Royal Varuna Yacht Club, Pattaya
www.varuna.org
Located on an exclusive bay in South Pattaya, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club is one of the world’s leading beach sailing clubs, and has hosted numerous world championship events. The club’s main focus is dinghies and beach catamarans, but it is also a treasured stop for many yachts cruising in the Gulf of Thailand. The club has 24 rooms, full bar and restaurant services, and offers sailing instructions for both beginners and advanced sailors.


Ocean Marina, Jomtien, Pattaya
www.oceanmarinayachtclub.com
Ocean Marina Yacht Club boasts a five-star hotel and is the largest world-class yachting centre in Asia, providing a full range of marina facilities, services and water activities. With an enormous u-shaped wave breaker, the marina covers 50 acres, or 80 rai, and has berthing for 500 yachts. It also provides dry docks for 200 boats of up to 35 feet.



Koh Chang Marina
www.kohchangmarina.com
Currently the only yacht marina in Koh Chang Marine National Park, it offers launching and retrieving services, wet and dry berths, supplies and maintenance services. Gulf Charters operates from here on the island.




Yacht Haven Marina, Phuket
www.yacht-haven-phuket.com
Situated on Phuket’s northeast coast and only fifteen minutes from the international airport, Yacht Haven Marina markets itself as “the perfect port-of-call” to base oneself for sailing expeditions in the area. It can handle craft of up to 80 metres. The marina accommodates over 200 vessels, and features newly renovated docks and boardwalks, and all manner of landside facilities. The marina overlooks Phang Nga Bay, and enjoys steady fresh breezes all year.


Royal Phuket Marina
www.royalphuketmarina.com
Tucked away quietly, but strategically located on the centre of Phuket's eastern flank, Royal Phuket Marina is on the doorstep of Phang Nga Bay and close to the international airport, as well as Phuket’s main town, a number of top golf courses and other attractions. Covering over 30 hectares, or 190 rai, the marina has 350 berths for yachts of up to 35 metres. Apart from its size, Royal Phuket Marina has a boat lock, a non-tidal deepwater basin and private moorings on the doorstep of residences. Alongside are 400 luxury villas, penthouses and condominiums. Further dining, shopping, park and club areas, hotel and convention facilities are being developed.

An exhibition centre is opening in December in time to host “Asia’s favourite boat show,” the annual Phuket International Marine Expo (PIMEX). The initiative is a joint venture between Royal Phuket Marina and Informa (www.informa.com). The largest publicly-owned organizer of conferences and courses in the world, Informa stages over 10,000 events annually.


PIMEX (Phuket International Marine Expo)
www.phuketboatshow.com
Now in its sixth year, Pimex 2008 is a marine and lifestyle exhibition held at the Royal Phuket Marina Exhibition and Conference centre in a 2,500-square-metre airconditioned display space located adjacent to the marina basin with over 40 yachts in the water. The show is one of the largest on-water boat shows in the region, and a major showcase for boating and marine leisure. Even with the economic downturn, event organizer Andy Dowden is forecasting the largest PIMEX event yet (4-7 December).


Big Buddha Marina
www.bigbuddhamarina.com
The Thai government is reviewing the possibility of installing a 100-berth marina on Koh Samui near Big Buddha Beach. This new development is a response to the success of the Koh Samui Regatta, which attracted 33 boats and over 300 crew in 2008

The annual King’s Cup yacht regatta will take place in early December off the south end of Phuket. It attracts the very best yachts and sailors from all corners of Asia, but one salty sailor who has more than half a million sea miles under his belt, says there is a place for the classic yacht. Managing Editor Roger Foley talks to Christopher Edwards about his life time at sea with some of the world’s great sailors, and why he donated the Xiphias Trophy.

Chris has always loved classic yachts. His first yacht was designed by the famous American designer Thomas Gilmer. The yacht Chris is better known for in the Andaman Sea area, however, is “Xiphias”, a Lyle Hess designed better known for in the Andaman Sea area, however, is “Xiphias”, a Lyle Hess designed Bristol Channel Cutter. Chris bought her in Singapore and lived on her and raced and explored our local waters for 12 years.

