The Asia Superyacht Rendezvous 2012 is expected to be attended by some of the world’s most amazing motor as well as sailing superyachts. This highly anticipated event is to take place in a famous superyacht hub – Phuket in Thailand from December 16 to 18.
Asia Superyacht Rendezvous Sailing Race Photo Credit: Courtesy of Asia Superyacht Rendezvous
Superyacht owners, captains & crew will again meet up to share tall tales and enjoy socialising in a whirlwind of elegant yet relaxed unique events on and off their mega vessels. The 12th annual Asia Superyacht Rendezvous is expected to attract 14-18 superyachts to the prestigious event, with many extending their stay during the holidays to enjoy Phuket’s fantastic cruising options.
The longest-running event of its kind in Asia, the Rendezvous is the largest gathering of superyachts in the region. An invitation is extended around the world to owners and captains and crew of vessels of 100ft and above to join in and participate in the one-of-a-kind event.
ASR 2011 moored superyachts evening Photo Credit: Courtesy of Asia Superyacht Rendezvous
As the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous kicks into gear long time organisers Gordon Fernandes, GM of Asia Pacific Superyachts and Captain Charlie Dwyer, of the 130’ sailing yacht Yanneke Too, will welcome several hundred yachting fun-seekers on opening day. Stalwart race director Captain Andy Dowden will then set forth the course for the first day of sailing, with the course marked by motor superyachts. Following the ‘Captain’s Briefing’ the owners, captains and VIP guests spill out to waiting tenders to be whisked away to the opening cocktail party aboard one or more of the moored superyachts.
The next morning the magnificent sailing vessels will face off in the first racing drama as guests gather on some of the mammoth motor yachts to watch the friendly but serious competition. The winners are feted that evening during the popular ‘Feadship Challenge’ and cocktail party as Principal Sponsor Feadship Royal Dutch Shipyards directors preside over the famed Feadship event.
The Feadship Challenge ‘Model Boat Race Teams’ are comprised of crews from the attending vessels, with each team challenged by Feadship to build a boat in 30 minutes; then race in a series of model boat race sprints to determine the final race winner amidst much wild cheering.
With due diligence and a pre-packed official bag of varying bits and pieces for constructing a model boat, the teams gather together to come up with their own specially built model sailboat.
ASR 2011 'Treasure Hunt Pirate Family toast' Photo Credit: Courtesy of Asia Superyacht Rendezvous
A team member is selected to race the craft, forcefully blowing forth the ‘wind’ to fill the small craft’s sails and send it through its paces. In between race legs the volunteers must each quickly down a big brew or a squishy snack as the crowd enthusiastically cheers them on as they continue to race up and back the two 3’ long water troughs.
After the final race, Feadship announces the winners if the ‘Best Design Award” and the overall ‘Race Winner’ amidst much jubilation, with the crowd happily returning to the open bars and stands of delicious Thai delicacies and international dishes.
“The next day is like waking up in heaven”, notes Captain Charlie. “Everyone looks forward to a second spectacular racing day which generally shapes up to ‘good old sailing’ in a scene that is picture-postcard perfect.” A highlight of the Rendezvous, the sailing races also offer guests great views at various vantage points ashore and spectacular action close-ups for those lounging on motor yachts or hard at work crewing on the sailing vessels.
'Feadship Challenge' Model Boat Races Photo Credit: Courtesy of Asia Superyacht Rendezvous
As the race is taking place the world famous ‘Rendezvous Booty’ pirate search is being readied for ‘pirate’ teams of all ages. The event has crew members and families moving forth on land and in water to follow pirate clues leading to the ‘Treasure Chest’, chock-full of prizes. Some of the teams dress in full pirate garb as they are challenged with both mental and physical pirate feats. Amazingly, it was the ‘children’s team that successfully followed all the clues and discovered the ‘Treasure Chest’ last year, making them a front-runner favorite to win in 2012!
The closing event, the magnificent VIP ‘Boat International Media Gala Dinner’ is traditionally held under a tropical moon overlooking the sea, a final and magical gourmand affair. Following the Gala dining, exotic entertainment and dancing, guests stroll to the beach to pack all their bad luck into a ‘Floating Thai Lantern’ to light and send worries into the heavens. Dozens of small illuminated crafts are soon airborne, a fitting end to the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous.
