Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is one of the premier yachting events in Asia. Considered to be the largest and most extravagant regatta in Thailand, it was founded in 1987 with the intention of commemorating the birthday of the King of Thailand. Since then, the spectacular regatta is held annually and has attracted a large number of locals and tourists alike. Showcasing the dynamic culture of Thailand’s thriving yachting community, the regatta also organises a number of social events and parties.

The regatta usually takes place on the first week of December. The event is organised by the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organising Committee in collaboration with the Royal Thai Navy, the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand and the Province of Phuket, under the patronage of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club.

Having begun as a stepping stone to encourage local talents, the regatta was initially a locally-contested regatta. Reaching from milestone to another, it is now a world-class event that brings some of the world’s finest sailors, vying for the coveted trophy. Furthermore, the regatta was declared as the “Yachting Event of the Year” at the 2006 Christofle Asia Boating Awards, adding further luster to Phuket’s international sporting event. Garnering significant momentum on the international yachting scene, the regatta has received immense media support that has grown steadily over the years.

Previous editions have included sailors from all over the world, including Malaysia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Australia and Singapore. A marvelous sight to the travellers will be a number of racing-class yachts, sailing across the azure waters of Andaman Sea. Yachting enthusiasts and aficionados will undoubtedly find the incredibly exciting race a memorable experience, exuding the finest sailing moments.