It was on Xiphias that Chris first went to the Mergui Archipelago in 1992 with an anthropologist to study the Moken sea gypsy maritime tribe and then later to Surin in northern Thailand. At the time, Chris believes he was the first yacht to have visited the sprawling archipelago which lies off the Burma coast with the Burmese Government approval.

“You still need a permit to get into the area, but now it has become a destination for expensive charter boats.”

The trip fuelled Chris’s interest in the maritime tribes of the region, and he got Indian Government permission to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The latter are still closed to general yachting traffic. Chris says the trip was fascinating as the Nicobar’s are home to one of the most ancient tribal people. “Genetically, these people are some of the purist tribal groupings in the world, but they face extinction. Going there was like the gold chest at the end of the rainbow. And on one occasion, we did see a group of the Shompen forest dwellers. It was a wonderful experience.”

Reference : Phuketmagazine | Read more : file.pdf

KATA: In fresh winds gusting up to 20 knots yesterday morning, Ray Roberts' Quantum Racing team snatched victory from Neil Pryde's Hi Fi and Winkelman and Dodd's Island Fling to win the final race of the Racing class in the 22nd annual King's Cup Regatta.

In one of the tightest competitions ever in the King's Cup, the win moved Quantum Racing into first place overall in the class and the right to have her name etched on the coveted King's Cup trophy.

Hi Fi finished second, relegating Neil Pryde and his crew to second place overall.

As an example of the high standard of sailing in this year's Cup, which had seven of the 11 race classes still up for grabs before yesterday's final races, Island Fling, who led the class just the day before, finished fifth by just 16 seconds to place third overall in the Racing class.

In another nail-biting finish, David Ross's Macquarie - Frangipani Girl beat Peter Cremers' Shatoosh to move into first place overall in the Premier class. The day before, Shatoosh had led the class.

John Wardill's Australian Maid, a long-term regular in the King's Cup, finished third in the class.

In a fine display of competitive sailing, Scott Duncanson and his crew on Raimon Land The Heights held off rival Kenichi Takahashi on Motor Net to place second and third respectively in the Sports boat class.

By focusing on keeping Motor Net in their wake instead of going for an outright win, The Heights, which is better known in Phuket as Somtam Express, held on to their first place overall and won the Sports boat class.

Matt Allen on Ichi Ban dominated the IRC 1 class throughout the regatta with six "bullets" (sailing jargon for "first place") and one second-place finish, and needed only a mediocre result to win the class.

Ben Copley's Phuket-based Katsu finished second overall in the hotly contested class.

Sailing proud for Thailand in the IRC 2 class were Royal Thai Navy 1 and Royal Thai Navy 2, which finished first and second overall.

In the Firefly 850 class, comprising only the high-speed, Phuket-built Firefly catamarans, Peter Dyer's SEA Property claimed top honors in the class, with Hans Rahmann's Voodoo Child finishing second overall and Brent Gribble on Twin Sharks placing third.

Despite Thailand's recent political upheaval and the temporary closure of Bangkok's two international airports just days before this year's King's Cup opened on November 29, the regatta attracted a fleet of 94 boats and well over 1,000 people.

Unlike some previous years, this year's regatta was graced with near perfect sailing conditions throughout, providing some of the most memorable racing maneuvers and results. Many of the racers told the Gazette that they look forward to returning to contest the cup again next year.

For more results from today's final races – and for the finalized overall results – visit www.kingscup.com.

4-7 December at the Royal Phuket Marina

PIMEX 2008 is a marine and lifestyle exhibition held at the Royal Phuket Marina Exhibition and Conference centre with 2,500 sq metres of air conditioned display space adjacent to the marina basin with over 40 yachts in the water.

In it's sixth year the show is the largest on water Boat Show in the region and is the regions most effective showcase for boating and marine leisure.

