top of page

SAILING INFORMATION

Sailing in Thailand all year aroundThailand is located very close to the equator and outside the cyclone zone of the Pacific and Indian Ocean. That’s why it is possible to sail all the year around. There are 2 main seasons, the rainy season and the dry season, also called the southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon. Seasonal winds are predictable, but if the winds change the weather can change very fast. 

The northeast monsoon (dry season) begins in November and ends in April. The wind speed during this time is between 5 and 20 knots (1 kn = 1.852 km/h) from northeast. The winds are stable and the temperatures are normally around 30°C. Consistently dry and sunny weather are the best sailing conditions. The Similan Islands can only be visited during the northeast monsoon. In January and February winds are usually weak. People who want to sail in this period must use the boats engine because the winds don’t provide sufficient drive. 

The southwest monsoon (rainy season) begins in May and takes place until October. Wind speeds are 10 until 30 knots from southwest. During this time there is much wind and better sailing conditions as in the dry season. There are some rain periods, sometimes persistently, but normally for 1 until 2 hours in the afternoon or in the early evening hours. The existing wind direction is important for the anchorage. During the rainy season it is not possible to anchor at the west coast of Phuket. It is recommended to anchor at the east side of islands or in protected bays. Sailing in the Phang Nga Bay right down to Koh Phi Phi is possible at strong sea conditions. The Similan Islands are closed for visitors during the southwest monsoon. In September and October long rain periods are possible and can sometimes take place up to 5 days without a break.    


Navigation:

Navigating in Thai waters needs much attention, especially when the sea charts don’t provide sufficient information. GPS and chart plotters should be used as a support only. Electronic sea charts are not as precisely as paper sea charts. Especially in shallow waters and danger spots you should trust the paper sea charts.

Night sailing is forbidden in Thai and Malaysian waters. The anchorage should be reached by 4 pm in the afternoon. Daylight is between 6 am and 6 pm. We recommend to plan your trip in advance. 

You should think about the reduced visibility when it's getting dark. Along the west coast of Thailand you can find hundreds of fisher nets (sometimes marked with a flag at the end of the net, sometimes not). The nets are located in water depths from 20 until 100 feet (6-30 meters) and the distance from the boat to the net can be deep enough to sail over, but sometimes not. A small fisher boat is often the first sign for existing nets in the water because the nets are attached to the boat.   

Usually the nets are further down on the seabed to avoid the contact with boats cruising by. If you see a big trawler be careful and don’t sail too close to the stern of the ship because a net is fixed there. Sometimes nets are towed by 2 trawlers. Be careful in this situation and never sail between them. Always keep sufficient distance to danger spots.   


Buoyage:

Channels are marked like in Europe. Red on port side and green on the starboard side when arriving in ports. Modern Marina in Phuket


High and low tide: 

There is a height difference from 1,5 until 2,5 meters between high and low tide (twice a day). Be careful of the currents when sailing in narrow areas located between 2 islands. The tide timetables for our base in Phuket you can find online at: http://www.aopograndmarina.com/pages/tidetables.html#


Refilling of water and fuel:

Water, fuel and diesel can be refilled at Phuket marinas, in Chalong (south of Phuket) and at Phi Phi Island.


Provisioning:

There are 2 possibilities how to get your provisioning. First, we can do it for you. Second, you can do it by yourself. Phuket and Krabi are good locations to go shopping. There you can find big supermarkets like Big C and Lotus. Chalong (south of Phuket) is also a good place for purchasing food.

At the Phang Nga Bay you can buy fresh seafood. Local fishermen offer food directly from their longtail boats. During your sailing trip you can anchor at many big islands and eat there in a restaurant. On some islands, like Phi Phi you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables.      


Communication:

VHF is used by the marina officers or in case of emergency. Communications with the shore and yacht charter base is only possible with cell phones. For weather forecasts please contact us by cell phone or use the Internet.     


Customs clearance: 

If you plan to sail from Thailand to Malaysia or vice versa, you can do the customs clearance already in Phuket (Chalong bay) and in Langkawi (Kuah town). During the winter sailing season there is also an immigration office on Koh Lipe.

​

The west coast of Phuket offers some of the clearest water and most beautiful beaches in the region. Consequently, here you find the biggest concentration of hotels and beachside activity in the Andaman Sea. In the southwest monsoon, the anchorages are totally exposed, with a short swell (as much as 2 metres), a beach break, and the occasional strong, onshore squall. There are no recommended anchorages on this coast during the southwest season (June-October). In the northeast monsoon season, these anchorages offer perfect shelter in depths of 4 - 12 metres on a sandy bottom. 

