Now for something completely different...
By AsianYachting Multimedia
December 16th: Motor and Sailing Superyachts from around the world have arrived in Phuket, Thailand to attend the 10th anniversary of the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous. This exclusive occasion attracts the really “big boats” plus their owners, crews and guests in an extravaganza where the focus centers mostly on fun and socialising, with like-minded sea-loving friends and throw in some on the water activities with a lot of camaraderie and plenty of superb dining and beach parties taking a priority.

Superyachts competing include: the 50M SYPerseus built by Perini Navi in 2001 that graced the Premier Cruising Class at the King's Cup last week; the 36.7 Maverick II, built by Sterling in 1988 that will perform start boat duties; the 40.3M MY Lady Arraya built by Oceanfast in 1990 and based in Thailand; the 36.07M Vie Sans Soucis built by Kings Yachts in Taiwan; the 74M Silver Zwei built in 2009; the 53M Noble House built in 2005 by Sensations Yacht; the 38M Ananta built in 2000; and 27.2M Major Affair built in 2007 by Sunseeker, Britain. Unfortunately three yachts have been held up for various reasons in Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

Organisers Captain Charles Dwyer of Yanneke Too and Gordon Fernandes, General Manager of Asia Pacific Superyachts welcomed the media, then well known Race Director Andy Dowden and PRO Simon James conducted the informal ‘Captains Briefing’ at the Royal Phuket Yacht Club in Nai Harn Bay. The opening cocktail party was hosted aboard the magnificent 40.3M MY Lady Arraya. The first day 'on the water' activities will see the 50M SYPerseus take the honour of sailing across the Nai Harn Bay start line followed by a mass start by the mammoth power Superyachts heading north to Pansea Bay. The first yacht to anchor off the sponsoring host hotel, The Surin, Phuket (formerly named The Chedi, Phuket) will win the race. The second sailing event will be on Saturday Dec. 18th from Surin Bay around a yet to be disclosed course and back to The Surin, Phuket. Captain Dwyer stressed the importance of safety and asked skippers to take it easy and communicate their maneuvers in close quarters by VHF radio.

Now a three-day event (increased from two-days), adding more on water fun and more time for relaxed socializing, is due to the generosity of the Sponsors: Principal Sponsor Feadship, returning for its 10th year of partnering; new Co-Sponsors Merle Wood & Associates, arriving from Fort Lauderdale, USA and Rolling Stock S.A., arriving from Spain and returning Sponsors, Asia Pacific Superyachts and the sensational The Surin, Phuket. Newly aboard in 2010 as the exclusive International Media Partner is Boat International Media, the world’s leading media group serving the superyacht industry.

Fun casual evenings at The Surin include the eccentric and popular “The Challenge” model boat building & races held during an opulent cocktail party. A special occasion is the Dec. 18th VIP ‘East Meets West’ themed elegant “Boat International Media Gala Dinner”. A rollicking “Rolling Stock Crew Party” BBQ & Beach Party will be held at nearby Surin Beach with Gala guests joining in after the dinner. Unaccustomed to all this merriment, we will try to do our best to join in the festivities.

Supporting superyachts worldwide, Asia Superyacht Rendezvous, is the longest-running event of its kind in Asia and boasting the largest gathering of superyachts in the region, is a major annual international event for visiting superyachts.

For further information visit http://www.asia-superyacht-rendezvous.com

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