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Charter in Asia – Yacht Style Special 2019: Spirit of Papua New Guinea

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Charter in Asia – Yacht Style Special: Spirit of Papua New Guinea

August 26, 2019
2:12 am

Yacht Style’s 2019 Charter Special ventures just outside of Asia to Papua New Guinea, where the 115ft powercat Spirit offers a remarkable 10-day ‘seafari’.

Papua New Guinea may not be in Asia, but this South Pacific nation shares a border with our continent and resides in the Coral Triangle, so charter guests can enjoy the same tropical marine waters as neighbouring Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia plus the Solomon Islands to its east.

The 115 powercat Spirit is available for charter in Papua New Guinea through Camper & Nicholsons

Sometimes called PNG, the country occupies the eastern half of the island of New Guinea, with the west side occupied by the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua, the latter home to Raja Ampat and other world-famous dive and yachting destinations.

Papua New Guinea’s waters and marine life are among the best in the world, but for yacht charter the country remains somewhat of a hidden gem – and has even been described as having more languages than any other country.

Despite its size of almost 500,000sqkm, just smaller than Thailand and 50 per cent bigger than Malaysia, Papua New Guinea has a population of just 8.2 million, less than New York and a little more than Hong Kong.

Fortunately, its small population and limited tourism have helped ensure the pristine nature of its assets above and below the water, where visibility typically ranges from 80-130ft.

A warm welcome for Spirit and her charter guests in Papua New Guinea

However, these factors also mean that visiting charter yachts can become somewhat of a major curiosity for locals, especially when that visitor is the 35m charter yacht Spirit , usually based in the Australian city of Cairns, just 525 miles south of the PNG capital of Port Moresby.

GETTING IN THE SPIRIT

With its striking wave-piercing design, the New Zealand-built powercat not only turns heads but also delivers outstanding stability underway and has a particularly spacious interior due in large to her 10.8m beam.

Her striking, sleek appearance is the work of Ken Freivokh, designer of the world’s largest sailing yacht, the 106m Black Pearl, and the 88m Maltese Falcon , although charter guests will be more focused on Spirit’s interior, featuring European furnishings and the latest in audio-visual entertainment systems.

On the main deck, a spacious saloon features a comfortable lounge and a formal dining table with a bar counter, while on the aft deck is further seating and a large dining table so charter guests can enjoy the Cordon Bleu chef’s culinary delights al fresco.

In Cape Vogel, Spirit’s twin hulls encourage villagers in their canoes to come up close and even have a paddle underneath the hull, also a lively encounter for charter guests

Spirit can accommodate up to 12 guests in five staterooms, including four VIP double cabins forward on the main deck, two of which can be converted into twins with an optional third bunk.

The master suite dominates the upper deck and benefits from its own private deck area with sun loungers, large windows, a king-size bed and an office area with a coffee table and chairs, while forward is a jacuzzi surrounded by cushioned seating. On the top deck, stools surround a central bar and this partially shaded space is ideal for refreshments or a breakfast with an incredible view.

Based in Cairns, Spirit’s cruising locations include the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays, the Solomons and Papua New Guinea, where she offers a 10-day charter starting from Alotau, the capital of Milne Bay province on the country’s southeast peninsula and just an hour’s flight from Port Moresby.

MILNE BAY TO TUFI FJORDS

After being met at Gurney Airport, guests are transferred to Spirit, which is anchored off Alotau in the calm sheltered waters of Milne Bay. Depending on time available, the yacht may relocate to a nearby anchorage where you’ll be free to enjoy the yacht’s facilities and toys at your leisure. Alternatively, a shore excursion to a local village will be on offer.

Bright, vibrant colours dominate Papua New Guinea’s traditions, culture and wildlife

The first passage is out of Milne Bay and then south to Samarai Island, home for days two and three, and somewhat of a living museum. Given its tiny size, you can explore the island and its colonial architecture easily on foot. Diving and snorkelling opportunities abound in the area, which has a thriving reef system and pristine, uninhabited white beaches.