Read more at: http://www.phuket.com/sailing/around-phuket.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001#

Being an island, Phuket's a popular yacht destination and its sheltered east coast is an ideal mooring location with its three major marinas. So far so good but a quick glance at a chart will reveal that the marinas can only be approached from the south as the island's link to the mainland - the Sarasin Bridge - is fixed and too low for most boats to get under.

However the marinas' great facilities and easy access to beautiful and fascinating Phang Nga Bay more than makes up for this.

To the east and northwest of Phuket are some of the most stunning sailing grounds to be found anywhere. There are hundreds of anchorages, hidden coves and beaches among the many uninhabited islands, under soaring limestone cliffs and in waters teeming with tropical marine life. Some spots, such as Phi Phi, are now well marked on the tourist map, while others may still offer quiet new surprises for cruising yachtsmen. Good sailing conditions year-round in many areas.

Read more at: http://www.phuket.com/sailing/phuket-region.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001

South of Phuket through the Malacca Straits lies one of the busiest and most modern ports-of-call in the world, the island state of Singapore, with many fascinating points to see along the way in Malaysian waters. For a completely different experience, sail northwest to Myanmar's Mergui Archipelago or further still to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands of India - both of these remote areas remain largely undiscovered sailing paradises. Aspiring adventurers take note.

Read more at: http://www.phuket.com/sailing/beyond-phuket.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001

On Phuket Island visit Chalong Bay, an informal yachting community comprising of restaurants, shops, pubs, a yacht club and more. Spend a few days anchored off Phuket’s beaches, including Nai Harn and Kata on the island’s southwest shore.

Sailing north from Phuket, you enter Phang Nga Bay. Anchor between Koh Hong and Koh Yai and take a longtail boat to Koh Phing Kan, the world famous "James Bond Island", visiting  on your way Pan Yi, the local Gypsy village, built on stilts.

The unspoilt area around Krabi has some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the region. There are plenty of locations for a comfortable overnight stop around the Koh Dam Group, which offers scenic year round sailing. There are a number of restaurants around Ao Nang and in Krabi town itself, reached by longtail boat from Pra Nang.

Best time to travel to Phuket is during the cool NE monsoon season from November to March when the weather is sunny and dry with calm seas, though the NE winds are ideal for sailing and keeps things comfortable. The temperatures range from 24-32°C.

The hottest time is from April to May with temperatures 27-36°C and a lack of wind makes it feel very humid. From June through to August, the SW winds pick up, though sailing is still sheltered in most of the cruising area. Brief but heavy showers but the area is less crowded. During September and October there are heavy rains.

The area is tidal with a range of approximately 2m. Experience level 2.#
Find peace and tranquillity amongst the dramatic scenery and beautiful beaches of Phuket.


Lying just 8° north of the Equator, Phuket is a wonderful sailing area in the Andaman Sea. Phang Nga Bay lies between the island of Phuket and the mainland of Thailand and is a protected, very dramatic sailing area, with a fantastic gallery of giant limestone sculptures rising out of emerald waters.

With 42 islands in Phang Nga Bay, there are many miles of beaches, creeks and anchorages. The beaches are palm fringed, with pristine white sand, crystal waters and superb coral reefs. The snorkelling is exceptional, with stunning coral reefs to explore. You may find yourself being escorted by some of the local dolphins, if you are lucky.

Add to that the renowned friendliness of the Thai people, their magnificent cuisine and culture and Phuket has deservedly become South-east Asia’s premier sailing destination and home to the Phuket Race Week, King's Cup Regatta and several marinas.