Informa Yacht Group, organisers of the Monaco Yacht Show have recently acquired PIMEX and the world wide marketing of the show has risen to another level.

Fully supported by The Tourism Authority of Thailand, The Sports Authority of Thailand and the Thailand Conference and Exhibition Bureau.

90 exhibiting companies and close to 50 yachts are booked in 2008

PIMEX 2008 update 24th November

Record number of yachts in water: 43

Companies exhibiting: 85

Luxury motor yachts afloat in 2008 include Sunseeker; Gulf Craft, Chris Craft, Formula, Princess, Riviera, Pershing, Maritimo, Crowneline, Cranchi, Sunnav, Horizon, Posillipo, Rodman, Tiara, Mustang, Bondway, Sea Ray, Seatboat, and Silkline International. Three of the yachts are over 60 feet long. For sailing enthusiasts Jeanneau, Bavaria Yachts, Elan and Hanse will be represented as well as a number of catamarans. A new development in 2008 is the emergence of new brands from mainland China some of which are exhibiting this year. And of course the electronics, all the outboard engines and other accessories and equipment that go with the marine lifestyle will be on show.

Several property and residential marina projects are also exhibiting.

A full list of exhibitors booked to date can be found in the exhibitors section.

With less than a week to go organizers are working overtime to fit in latecomers.

Only two spaces are left in the hall and the water display is fully booked and it looks like PIMEX 2008 is heading for 100% sold. .

The marina site is in a beautiful setting with five restaurants on the boardwalk overlooking the marina.
Kayak displays, music on the boardwalk and fun activities make this the perfect day out for the family. Sail training for kids and adults, Yacht charter, and Regattas.

Whether interested in boating or simply curious about how Phuket has become one of the most sought after luxury destinations in the world, visiting Royal Phuket Marina and PIMEX is a must during the 4th to 7th December.

Exhibitors… Still an opportunity to join.
Visitors… Register on line on this site.

For more information:
Andy Dowden, Tel: +66 (0) 81 892 7670 or info@phuketboatshow.com

Piyawan Songsawas,Tel +66 (0) 76 360808 or Piyawan@phuketboatshow.com
( Thai & English )

29th November - 6th December, 2008.

The Phuket King's Cup Regatta is Asia's biggest and most popular regatta. More than a regatta, the week long event consists of great parties, great sailing and lots of fun.

Inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand, the event has been held every year since during the first week of December.

With the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, the Regatta is organised by the Phuket King's Cup Regatta Organizing Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket.

NOR 2008 - Now Available here

On-line entries here

Schedule of events.

Registration for the 2008 Regatta and the functions listed below will take place at the Kata Beach Resort, Phuket.

Racing for all classes will be held in the waters around Phuket. The following schedule is provisional and subject to weather conditions.

Saturday 29 November 2008

10.00 - 17.00 Registration

PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO RECENT CHANGES IN REGULATIONS FOR YACHTS ARRIVING IN PHUKET. CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION FACILITIES WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AT REGISTRATION.

ALL YACHTS ARRIVING IN PHUKET MUST CLEAR CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION AT THE ONE-STOP SHOP SITUATED AT AO CHALONG PIER.

Sunday 30 November 2008

10.00 - 16.00 Registration

13.00 Practice race

16.30 Skippers briefing

18.30 Opening Ceremony

Monday 1 December - Saturday 6 December 2008

5 racing days and 1 reserve day

Saturday 6 December 2008

18.00 Royal Awards Ceremony and Closing Party

Entry Fees

The entry fee of 17,600 Baht (8a,800 Baht for Sports Boats and Ocean Rovers) must accompany the Entry Form. Entries must be received by 1 November 2008. For late entries after 1 November 2008, the entry fee is 25,000 Baht (12,500 Baht for Sports Boats and Ocean Rovers).

The entry fee includes participation of skipper. An additional Crew fee of 4,000 baht is payable at or before registration for each additional crew member and supporter participating in official functions and parties of the Regatta.

