The Phuket Invitational is a sponsored 'rendezvous' for the many superyachts which arrive to celebrate the festive season. A series of events are held over a two-day period, starting with a deep­sea fishing tournament, skipper's briefing and cocktail party. The second day holds the 'main event', the Phuket Invitational yacht rally. A course of two to three miles is set offshore, affording spectators the chance to see beautiful superyachts up close.

There are few events quite as glamorous as the Phuket Invitational Superyacht Rendezvous. Now in its 7th year, the annual rendezvous provides a unique opportunity for owners and crew to get together, socialise and compete in a friendly regatta in one of Asia's most beautiful cruising destinations. Lavish cocktail parties, a gala dinner and Thailand's extraordinary allure are making the event a firm favorite on the annual yachting circuit.

The event recently gathered more cachet with a change of venue to the exclusive "place of peace", the Amanpuri Resort on Phuket's Andaman coast. A favorite with celebrities, the resort is hidden among tropical palms on a secluded headland on the sparkling Andaman Sea.

Chairman Hein Velema MD of Feadship, the principal sponsor, was clearly delighted with the new venue, adding that it "would take the Invitational to the next level."

Bombardier Business Aircraft has seen the potential that the Phuket Invitational holds for sponsors and has decided to join the event as co-sponsors this year.