DAY 1 : ?Embark at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina in the North East of Phuket at noon. Sail into the majestic and magical Phang Nga Bay, (10nm)with limestone cliffs and islands offering spectacular views.
DAY 2 : Visit James Bond Island, the location for the film “The Man with the Golden Gun”, and anchor at Koh Yang (8nm). Or visit Sea Gypsy Village at Koh Panyi (12nm), set on stilts over the water.
DAY 3 : Swim at the fascinating Koh Hong Island, named for its large internal lagoon, and visit Panak Island. Continue sailing to Krabi, another great sightseeing destination, ideal for swimming and relaxing on beautiful beaches. Anchor for the night at Ao Nang Beach (15nm) and go ashore for shopping.
DAY 4 :Sail to Phi Phi Islands (22nm), renowned as paradise islands. Discover the magical landscape of Maya Bay where you can enjoy snorkelling on colourful coral reefs in emerald sea. The movie “The Beach” was filmed here.
DAY 5 : Racha Islands (25nm) south of Phuket island are best known as excellent diving and snorkelling destinations. Racha Yai has a strip of fine white sand tucked deep into the long bay, called Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. Racha Noi is uninhabited but there is some great diving in the area.
DAY 6 :???Sail to Ko Kai Nok (15nm) a hidden gem with superb shallow snorkelling. Good anchorages on  Koh Yao Yai opposite this island. 
DAY 7 :Return to Phuket Yacht Haven Marina (15nm). Disembark around noon.

​

SAILING INFORMATION

Sailing in Thailand all year aroundThailand is located very close to the equator and outside the cyclone zone of the Pacific and Indian Ocean. That’s why it is possible to sail all the year around. There are 2 main seasons, the rainy season and the dry season, also called the southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon. Seasonal winds are predictable, but if the winds change the weather can change very fast. 

The northeast monsoon (dry season) begins in November and ends in April. The wind speed during this time is between 5 and 20 knots (1 kn = 1.852 km/h) from northeast. The winds are stable and the temperatures are normally around 30°C. Consistently dry and sunny weather are the best sailing conditions. The Similan Islands can only be visited during the northeast monsoon. In January and February winds are usually weak. People who want to sail in this period must use the boats engine because the winds don’t provide sufficient drive. 

The southwest monsoon (rainy season) begins in May and takes place until October. Wind speeds are 10 until 30 knots from southwest. During this time there is much wind and better sailing conditions as in the dry season. There are some rain periods, sometimes persistently, but normally for 1 until 2 hours in the afternoon or in the early evening hours. The existing wind direction is important for the anchorage. During the rainy season it is not possible to anchor at the west coast of Phuket. It is recommended to anchor at the east side of islands or in protected bays. Sailing in the Phang Nga Bay right down to Koh Phi Phi is possible at strong sea conditions. The Similan Islands are closed for visitors during the southwest monsoon. In September and October long rain periods are possible and can sometimes take place up to 5 days without a break.    


Navigation:

Navigating in Thai waters needs much attention, especially when the sea charts don’t provide sufficient information. GPS and chart plotters should be used as a support only. Electronic sea charts are not as precisely as paper sea charts. Especially in shallow waters and danger spots you should trust the paper sea charts.

Night sailing is forbidden in Thai and Malaysian waters. The anchorage should be reached by 4 pm in the afternoon. Daylight is between 6 am and 6 pm. We recommend to plan your trip in advance. 

You should think about the reduced visibility when it's getting dark. Along the west coast of Thailand you can find hundreds of fisher nets (sometimes marked with a flag at the end of the net, sometimes not). The nets are located in water depths from 20 until 100 feet (6-30 meters) and the distance from the boat to the net can be deep enough to sail over, but sometimes not. A small fisher boat is often the first sign for existing nets in the water because the nets are attached to the boat.   

Usually the nets are further down on the seabed to avoid the contact with boats cruising by. If you see a big trawler be careful and don’t sail too close to the stern of the ship because a net is fixed there. Sometimes nets are towed by 2 trawlers. Be careful in this situation and never sail between them. Always keep sufficient distance to danger spots.   


Buoyage:

Channels are marked like in Europe. Red on port side and green on the starboard side when arriving in ports. Modern Marina in Phuket


High and low tide: 

There is a height difference from 1,5 until 2,5 meters between high and low tide (twice a day). Be careful of the currents when sailing in narrow areas located between 2 islands. The tide timetables for our base in Phuket you can find online at: http://www.aopograndmarina.com/pages/tidetables.html#


Refilling of water and fuel:

Water, fuel and diesel can be refilled at Phuket marinas, in Chalong (south of Phuket) and at Phi Phi Island.


Provisioning:

There are 2 possibilities how to get your provisioning. First, we can do it for you. Second, you can do it by yourself. Phuket and Krabi are good locations to go shopping. There you can find big supermarkets like Big C and Lotus. Chalong (south of Phuket) is also a good place for purchasing food.

