ISSA certificates grant the right to rent recreational yachts up to 24 meters in any country.
The most in-demand program is an intensive course from zero to the Inshore Skipper ISSA level: 12 days of training, including 30 hours of theory and 200 nautical miles of practice.
Classes are held on two types of vessels — a 37-foot cruiser–racer yacht and a 39-foot cruising catamaran, which allows students to master handling the most popular charter models.
There is no online training here: the team believes that navigation and equipment handling can only be learned in real conditions.
After completing the course, students are assisted in taking their first independent charter trip in Thailand: choosing a yacht, arranging the contract, receiving the vessel, and planning the route. So no one is left without support.
Where to get a yacht for the regatta or for training
Many international charter companies offer regatta-ready boats and crewed options — convenient for those who want to participate but don’t have their own yacht. Contacting agents and booking a couple of months before the regatta is standard practice.
And if you want to explore the Andaman Sea by yacht — as a captain (if you already have a license) or as a passenger — visit our Yacht Rental section.
We’ve selected the three best yacht rental companies. Fill out the form, and we’ll forward your request — they’ll contact you to provide details on the terms and pricing.
Phuket King’s Cup is a true adventure and an important part of Phuket’s history. Even as a spectator, you can fully experience all the delights of yacht racing. And if you happen to be in Phuket during the regatta dates — don’t miss this opportunity!
If you enjoy water adventures, take a look at other water activities popular in Phuket — Diving and Fishing.