On-line entries here

Queen of Andaman is a new luxury superyacht which offers clients a unique yachting experience in the South East Asian region. At 41meters long, she has been beautifully designed with spacious decks, offering up to 10 guests’ uncompromising luxury. Queen of Andaman is available for charter from June 2008

Stylish Design
She is a custom hand-made classic motor sail yacht that was built to Italian RINA standards in Europe, in 2007. What separates her from other charter vessels in the region is the level of luxury invested in her design. She gives the grace, class and elegance of a traditional classic yacht, yet has the performance and amenities of a modern one. Strong, classic lines, combined with her tall rigging give her a sense of real character.

Charter guests can choose to either, sit back and enjoy the experience or take a more active role alongside the experienced and professional crew. An English captain, who has vast local knowledge of South East Asia, leads a crew of seven to ensure guests safety, comfort and enjoyment during the charter.



Lavish Decks
At around the time the sun sets, the perfect place to be is on the spacious flybridge bar where guests can enjoy cocktails and fine dining.

As the last of the light fades into night, the tasteful lighting of the flybridge brings out the full character of this exquisite deck where guests can enjoy good company and fine wines. The perfect combination! During the day, shade is provided by a generous awning and there is ample space for sunbathing, or just lazing around on this impressive 90 square meter deck.

The aft lounge, on the main deck has a beautiful wooden elongated oval dinning table, with comfortable lounge style seating where guests can enjoy the peace and calm of the waves and tae in the surroundings.

Charter Rate
Charter rate: 40,000 euros per week (MYBA terms). Charter rate is 44,000 euros per week. (during peak season, from 12th Dec to 12th Jan)

Reference : www.superyachttimes.com

With a little over a month to go the Koh Samui Regatta organisation team is moving into top gear to ensure another great event.

Regularly attracting over 35 to 40 yachts this Regatta has a truly international feel as the upwards of 300 participants head in to this beautiful tropical island from all points of the globe.

The recent announcement that Matt Allen’s ‘Ichi Ban’ is being shipped from Dubai, fresh from her recent victory at the premier racing event in the Gulf the Maktoum Cup, ensures that there will again be a hot premier racing class at this years Samui Regatta. And although Ray Roberts on ‘Quantum Racing’ has already wrapped up the Asian Yachting Grand Prix championship there is still a matter of bragging rights to hoist aloft the beautiful KSR Waterford Crystal Perpetual Bowl on the winners podium come 7th June.

The ‘Quantum Racing’ DK 46 will face some stiff competition. Perennial line honours winner ‘Jelik’ the Reichel Pugh 76, under the guidance of Frank Pong will be looking to repeat her 2006 success but defending champion Bill Bremner is back from Singapore on his new ‘Foxy Lady IV’ a TP52 recently shipped in from the US. Going head to head with Bill and also sailing a TP52 will be Hong Kong’s Sam Chan on ‘Ffree Fire’. Unfortunately it looks like the other TP52, ‘Strewth’ from Hong will not make it in time following their ‘mishap’ on the recent Rolex China Seas Race. Neil Pryde and his professional crew is fast getting to grips with the Wellbourne redesigned ‘Hi-Fi’ which was a previous KSR winner as ‘Hollywood Boulevard’. But you can never rule out Kinmoth and Burns on ‘Mandrake’ a previous Admirals Cup winner and Chris Meads new Corby 43 ‘Full Metal Jacket’.