At the Phang Nga Bay you can buy fresh seafood. Local fishermen offer food directly from their longtail boats. During your sailing trip you can anchor at many big islands and eat there in a restaurant. On some islands, like Phi Phi you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables.      


Communication:

VHF is used by the marina officers or in case of emergency. Communications with the shore and yacht charter base is only possible with cell phones. For weather forecasts please contact us by cell phone or use the Internet.     


Customs clearance: 

If you plan to sail from Thailand to Malaysia or vice versa, you can do the customs clearance already in Phuket (Chalong bay) and in Langkawi (Kuah town). During the winter sailing season there is also an immigration office on Koh Lipe.

​

The west coast of Phuket offers some of the clearest water and most beautiful beaches in the region. Consequently, here you find the biggest concentration of hotels and beachside activity in the Andaman Sea. In the southwest monsoon, the anchorages are totally exposed, with a short swell (as much as 2 metres), a beach break, and the occasional strong, onshore squall. There are no recommended anchorages on this coast during the southwest season (June-October). In the northeast monsoon season, these anchorages offer perfect shelter in depths of 4 - 12 metres on a sandy bottom. 

Read more at: http://www.phuket.com/sailing/around-phuket.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001#

Being an island, Phuket's a popular yacht destination and its sheltered east coast is an ideal mooring location with its three major marinas. So far so good but a quick glance at a chart will reveal that the marinas can only be approached from the south as the island's link to the mainland - the Sarasin Bridge - is fixed and too low for most boats to get under.

However the marinas' great facilities and easy access to beautiful and fascinating Phang Nga Bay more than makes up for this.

To the east and northwest of Phuket are some of the most stunning sailing grounds to be found anywhere. There are hundreds of anchorages, hidden coves and beaches among the many uninhabited islands, under soaring limestone cliffs and in waters teeming with tropical marine life. Some spots, such as Phi Phi, are now well marked on the tourist map, while others may still offer quiet new surprises for cruising yachtsmen. Good sailing conditions year-round in many areas.

Read more at: http://www.phuket.com/sailing/phuket-region.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001

South of Phuket through the Malacca Straits lies one of the busiest and most modern ports-of-call in the world, the island state of Singapore, with many fascinating points to see along the way in Malaysian waters. For a completely different experience, sail northwest to Myanmar's Mergui Archipelago or further still to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands of India - both of these remote areas remain largely undiscovered sailing paradises. Aspiring adventurers take note.

Read more at: http://www.phuket.com/sailing/beyond-phuket.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001

On Phuket Island visit Chalong Bay, an informal yachting community comprising of restaurants, shops, pubs, a yacht club and more. Spend a few days anchored off Phuket’s beaches, including Nai Harn and Kata on the island’s southwest shore.

Sailing north from Phuket, you enter Phang Nga Bay. Anchor between Koh Hong and Koh Yai and take a longtail boat to Koh Phing Kan, the world famous "James Bond Island", visiting  on your way Pan Yi, the local Gypsy village, built on stilts.

The unspoilt area around Krabi has some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the region. There are plenty of locations for a comfortable overnight stop around the Koh Dam Group, which offers scenic year round sailing. There are a number of restaurants around Ao Nang and in Krabi town itself, reached by longtail boat from Pra Nang.

Best time to travel to Phuket is during the cool NE monsoon season from November to March when the weather is sunny and dry with calm seas, though the NE winds are ideal for sailing and keeps things comfortable. The temperatures range from 24-32°C.

The hottest time is from April to May with temperatures 27-36°C and a lack of wind makes it feel very humid. From June through to August, the SW winds pick up, though sailing is still sheltered in most of the cruising area. Brief but heavy showers but the area is less crowded. During September and October there are heavy rains.

The area is tidal with a range of approximately 2m. Experience level 2.#
Find peace and tranquillity amongst the dramatic scenery and beautiful beaches of Phuket.


Lying just 8° north of the Equator, Phuket is a wonderful sailing area in the Andaman Sea. Phang Nga Bay lies between the island of Phuket and the mainland of Thailand and is a protected, very dramatic sailing area, with a fantastic gallery of giant limestone sculptures rising out of emerald waters.

With 42 islands in Phang Nga Bay, there are many miles of beaches, creeks and anchorages. The beaches are palm fringed, with pristine white sand, crystal waters and superb coral reefs. The snorkelling is exceptional, with stunning coral reefs to explore. You may find yourself being escorted by some of the local dolphins, if you are lucky.

