ORGANIZERS of this year’s 8th Sawadee Regatta Samui, to be held May 31–June 6, promises to make it “the biggest regatta and lifestyle event on the island” ever.

Mr Laing said when he became chairman of the regatta last year, “it was clear to me that this leading Samui international regatta would provide a platform not only for philanthropy but also for giving back to the Samui community that has helped it to become one of Asia’s top sports and lifestyle events.”The multitude of spectators expected at the regatta in the first week of June on Chaweng Beach will have a number of ways that they can step up to help preserve the environment and as well support youth sailing programs on the island.”

Laing said they’ll be introducing the Samui Regatta Bluewater Scholarship to support the schooling of three underprivileged children. Part of the fundraising activities will include a beach cleanup and other environmental-awareness activities.

The regatta will also play host to the second “Samui Junior Sailing Squadron Challenge,” which gives local children the opportunity of competitive yacht racing. The regatta provides ongoing support to this initiative, contributing Bt5,000 every month to pay for sailing equipment.

New this year is the Twelve-Foot Skiff Association of Australia. The group will be involved in skiff boat racing at the regatta and will also donate one skiff to support the building of a skiff class locally.

Great parties are a key feature of the Samui regatta and famed jazz vocalist Josee Koneg, of the Netherlands, will perform at the gala awards dinner on June 6 at the Centara Grand Beach Resort..
The fundraising component will be brought into the daily social events as well, according to the regatta organizing committee. Everyone attending will have a number of ways that they can give back.

The organizing committee reports that this year the Sawadee.com Regatta Samui will leverage nearly Bt2 million in PR spending to generate over Bt50 million of media coverage and over Bt500 billion baht for the Thai economy.

The regatta team also welcomes new sponsors such as Island Supporter SALA Samui Resort and Event Partner Nikki Beach.

The Samui Regatta is considered one of the yachting community’s favorite sailing events, and is the final stop in the Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championship, attracting the best boats from Thailand and such countries as Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai.

(Visit www.samuiregatta.com for general information and e-mail the organizing committee at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call +66 77(0) 81 894 5323 and for partnership opportunities.)