But the Samui Regatta is not just about the Grand Prix yachts and we should not forget the many other boats that travel the thousands of miles to compete in the other classes and come together to make this such a friendly and laid back event. From the super cruiser-racers such as ‘Moonblue II’ and ‘Intrigue’ through to IRC 2 with the likes of ‘Abraxas’, ‘Lunch Cutter’ and ‘Happy Endings’ from Singapore, as well as ‘La Samudra’ and ‘Remington’ from Phuket, as well as ‘Thai Raver’ and ‘Magic Roundabout’ from Pattaya. The multihulls will be well represented by the 50 ft. ‘Sonic’ and ‘Cedar Swan’ as well as the new Corsair trimarans from Pattaya, the Firefly One Design cat class is back in force with ‘Moto Inzi’, ‘Pagatoon’ and ‘Dhevetara Frog’. And this year the Sports Boats Class is shaping up to be the biggest to date with the local Elliott 7’s ‘Moon Shadow’ and ‘Ice Bucket’ being joined by ‘Somtam Express’ from Phuket and ‘Porn Star’ and ‘Big Blue’ from Pattaya, not to mention a sprinkling of Platu 25’s. The Sunsail ‘One-Design’ charter fleet also provides a great option to ‘fly in and sail’ as Aussie legend George Snow and his mates from the CYCA in Sydney proved when they chartered the fleet for some keen one design racing a couple of years back.

And be sure to make it to Samui for the 7th running of the ‘Tropical Island Regatta’ from the 1st to 7th June 2008.

An exciting opportunity for those people considering chartering a yacht for this regatta.

Currently we have Sunsail, Gulf Charter and The Frog are all available.


Reference : samuiregatta.com

ROYAL Phuket Marina's phase 2 development was officially launched at a round breaking ceremony, late last month, attended by island's governor, Narin Kalayanmit, and the marina's owner and developer, Gulu Lalvani. Located on the sheltered east coast of the island, the marina's phase two features an Aquamininum condo with private internal yacht berths incorporated into the design and a collection of 8 Royal Villas, which will open on to views of the marina.

The entire US$ 150 million Royal Phuket Marina project is due for completion in 2010. Phase 2 involves an extension to the marina itself with a new 'inner-marina' exclusively for the use of private marina residents, operated by a lock system allowing easy access.

The outer marina is already open for commercial use, comprising 85 wet berths and 40 dry berths.

Phase one has 66 condominiums and penthouses. Gulu Lalvani made his fortune in the telecoms business providing digital cordless phones from a base in the UK. He became a resident of Phuket 10 years ago and has spent his time developing the island first international standard marina.

The marina is double the size of any other yachting haven in Phuket, with 350 berths for yachts up to 30 metres long. It claims to be the only facility with a non tidal boat lock, deep water basin and private moorings on the doorstep of residences.

More information at Royalphuketmarina.com

PHUKET: Yacht Crews Ltd of Thailand (YCL) will host 10 international superyacht brokers from around the world on a fact-finding visit to Phuket, the Gazette learned today from Khun Thidarat Pimson, Managing Director of YCL.

K. Thidarat has organized a four-day tour of the Phuket-Phi Phi-Krabi area aboard the motor yacht Taipan, a 172-foot superyacht managed by Emerald Yachts of Florida, USA. Emerald Yachts has donated use of the vessel to help in the government’s effort to promote Phuket as the yachting capital of Asia.

YCL, based at Yacht Haven marina, provides trained yacht crews to superyachts in Asia, Europe and the Caribbean.

“Phuket could become a major destination for superyachts, giving the local economy a great boost both in jobs and spending on supplies,” K. Thidarat said.

“If the new elected government can develop a more modern and effective visa program for foreign flagged crew, and if they can liberalize chartering regulations to be more in line with international standards, particularly those of Thailand’s major competitors like Malaysia and Singapore, then the Andaman region could begin to unlock the huge potential that is on offer in the superyacht charter industry,” she added.

The brokers will arrive here to start their tour on Sunday.

source Reference : phuketgazette.net

CHALONG: Plans for the second phase of construction of the Chalong Marina Project may be revised by the Marine Department’s Technical and Planning division after a bitter dispute with local residents and workers.

The first phase of construction of the controversial marina, which involves building 44 of the originally-planned 210 yacht slips, will be completed by September 30 at a cost of 70 million baht, said Kitipong Waksukri from the Marine Department.

Three different construction plans for Phase 2 were proposed at a public hearing at Muang Phuket School on June 5.