Add to that the renowned friendliness of the Thai people, their magnificent cuisine and culture and Phuket has deservedly become South-east Asia’s premier sailing destination and home to the Phuket Race Week, King's Cup Regatta and several marinas.

DAY 1 : ?Embark at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina in the North East of Phuket at noon. Sail into the majestic and magical Phang Nga Bay, (10nm)with limestone cliffs and islands offering spectacular views.
DAY 2 : Visit James Bond Island, the location for the film “The Man with the Golden Gun”, and anchor at Koh Yang (8nm). Or visit Sea Gypsy Village at Koh Panyi (12nm), set on stilts over the water.
DAY 3 : Swim at the fascinating Koh Hong Island, named for its large internal lagoon, and visit Panak Island. Continue sailing to Krabi, another great sightseeing destination, ideal for swimming and relaxing on beautiful beaches. Anchor for the night at Ao Nang Beach (15nm) and go ashore for shopping.
DAY 4 :Sail to Phi Phi Islands (22nm), renowned as paradise islands. Discover the magical landscape of Maya Bay where you can enjoy snorkelling on colourful coral reefs in emerald sea. The movie “The Beach” was filmed here.
DAY 5 : Racha Islands (25nm) south of Phuket island are best known as excellent diving and snorkelling destinations. Racha Yai has a strip of fine white sand tucked deep into the long bay, called Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. Racha Noi is uninhabited but there is some great diving in the area.
DAY 6 :???Sail to Ko Kai Nok (15nm) a hidden gem with superb shallow snorkelling. Good anchorages on  Koh Yao Yai opposite this island. 
DAY 7 :Return to Phuket Yacht Haven Marina (15nm). Disembark around noon.

​

Sailing in Thailand

Niezbędne informacje na temat Wysp Andamańskich: wszystko, co musisz wiedzieć
Pomyśl o „żeglarskiej mekce”, a Tajlandia raczej nie przychodzi na myśl. Zamiast tego może myślisz o tym jako o miejscu, w którym ludzie z Zachodu uciekają od realiów dorosłego życia lub o miejscu, w którym powstał film Leonarda DiCaprio z lat dziewięćdziesiątych. Znasz ten jeden. Wyspa.
Prawda jest taka, że ​​Tajlandia jest jednym z najbardziej obiecujących miejsc do żeglowania dla żeglarzy, którzy chcą zanurzyć się w bogatym krajobrazie kulturowym.
Zapalony śródziemnomorski zeglarz powinien poważnie rozważyć czarter wokół Andamanów. Chociaż istnieją oczywiście różnice w stosunku do Morza Śródziemnego, Tajlandia zapewnia bogate przezycia dla odważnych, a liczba podobieństw może Cię po prostu zaskoczyć. Oto, co musisz wiedzieć, planując czarter w Tajlandii.

Nawigacja
Wyznaczamy Tajlandię jako obszar żeglarski poziomu 2. To stawia go na równi z Korfu, każdą z naszych baz we Włoszech i Dubrowniku, więc jeśli żeglowałeś w którymkolwiek z tych obszarów, powinieneś być bardziej niż kompetentny w Tajlandii. Jako punkt odniesienia określamy Palmę i Zatokę Sarońską jako bardziej zaawansowane miejsca docelowe poziomu 3.
Z ponad 100 wyspami w naszym rejonie do zwiedzania, Tajlandia oferuje mieszankę długiego i krótkiego jachtingu.

Klimat
To powszechnie wiadomo, że wilgoć na czarterowanej łodzi na Phuket sprawi, że koszulka będzie przylegać do skóry przez cały czas. Może to być częściowo prawdą podczas bardziej deszczowej części roku (od maja do października), ale jak mówi stare powiedzenie: „jeśli nie możesz znieść upałów, czarteruj od grudnia do kwietnia”.
Temperatura powietrza będzie się utrzymywać przez cały rok między dwudziestką a trzydziestką, co oznacza, że ​​jeśli nie przeszkadza ci odrobina wilgoci (w końcu jesteś żeglarzem!), jest to opcja dla Ciebie. Kwiecień i maj są najgorętsze, podczas gdy miesiace jak czerwiec, lipiec i sierpień sa czasem dobrej pogody. Końcówka pory deszczowej jest szczególnie mokra, ale w maju w najsuchszych miesiącach, takich jak grudzień, styczeń i luty, opady są podobne do opadów w Tropei.
Więcej o pogodzie w Tajlandii http://bbc.co.uk/weather/1151254

