After a decade of attending the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous held every year December 16 to 18 in Phuket, Thailand, the magnificent Sailing Yacht, Yanneke Too, is the first to sign on for this year’s prestigious Rendezvous: “She couldn’t make it in 2011 but she’s back on track in 2012!” happily reports Captain Charles (‘Champagne Charlie’) Dwyer on Yanneke Too’s return to the largest event in Asia bringing together both sail and motor superyachts from throughout the globe.
The skipper reported Yanneke Too was in Brisbane, Australia last year finishing off an extensive re-fit during the 2011 Rendezvous. In explaining why she’s returning to Thailand, Captain Charlie said, “After spending a year cruising the Pacific in all its glory, it is time for us to come back to the ‘Land of Smiles’. The decision was made due to many factors, besides the obvious - that the owner and I and the crew all love Thailand.”
The skipper continued, “In considering other reasons, one instrumental factor was the cost involved. Yanneke Too has been in Australia for the past few months and with the strength of the Australian dollar, we have found it to be expensive. By relocating the boat to Thailand we can save, on average, 25% of the running costs per year. The other big factor is that we not only save money but we get to do what we love most, and that is to participate in the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous! As many know, Yanneke Too’s owner was instrumental in starting this superyacht event 11 years ago and she has attended every year (except 2011). It’s great!”
The captain shared the vessel’s itinerary in returning to the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous to be held December 16-18, 2012: “Yanneke Too will depart Sydney in late April and head to Cairns, Australia for check out and final fuel prior to her 11 to 14 days sail to Bali. We will then ‘rest & play’ in Bali for 10 to 12 days before the start of the next 8-day leg to Singapore. Then its four days in Singapore, two days to Langkawi for our last fuel stop and just one day on to Phuket, where we will dock at the Yacht Haven Marina until the Rendezvous starts in December.”
The elite gathering of superyacht owners, captains and crew joining Yanneke Too and VIP guests at the Rendezvous will enjoy several sailing events, with the sleek sailing vessels accompanied by the magnificent power superyachts. The staging of the boats on Surin Bay is an incredible sight. Together sailing and power vessels will perform a ‘dress parade’ in the beautiful Panesea Bay under the direction of race director Andy Dowden, assisted by Simon James.
When asked how Yanneke Too stacks up against the other vessels at the race events, Charlie explains, “The ASR is not a serious race, it’s more of a social event with sailing events attached. Having said that, I am looking forward to putting her through her paces and showing her off on the course and we will try our damndest to win! However, the event is not too competitive, rather more of a fun race or sailing exhibition.” Then adding, “At least that’s the way it starts.”
Other unique fun activities include an opening evening ‘Skippers Briefing’ and cocktail party followed the next evening by the ‘The Feadship Challenge’, a model boat construction & racing competition and cocktail party. The next day features the world-famous ‘The Rendezvous Booty’, a pirate treasure hunt for all participants and all ages – children, teens and adults.
Captain Charlie and organiser Gordon Fernandes, GM of Asia Pacific Superyachts, enthusiastically report, “The event simply gets better! It’s Fun! Fun! and more Fun! It’s a great opportunity to meet up with old friends and meet a few new ones. It’s a rendezvous with excellence, and what a place to hold an event.”
The host hotel, The Surin, provides a fantastic tropical 5-star ambience for the social activities and the final evening is reserved for the VIP ‘Boat International Media Gala Dinner’. It’s a gourmet affair held in the romantic ambience of The Surin’s private beach...a fitting end to the 2012 Asia Superyacht Rendezvous.
Asia Superyacht Rendezvous
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www.asia-superyacht-rendezvous.com