Sail Away with Phuket King’s Cup Regatta

Due to COVID-19, Phuket’s prestigious King’s Cup Regatta is scheduled to early next year. Now in its 34th year, the legendary regatta promises plenty of intense racing action in and around the calm, turquoise waters of Phuket. For sailing enthusiasts, this is one of the most important races in Asia as hundreds compete for the coveted Phuket King’s Cup Regatta trophy.

Introduction to Phuket King’s Cup Regatta

Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is one of Asia’s biggest and most popular sailing events. As a part of the Asian Yachting Circuit, the annual regatta attracts a vast variety of competitors including competitive sailors, royals, expat yachtsmen and the Royal Thai Navy.

First held in 1987 in honour of His Late Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King’s Cup Regatta includes several competition classes and a variety of competitors and spectators from around the world. The 34th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta will split focus between keelboats, multihulls and the next generation of sailors in the International Dinghy Classes.

Truly one of Phuket’s most beloved events, the King’s Cup Regatta is also a massive social event. The exclusive nightly parties held during the regatta are legendary. The parties provide the perfect backdrop for participants of the regatta to mingle after a hard day of racing.

What to see at Phuket King’s Cup Regatta

Kata Beach is the place to be to catch a glimpse of all of the action of Phuket King’s Cup Regatta.  The southern end of the beach is where the action takes place before and after each race.

Witness dinghies ferrying sailors and competitors back and forth, as well as sails and sailing paraphernalia being brought back to shore.

Each of the boats taking place in the regatta are impressive and silhouette the horizon. Sunrise and sunset make for fantastic photographs with the boats in the background. Each night, to accompany the regatta’s lavish parties, fireworks are lit off over Kata Beach.

One of the events not to miss during the King’s Cup Regatta is the candle-lighting ceremony. The ceremony takes place in front of The Boathouse resort on Kata Beach and commemorates the birthday of His Late Majesty. All participants of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta hold up candles while a choir sings the Thai national anthem. The ceremony is beautiful and extremely touching.

Further information on Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, including history of the race, regatta information, race results and photo gallery, can be found on their website.

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