Wiatr
Pora sucha, zdominowana przez dwa monsuny, jest zasilana przez przeważające wiatry z północnego wschodu, które generalnie wieja  od 5 do 16 węzłów znakomicie dla zeglugi. Południowo-zachodnie wiatry są synonimem wilgotnej pory deszczowej i oferują nieco więcej emocji i zwykle można się spodziewać, że osiągną około 27 węzłów w najbardziej wietrzne dni. Nie różni się to od słynnych meltemi w Zatoce Sarońskiej i Cyklad.

Cumowanie
Na obszarze żeglarskim znajdują się boje cumownicze, ale są one źle utrzymane, więc najlepszym rozwiązaniem jest znalezienie dobrego miejsca do rzucenia kotwicy na noc. W wielu miejscach będzie to darmowe, chociaż nawet na terenach parków narodowych będzie to około 10 funtów za osobę za noc, więc jest to porównywalne do śródziemnomorskiego w sezonie. Dodatkowa przestrzeń, jaką daje to w porównaniu do rufy typu Med do cumowania, sprawia, że ​​katamarany na Phuket są godne rozważenia.

Pływy
Wysokości pływów w naszym tajlandzkim obszarze żeglarskim mają średni zasięg około 2 metrów; znacznie bardziej niż na Morzu Śródziemnym i warte uwagi. W naszej odprawie na temat bazy znajdziesz pełne tabele przypływów, aby upewnić się, że wiesz, kiedy i gdzie bezpiecznie rzucic kotwice. Większe sztuczne przystanie i miejsca do cumowania przy luksusowych kurortach będą w dużej mierze niewrażliwe na pływy.

Dostępność
Trzeba przyznać, że dotarcie do Tajlandii nie jest tak proste, jak podróż do Chorwacji, ale dzięki różnym trasom lotów, elastycznym dniom rozpoczęcia czarteru i celom odpowiednim do żeglowania przez cały rok, możesz zaplanować z wyprzedzeniem i uzyskać odpowiednie loty w najlepszej cenie. Następnie dopasujemy odpowiednią łódź na wybrane dni, a nawet zarezerwujemy dla Ciebie loty.

Po przyjeździe do Tajlandii na pewno zostaniesz ciepło przywitany. Nie na darmo nazywają to „krainą uśmiechów”. Przekonasz się również, że angielski jest powszechnie używany.

Najważniejsze wskazówki dotyczące czarteru łodzi w Phuket

Hotele na wybrzeżu są tak luksusowe, a przyroda różnorodna. Udaliśmy się na wycieczkę do sanktuarium słoni i spotkaliśmy te niesamowite, towarzyskie i inteligentne zwierzęta w ich naturalnym środowisku. Mycie ich było prawdziwą atrakcją. Jedzenie było niesamowite, zwłaszcza Pad Thai, jak można się domyślić! Kotwiczenie jachtu i pływanie kajakiem przez jaskinie na Ko Muk było dla mnie kolejną atrakcją ”.
Polecamy również
Wspinaczka skałkowa na Tonsai
Trekking po lesie deszczowym na Koh Lanta
Zwiedzanie podwodnego parku rzeźb z nurkowaniem na wyspie Ko Racha Yai
Uczestnictwo w co najmniej jednej ze słynnych imprez na plaży podczas pełni księżyca.

SAILING INFORMATION

Sailing in Thailand all year aroundThailand is located very close to the equator and outside the cyclone zone of the Pacific and Indian Ocean. That’s why it is possible to sail all the year around. There are 2 main seasons, the rainy season and the dry season, also called the southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon. Seasonal winds are predictable, but if the winds change the weather can change very fast. 

The northeast monsoon (dry season) begins in November and ends in April. The wind speed during this time is between 5 and 20 knots (1 kn = 1.852 km/h) from northeast. The winds are stable and the temperatures are normally around 30°C. Consistently dry and sunny weather are the best sailing conditions. The Similan Islands can only be visited during the northeast monsoon. In January and February winds are usually weak. People who want to sail in this period must use the boats engine because the winds don’t provide sufficient drive. 

