2009/2010 AsianYachting Grand Prix Championship
May 2010 - Update

The show must go on...
Despite the present unrest in central Bangkok and International travel warnings being posted for Thailand, the rest of the country is not affected and enjoy the warm hospitality that the Thai's are famous for. As in most political protests the disturbance is centered in the main streets and the extensive International media coverage focuses on the violence and ignores the general public's opinions or the peace and harmony experienced in the rest of the country. On a recent trip to Pattaya via the Bangkok airport there was no sign of any unrest, other than complaints that there is a drop in tourist numbers, it is business as usual. Nation wide the airports are open and popular tourist destinations like Phuket and Koh Samui are serviced by direct International flights from neighboring countries which avoid Bangkok if there are any concerns to be had. As a consequence the estranged circumstances will not stop organised activities and International events in the out lying provinces going ahead, so as they say on broadway "The show must go on."

Koh Samui festival of sailing & fun
Whether you're a hardened sailor or just someone that likes partying under the stars every night the Sawadee.com Regatta has something for everyone. The regatta, contested off Koh Samui’s sun-drenched Chaweng Beach, begins on 31st May and concludes on the 5th June. For the 9th consecutive year, this leading lifestyle and sporting event will attract competitive and social sailors from around the world. The five-day regatta is one of Asia’s most glamorous sailing events and this year will reach even greater heights as it takes on a true carnival feel with the addition of some new and exciting events that include junior dinghy racing, Golf, Jazz and Asia’s Biggest Boot Camp! Whilst competitive sailing lies at the heart of the Sawadee.com Regatta, the blend of sport, lifestyle and adventure adds an extra dimension to this already established event. As this is the final AYGP regatta for the 2009-10 Season, the Champion Skipper and Yacht of the Year will don the tailored Armani Koh Samui Blue Blazer and receive the Perpetual AY Cup traditionally filled with chilled champagne at a magnificent prize giving party on the lawns of the Centara Grand Beach Resort at Chewang Beach. More info can be found on the website at: http://www.samuiregatta.com or email ksr@mobyelite.com See you there!

Catch the Louis Vuitton Trophy - Italy Live on AsianYachting.
Next Up on AYTV are live broadcasts of the Louis Vuitton Trophy held in La Maddalena, Italy from 22nd May - 6th June. So if you are into match racing and like to see how the top professional teams maneuver the big America's Cup class boats during the pre-start and haul themselves around windward/leeward courses this event should not be missed. There will be onboard camera’s, helicopter shots and 3D graphics mixed in with expert commentary and interviews with skippers and race officials for a good five to six hours of live racing starting at 11am CET or 1800 EAT every day. If you missed the action packed Audi MedCup TP52 and GP42 racing last weekend in 20 knots plus you can still replay the daily highlights and race by race coverage long after the racing has finished. A new Chat feature has been added for viewers to make comments amongst themselves or pose questions to the commentators and be in direct contact with SailTV during the broadcasts. Enjoy Click Here...

As one season ends, the next one begins
Six Senses Phuket Raceweek (21 to 25 July) is the first regatta in the 2010/2011 Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championship, fabulous value ‘earlybird’ discounts on entry fees for boats and crew registration are now open via http://www.phuketraceweek.com/ For those who don’t have a boat in Phuket, there are numerous competitive yachts – from IRC to cruising, monohull and multihull – available to charter, either with skipper or bareboat. As well as competitors engaging in four days of battle on the heavenly waters off Phuket’s south east coast, the high octane and adrenaline pumping racing at the ‘Summer Season’ regatta will be complimented by Jaguar unveiling the All New XJ series and give VIP guests the opportunity to see, drive and enjoy the latest addition to Jaguar’s timeless selection of sports and saloon cars. Check them out at: http://www.phuketraceweek.com and make sure you don't miss out on this season opening gala occasion.

Full details of the 2009-10 AYGP and current pointscore can be found at: http://asianyachting.com/news/AYGP09-10.htm

Check out the AY Race Reports & monthly News & Views Here

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