The recent sixth edition of the Phuket Invitational ushered in a few changes for the self-billed
'Superyacht Rendezvous', held every year on December 19-20. Most significant was its new home at the
exclusive Amanpuri resort on Phuket's west coast, a fitting setting for this invitation-only pre-Christmas
gathering.
There was welcome support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, which is keen to promote Phuket and its
surrounding waters as Asia's finest sailing area and a region rich in beauty, adventure and hospitality - a
perfect playground for Superyachts.
Furthermore, Hein Velema of Dutch yard Feadship, the event's principle sponsor, introduced a new element into
the first day's celebrations with the 'Feadship Challenge'. Crew and staff from participating boats had 20
minutes to make a model boat and sail it down a short course.
In staging this event on the first evening, Velema wanted to encourage camaraderie from the very start, as
well as recognize the hard work of the Superyacht crews. It worked well, and a lot of shouting and cheering
set the stage for a couple of fun days. Prizes were given for the winner, S/Y Yanneke Too, the worst design,
S/Y Cordelia, and the most beautiful, S/Y Silvertip, whose effort unfortunately capsized part way down the
waterway!
The spirit of the event was captured by the presence of Maid Marian II, a regular participant in the event
and whose owner hosted a cocktail party on the opening day to celebrate the yacht's 75th birthday in 2006.
Conditions for the sailing on day two were perfect. Blue skies and 20-knot winds were ideal for the triangle
course that saw sailing yachts Sylvia (pictured top), Yanneke Too (pictured top/left), Cordelia, Lady M and
Intrigue gracefully sail the upwind, reach and downwind legs. S/Y Silvertip and the attending
motor yachts Double
Issue, Maid Marian II, Vie Sans Soucis (pictured top/right) and Amanpuri's own Maha Bhetra looked on and created
an elegant backdrop to the sailing.
The Amanpuri's fleet of boats supported the event superbly. With strong winds and swell making landings tricky
at the Amanpuri itself, the AmanCruises base at neighboring Bang Tao beach provided a smooth contingency plan.
An excellent turnout of 10 yachts - equaling the record fleet in 2004 - provided a variety of entertainment
both on and off the water in combination with Amanpuri. The event was again smoothly
organized by SEAL
Superyachts and with the growing support from sponsors and attending yachts as well as great sailing and fun
parties, the organizers are confident that the Phuket Invitational will continue to grow from strength to
strength.
Velema of Feadship, which has supported the Invitational since its second edition, was a firm supporter of
the recent changes, saying: "This year the event was brought to the next level by a combination of the
Amanpuri as the land-based resort and the yachts that were on the horizon."
Laura Wilshaw
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