The southwest monsoon (rainy season) begins in May and takes place until October. Wind speeds are 10 until 30 knots from southwest. During this time there is much wind and better sailing conditions as in the dry season. There are some rain periods, sometimes persistently, but normally for 1 until 2 hours in the afternoon or in the early evening hours. The existing wind direction is important for the anchorage. During the rainy season it is not possible to anchor at the west coast of Phuket. It is recommended to anchor at the east side of islands or in protected bays. Sailing in the Phang Nga Bay right down to Koh Phi Phi is possible at strong sea conditions. The Similan Islands are closed for visitors during the southwest monsoon. In September and October long rain periods are possible and can sometimes take place up to 5 days without a break.    


Navigation:

Navigating in Thai waters needs much attention, especially when the sea charts don’t provide sufficient information. GPS and chart plotters should be used as a support only. Electronic sea charts are not as precisely as paper sea charts. Especially in shallow waters and danger spots you should trust the paper sea charts.

Night sailing is forbidden in Thai and Malaysian waters. The anchorage should be reached by 4 pm in the afternoon. Daylight is between 6 am and 6 pm. We recommend to plan your trip in advance. 

You should think about the reduced visibility when it's getting dark. Along the west coast of Thailand you can find hundreds of fisher nets (sometimes marked with a flag at the end of the net, sometimes not). The nets are located in water depths from 20 until 100 feet (6-30 meters) and the distance from the boat to the net can be deep enough to sail over, but sometimes not. A small fisher boat is often the first sign for existing nets in the water because the nets are attached to the boat.   

Usually the nets are further down on the seabed to avoid the contact with boats cruising by. If you see a big trawler be careful and don’t sail too close to the stern of the ship because a net is fixed there. Sometimes nets are towed by 2 trawlers. Be careful in this situation and never sail between them. Always keep sufficient distance to danger spots.   


Buoyage:

Channels are marked like in Europe. Red on port side and green on the starboard side when arriving in ports. Modern Marina in Phuket


High and low tide: 

There is a height difference from 1,5 until 2,5 meters between high and low tide (twice a day). Be careful of the currents when sailing in narrow areas located between 2 islands. The tide timetables for our base in Phuket you can find online at: http://www.aopograndmarina.com/pages/tidetables.html#


Refilling of water and fuel:

Water, fuel and diesel can be refilled at Phuket marinas, in Chalong (south of Phuket) and at Phi Phi Island.


Provisioning:

There are 2 possibilities how to get your provisioning. First, we can do it for you. Second, you can do it by yourself. Phuket and Krabi are good locations to go shopping. There you can find big supermarkets like Big C and Lotus. Chalong (south of Phuket) is also a good place for purchasing food.

At the Phang Nga Bay you can buy fresh seafood. Local fishermen offer food directly from their longtail boats. During your sailing trip you can anchor at many big islands and eat there in a restaurant. On some islands, like Phi Phi you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables.      


Communication:

VHF is used by the marina officers or in case of emergency. Communications with the shore and yacht charter base is only possible with cell phones. For weather forecasts please contact us by cell phone or use the Internet.     


Customs clearance: 

If you plan to sail from Thailand to Malaysia or vice versa, you can do the customs clearance already in Phuket (Chalong bay) and in Langkawi (Kuah town). During the winter sailing season there is also an immigration office on Koh Lipe.

​

The west coast of Phuket offers some of the clearest water and most beautiful beaches in the region. Consequently, here you find the biggest concentration of hotels and beachside activity in the Andaman Sea. In the southwest monsoon, the anchorages are totally exposed, with a short swell (as much as 2 metres), a beach break, and the occasional strong, onshore squall. There are no recommended anchorages on this coast during the southwest season (June-October). In the northeast monsoon season, these anchorages offer perfect shelter in depths of 4 - 12 metres on a sandy bottom. 

Read more at: http://www.phuket.com/sailing/around-phuket.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001#

Being an island, Phuket's a popular yacht destination and its sheltered east coast is an ideal mooring location with its three major marinas. So far so good but a quick glance at a chart will reveal that the marinas can only be approached from the south as the island's link to the mainland - the Sarasin Bridge - is fixed and too low for most boats to get under.

However the marinas' great facilities and easy access to beautiful and fascinating Phang Nga Bay more than makes up for this.