The 130 people who attended reacted coldly to the five-hour explanations of the plans, delivered by consulting engineers, with great choruses of approval erupting whenever someone attacked the proposals.

Concerns raised about the marina were that it will damage the environment, will not be able to accommodate large yachts and will not benefit small operators.

Phase 1 involves dredging a boat basin and the installation of navigation markers, freshwater tanks, plumbing, electricity, a fueling and water station, and a maintenance building.

With a budget of 300 million baht, Phase 2 was to include the construction of a building on the pier to house administration, immigration and customs services, an additional 166 yacht slips and two breakwaters that were to be made with large boulders.

At a meeting of Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (OrBorJor) members, representatives from the Marine Department and members of the public, K. Kitipong said that Phase 2 might be altered after the Marine Department, Golden Plan Co Ltd, Spectrum Co Ltd and STS Engineering Consultant Co Ltd presented the new designs to a management team from OrBorJor.

Possible revisions include the use of a floating breakwater after concerns were raised in the June 5 meeting about the effect a solid breakwater would have on soil erosion and silt build-up in Chalong Bay, said K. Kitipong.

The number of yacht slips has been proposed to be reduced to 100 and the wharfing could be moved south of the old quayside bridge at Chalong Bay to avoid disruption to boat traffic.

source reference : Phuketgazette Click to see more.

Gulu Lalvani founder and chairman of Binatone, the world’s fourth or fifth largest manufacturer of digital cordless phones.

Lalvani, born in Karachi and raised in Bombay, came to Britain as a student. He founded Binatone in 1958 with his brother Partap to import radios from Hong Kong. In 1989, Partap and he divided the business geographically and both brothers now own their own Binatone groups operating in different parts of the world. Today Binatone International Limited is one of the largest privately owned consumer electronics companies in UK. It enjoys nearly 15% market share in the domestic telephone sector in UK.

According to a new Asian rich list brought out by “The Daily Telegraph” in 2007, Gulu Lalvani and family (450 million pounds) have been listed as the fourth richest British Asian.

source reference : andamantimes.com

Mr Lalvani told local press that, with the marina complete, he is looking into a second project in Thailand: a man-made island off the shores of Phuket. “I have a choice of retiring anywhere in the world,” he said, “but I like Phuket. Many people thought that I was crazy to go steaming full speed ahead with Royal Phuket Marina after the tsunami hit Phuket in 2004. But I knew that Phuket would be okay afterward. My dream is to make Phuket the world’s No 1 destination.”

He said that a visit by Bill Gates in April gave him the inspiration for this massive project. “As many of you know, Bill Gates and his wife were here in April on a 54-metre yacht. He told me that he loved it so much that he wanted to come back again.” said Mr Lalvani. He noted that Phuket lacks a marina that can handle superyachts ranging from 40 to 70 metres, a significant failing in light of the increasing number of super-rich tourists such as Bill Gates coming to this area.

A father of three, Mr Lalvani plans to name the island Zoran, after his youngest son. The project is still in the very early stages. An Australian consulting firm has been hired to survey the proposed project site, about three kilometres off the Royal Phuket Marina, on the east coast of Phuket. The estimated cost of the project, which would have a hotel, luxury villas and berths for superyachts, was not revealed.

Dredge and build

Mr Lalvani told Phuket.Com that he is concerned about the environment and he wanted to make sure that Zoran island project is built accordingly.

“We will [soon] have to dredge the current waterway [into Royal Phuket Marina
and the neighbouring Boat Lagoon marina]. We will be left with a large amount of
dredged material, which needs to be put somewhere. We can make use of it by
turning it into an island. We can use it to build Zoran Island.”

Mr Lalvani noted that the Thai government is all in favour of tourism. He said that he understands, however, the need to check the proposed project carefully and noted that with the current government being strictly temporary, there may be a lengthy delay before a decision is reached. But once Thailand has a new elected government (elections are due in November), he is confident, he said, that things will move forward. He also stressed that he will be the sole investor in the island project. No funds will be borrowed, and Bill Gates will not be involved.

