Februar y 2015 67what’s new
Koh Samui popularity growing
Koh Samui and the Gulf of Siam were host to more superyachts
last season than ever before, according to Captain Charlie Dwyer
of Asia Pacific Superyachts
Off the radar for many years, captains are now dropping anchor
in Koh Samui and discovering the natural wonders and beauty of
the Gulf.
Koh Samui was discovered a few hundred years ago as a
spot for sea traders and fishermen passing through the Gulf of
Thailand to seek refuge from storms.
The cruising season in the Gulf of Siam is actually very good
from February to September says Captain Dwyer, a great time of
year when weather conditions are not so favourable for vessels in
other parts of Thailand. “One of the visiting yachts arrived in May
and cruised the gulf until the end of August.”
Though Koh Samui does not yet have an established
superyacht marina, visiting superyacht captains found safe
anchorages through Captain Dwyer and his team. The agent also
handles all the logistics such as provisioning and even organising
a private plane for the boat owners if requessted.
One chef aboard a visiting yacht was impressed with the
abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables and imported meats, stating
these provisions were “among the best in quality” he had seen in
years. The engineers and crew were also amazed to find spare
parts and logistics were readily available via the agency.
Captain Derek of M/Y Amoha noted “the whole experience
from check-in to departure has been exemplary. Koh Samui and
its surrounding islands are a great place for superyachts to visit.”
Highlights when cruising the Gulf of Thailand include superb
diving off the world-famed dive locale of Koh Tao and kayaking
and trekking through the natural wonders of the uninhabited
islands of the Ang Thong National Marine Park, located just 20
nautical miles from Koh Samui.
Ang Thong Marine Park is a protected area of more than 100
square kilometres of land and sea.
The pristine archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf is a fantasy
come true to explore with towering limestone mountains, thick
jungle, white-sand beaches, fertile mangroves, waterfalls andABOVE: Yanneke Too skippered by Captain Charles Dwyer.
TOP: Anthong Archipelago Marine Park.hidden coves and lakes with a rich variety of exotic wildlife and
sea creatures. Snorkelling, hiking, sea kayaking, diving, sailing
and simply relaxing on one of its idyllic beaches are activities to
be enjoyed at the marine park and at the stunning islands along
the way.
Transformed from a traditional sleepy fishermen and backpacker
island into a full-on global and jet set island destination, yachting
visitors will find a variety and range of facilities and services
constantly expanding.
Despite the fast pace of development Thailand’s second largest
island manages to retain its charm. Small quaint local villages and
numerous coconut plantations are still very much in evidence,
especially in the southern part of the island. Many of the locals
continue to live their lives by ‘island time’.
http://www.asia-pacific-superyachts.com.