To the east and northwest of Phuket are some of the most stunning sailing grounds to be found anywhere. There are hundreds of anchorages, hidden coves and beaches among the many uninhabited islands, under soaring limestone cliffs and in waters teeming with tropical marine life. Some spots, such as Phi Phi, are now well marked on the tourist map, while others may still offer quiet new surprises for cruising yachtsmen. Good sailing conditions year-round in many areas.

Read more at: http://www.phuket.com/sailing/phuket-region.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001

South of Phuket through the Malacca Straits lies one of the busiest and most modern ports-of-call in the world, the island state of Singapore, with many fascinating points to see along the way in Malaysian waters. For a completely different experience, sail northwest to Myanmar's Mergui Archipelago or further still to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands of India - both of these remote areas remain largely undiscovered sailing paradises. Aspiring adventurers take note.

Read more at: http://www.phuket.com/sailing/beyond-phuket.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001

On Phuket Island visit Chalong Bay, an informal yachting community comprising of restaurants, shops, pubs, a yacht club and more. Spend a few days anchored off Phuket’s beaches, including Nai Harn and Kata on the island’s southwest shore.

Sailing north from Phuket, you enter Phang Nga Bay. Anchor between Koh Hong and Koh Yai and take a longtail boat to Koh Phing Kan, the world famous "James Bond Island", visiting  on your way Pan Yi, the local Gypsy village, built on stilts.

The unspoilt area around Krabi has some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the region. There are plenty of locations for a comfortable overnight stop around the Koh Dam Group, which offers scenic year round sailing. There are a number of restaurants around Ao Nang and in Krabi town itself, reached by longtail boat from Pra Nang.

Best time to travel to Phuket is during the cool NE monsoon season from November to March when the weather is sunny and dry with calm seas, though the NE winds are ideal for sailing and keeps things comfortable. The temperatures range from 24-32°C.

The hottest time is from April to May with temperatures 27-36°C and a lack of wind makes it feel very humid. From June through to August, the SW winds pick up, though sailing is still sheltered in most of the cruising area. Brief but heavy showers but the area is less crowded. During September and October there are heavy rains.

The area is tidal with a range of approximately 2m. Experience level 2.#
Find peace and tranquillity amongst the dramatic scenery and beautiful beaches of Phuket.


Lying just 8° north of the Equator, Phuket is a wonderful sailing area in the Andaman Sea. Phang Nga Bay lies between the island of Phuket and the mainland of Thailand and is a protected, very dramatic sailing area, with a fantastic gallery of giant limestone sculptures rising out of emerald waters.

With 42 islands in Phang Nga Bay, there are many miles of beaches, creeks and anchorages. The beaches are palm fringed, with pristine white sand, crystal waters and superb coral reefs. The snorkelling is exceptional, with stunning coral reefs to explore. You may find yourself being escorted by some of the local dolphins, if you are lucky.

Add to that the renowned friendliness of the Thai people, their magnificent cuisine and culture and Phuket has deservedly become South-east Asia’s premier sailing destination and home to the Phuket Race Week, King's Cup Regatta and several marinas.

DAY 1 : ?Embark at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina in the North East of Phuket at noon. Sail into the majestic and magical Phang Nga Bay, (10nm)with limestone cliffs and islands offering spectacular views.
DAY 2 : Visit James Bond Island, the location for the film “The Man with the Golden Gun”, and anchor at Koh Yang (8nm). Or visit Sea Gypsy Village at Koh Panyi (12nm), set on stilts over the water.
DAY 3 : Swim at the fascinating Koh Hong Island, named for its large internal lagoon, and visit Panak Island. Continue sailing to Krabi, another great sightseeing destination, ideal for swimming and relaxing on beautiful beaches. Anchor for the night at Ao Nang Beach (15nm) and go ashore for shopping.
DAY 4 :Sail to Phi Phi Islands (22nm), renowned as paradise islands. Discover the magical landscape of Maya Bay where you can enjoy snorkelling on colourful coral reefs in emerald sea. The movie “The Beach” was filmed here.
DAY 5 : Racha Islands (25nm) south of Phuket island are best known as excellent diving and snorkelling destinations. Racha Yai has a strip of fine white sand tucked deep into the long bay, called Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. Racha Noi is uninhabited but there is some great diving in the area.
DAY 6 :???Sail to Ko Kai Nok (15nm) a hidden gem with superb shallow snorkelling. Good anchorages on  Koh Yao Yai opposite this island. 
DAY 7 :Return to Phuket Yacht Haven Marina (15nm). Disembark around noon.

​

bottom of page