For a sailing experience like no other, start on the island of Phuket in Thailand. Southeast Asia is already worlds away from the more common sailing and cruising grounds, steeped in an ancient culture and history far different from the European and North American experience. With breathtaking limestone pinnacles and verdant jungle islands, every anchorage is an energizing change. Pristine waters, phenomenal diving and snorkeling, and traditional villages on the coast where you can explore local customs and cuisines make every Thailand sailing vacation an incredible experience.
The Moorings base at Ao Po Grand Marina hosts a bar and restaurant, a nearby hotel and pool, provisioning, and shower facilities. Everything you need for the start of an unforgettable vacation.
Phuket lies on Phang Nga Bay off the Andaman Sea. National parks and 130 islands are scattered like jewels on Phang Nga Bay’s green waters. Whether you’re anchored between towering limestone pillars offshore or tucked into a harbor on Phuket or the mainland, there’s always something fascinating to see, hear or taste. Phuket island has plenty to offer, too, with coastal villages and towns for dining and shopping and plenty of exciting excursions into inland natural parks with forests and waterfalls.
Sailing north from the Moorings base, head to Phanak island to see the caves and explore the Ao Phang-Nga National Park. The protected area covers 155 square miles of sea and land on the mainland and islands. Caves, archaeological sites, beaches, mangroves, reefs and plentiful wildlife await.
Further north, you’ll come to Ko Hong, where you can anchor among the spires and explore beaches, jungles, and reefs. A bit further north is Khao Ping Kan, or “James Bond Island,” where Roger Moore and Christopher Lee squared off in “The Man With the Golden Gun.” It’s a popular tourist stop, and the striking geography that drew filmmakers to the area is still gorgeous.
In the middle of Phang Nga Bay sit Yao Noi and Yao Yai, two larger and more developed islands. They’re surrounded by beaches and numerous resorts and restaurants. Either is a delightful stop for a change of pace from the raw natural beauty of the national parks and smaller islands.
South and east of Phuket are many smaller islands. Some, such as the Phi Phi islands, are developed and offer many land and water activities. White sand beaches and sparkling water are even more abundant to the south, though the islands are more spread out. And don’t overlook the eastern shore of Phang Nga Bay, where you will find more beautiful national parks, beaches and anchorages.
Most travelers fly into Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, which has many international flights daily. There, they take a connecting local flight to Phuket’s smaller airport, which is about 35 minutes from the Moorings base.
In this program, the buyer is offered a substantial discount off of the retail price of the yacht and receives no income during the program term. The title to the yacht remains with us during the program, not with a bank or lease company. The title may be transferred to the buyer at the end of the contract for a 20% title payment, or alternatively the buyer can choose to take a guaranteed 20% cash buyback and simply walk away.