Gulu Lalvani is the founder and chairman of Binatone, the world’s second-largest manufacturer of digital cordless phones, after Germany’s Siemens. Mr Lalvani and his family are estimated to have a combined personal worth of GBP 450 million.

source reference : property focus, phuket.com

19th - 22nd July 2007, Phuket, Thailand.Phuket Raceweek is an actioned-packed International Regatta held off Phuket’s East Coast.

Now in its fourth year, Phuket Raceweek is Asia’s fastest growing Regatta attracting over 40 boats and more than 300 participants.

The event is a fun-filled four days of international-standard yacht racing and 5-star parties.

“There was plenty of wind, close racing and good parties; …one of the best regatta locations in Asia. … it does not get any better than this. Image Asia Events must be congratulated for putting on a very slick and professionally run event that other regatta organisers could look at when streamlining their own events.”
Capt Marty Rijkuris, Asian Yachting.com

Brought to you by the Image Asia, Phuket Raceweek is held under the auspices of the Ao Chalong Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, and the Office of the Governor of Phuket.

Photo courtesy of Guy Nowell : Evason Phuket Raceweek 2006

Integrate your marketing with Phuket Raceweek 2007 ...

For Detail : EVASON Phuket Raceweek

Reuters
Published: Friday, May 18, 2007

HONG KONG -- A visit to Thailand by Bill Gates has inspired the construction of a man-made island off the resort of Phuket, so the world's richest man and other billionaires can moor their huge yachts.

Hoping to build an Asian playground for the rich and famous to rival the French Riviera and the Caribbean, cordless telephone tycoon Gulu Lalvani plans to build a doughnut-shaped island of 30 to 40 luxury villas and a hotel around a marina.

"Bill Gates was there last month with his wife on a 54 metre (177 foot) yacht and he loved it so much," Lalvani, founder of phone maker Binatone told Reuters in an interview.

Press conference to clarify "Zoran Island" plan

Developers are planning a man-made island to berth super-yachts off the east coast of Phuket, but early news reports may have overstated the case. The developers now say there are many challenges to overcome before any construction can begin.

PHUKET: Following reports that a man-made island was ready to be built off the east coast of Phuket to accommodate a marina for mega-yachts, the marketing manager at Royal Phuket Marina [RPM] clarified that the project is still in the early planning stages and faces many obstacles before it can become a reality.

RPM Marketing Director Wilaiporn Titimanaaree told the Gazette that developer Gulu Lalvani will hold a press conference at RPM on May 25 to announce his plan, which envisions a 6.6-billion-baht marina, luxury hotel and villa complex on reclaimed land about three kilometers off Phuket’s east coast.

For detail : © Reuters 2007 and Phuket Gazette

Phuket is undoubtedly one of the best sailing destinations in the world equal in beauty to the Mediterranean or Carribean. Yachts are warmly welcomed here, while zero import tax on boats ensures that Phuket is fast becoming a yachting hub in the region. Anyone may keep a private pleasure boat here, and many who are resident in other parts of Asia – and even further a-field – have recognised the advantages of having their own escape route moored a few minutes from an international airport, within easy distance of spectacular cruising waters. Imagine flying in and out as often time allows, to enjoy the marine wonderland of Thai waters.

For those who want to bring their own yacht for an extended visit into Thai waters without importing it, a stay of up to one year is possible. Those wishing to leave their boat in Thailand, while returning home for a period of time, can do so.

And if you are looking to buy a new boat, the local option is brimming with new ideas and new designs – both local and international – together with an innate commitment to the highest quality.

For detailed information on yacht ownership or on leaving your yacht in Thailand, you should contact an established agent or yacht broker.

In addition the maintenance and running costs of boats are a more affordable option. For instance fuel in Thailand is 75% cheaper than in Europe and 60% cheaper than in Hong Kong. Maintaining a crew is 80% cheaper than Europe and 50% cheaper than in Hong Kong.

source Refernce : Tourism Authority of Thailand.