World-Class Sailors Battle at Samui Regatta

Koh Samui, Thailand, June 01, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Three days of competitive racing and changing wind conditions have set up an exciting battle at the 23rd Samui Regatta, Thailand’s premier sailing event.

The IRC Open Class has delivered close racing across five races, featuring some of the region’s top sailors and yachts.

A standout performer has been Alive, skippered by Duncan Hine, a two-time Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race winner, after sailing more than 2,500 kilometres from Australia to Koh Samui.

The fleet also includes Aftershock, led by Steve McConaghy, recently named Yachtsman of the Year by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, and defending champion Team Hollywood, skippered by Ray Roberts, one of Asia’s most accomplished yacht owners and helmsmen. Roberts has enjoyed success at major regattas throughout the region and is known for building highly competitive teams.

Despite Alive’s speed, Team Hollywood has used consistent performances and strong handicap results to take the overall lead heading into the remaining days of the regatta.

The first three days tested both sailors and race officials. Day One delivered solid racing conditions, while lighter winds on Day Two demanded patience and tactical discipline. Day Three brought shifting breezes and a mix of racing formats, rewarding adaptability. Race Officer Simon James and his team successfully completed five races despite the challenging conditions.

After three days, five races and one discard, Team Hollywood leads the IRC Open Class on 4 points, followed by Alive on 7, Aftershock on 12 and Iolanthe 3 on 14. With two racing days remaining, the title race remains wide open.

Beyond the racing, the regatta continues to showcase Koh Samui as a leading sports tourism destination, attracting sailors, supporters and visitors from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Following Thursday’s lay day, racing resumes on Friday before concluding on Saturday with the Closing Awards Ceremony at Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel.

With only a few points separating the leading teams, the final two days promise a thrilling finish to one of Asia’s premier sailing events.

The Samui Regatta, a prestigious event in the sailing calendar, runs from May 24 to May 30, 2026. Keelboats race in the same IRC Open class. The event is centred at Nora Beach Resort and Spa, providing an ideal backdrop for participants and spectators.

The Samui Regatta Committee organises the event in collaboration with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, the Surat Thani Province, and Regatta Asia.

The 23rd Samui Regatta’s sponsors and supporters include Samui Tourism Promotion Association, Nora Beach Resort & Spa, Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel, Regent Chaweng Beach Resort, HaadThip Public Company Limited, Frank Pong’s Jelik, UK Sailmakers, Samui Verticolor Hotel, Chaweng Garden Beach Resort, Bangkok Airways, Bangkok Samui Hospital, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Media Partners include Thailand Marine Guide and SEA Yachting Magazine.

About the Samui Regatta
The Samui Regatta is the island’s longest-running sporting event. It reinforces Thailand’s status as a premier sailing destination and a key stop on the Asian yachting circuit. The event began in 2001 with a modest fleet of beach catamarans. Since then, it has grown remarkably and gained recognition among international sailors.

Regatta Asia organises the event. The regatta aims to increase tourism to Koh Samui, elevate the profile of sailing in Asia, and promote water sports participation.