On the third day, Spirit cruises east to the Deboyne Islands where friendly villagers sail canoes around the lagoon, fishing and trading between villages. Panaeati is the northernmost of the islands, while others include Panapompom and Nivani, and there are lots of opportunities for diving, snorkelling and fishing around the lagoon.

A big underwater attraction is that several Japanese fighter planes were ditched in the lagoon in World War II, as the islands were used as a seaplane outpost by the Japanese Navy, providing exciting and easily accessible snorkelling in the shallows.

Days five and six are spent in the Conflict Islands, to the west, back in the direction of the mainland. The Conflict Islands are a little-known group of 21 uninhabited coral islands surrounding an astoundingly beautiful lagoon.

Visitors will be amazed at the clarity of the water in Papua New Guinea

The sheer remoteness of this pristine location begs exploration within the numerous reefs, cays and islands, all ideal for swimming, snorkelling, diving and fishing. A good spot for a beach barbecue with your freshly caught fish.

Spirit then heads west to the D’Entracasteaux Islands, north of Milne Bay, for days seven and eight, with guests able to enjoy a diverse array of attractions on and around these volcanic islands.

The beautifully named Goodenough, Fergusson and Normanby are the three biggest islands and run northwest to southeast. The Dei Dei hot springs on Ferguson are accessed via a short jungle walk, while there are fantastic opportunities to see rare birds of paradise to the east.

The tiny island of Dobu, between Fergusson and Normanby, offers great reefs for diving and snorkelling as well as nice walks through the villages, where you can immerse yourself in an island lifestyle that has changed little over time.

Spirit is equipped to travel to remote areas like Restorf Island off New Britain, not on the itinerary outlined in this article

The final passage is northwest to Tufi on the mainland, where the spectacular fjords are a highlight, along with the rainforest mountains, crystal clear waters and coral reefs.

With a maze of cliff faces descending vertically into the ocean surrounding Cape Nelson, incredible displays of local culture, plus some of the region’s best and most spectacular diving and fishing locations, Tufi is a truly magnificent location to round out your PNG experience.

ALWAYS READY AND PREPARED

And Spirit’s the right yacht for this amazing venture as her water toys and facilities really bring her into a league of her own, with 12 full sets of scuba diving equipment on board, including a compressor and Blade Fish 5000 underwater scooters. There’s even the option of a Dive Master as an optional crew member who’s able to issue qualification certificates.

Spirit also has a 7m fishing tender fully equipped for trolling, bottom fishing, topwater and spear fishing. Alternatively, you can explore the reefs and coves from the comfort of a kayak or stand-up paddle board, while kiteboarding equipment and/or lessons can be arranged in advance.

Spirit has a great beach club on the swim platform and is packed with water toys

There’s also a 5.2m RIB, ideal for waterskiing, wakeboarding or towing the various inflatables, all toys easily accessed from the yacht’s high-low swim platform.

Another great thing about PNG is that it’s always a good time to visit as the temperature remains about 30 degree Celsius, with water temperature around the same, and the area can be dived, fished and cruised year-round, even if January to March is the wet season.

Papua New Guinea has incredible, diverse local culture and some of the best fishing and diving the world has to offer, while Spirit offers everything you’ll need to get the most out of this hidden paradise.

Contact: Sytske Kimman: skimman@camperandnicholsons.com

www.camperandnicholsons.com

The original article appears in Yacht Style Issue 48. Email subscribe@lux-inc.com for print subscription enquiries or subscribe to the Magzter version at: www.magzter.com/SG/Lux-Inc-Media/Yacht-Style/Fashion/

Yacht Style 48: The 2019 Charter Issue Out Now!
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Charter in Asia – Yacht Style Special 2019: Explore Wild, Wonderful Indonesia

Charter / yachtstyle2020

CHARTER IN ASIA – YACHT STYLE SPECIAL 2019: EXPLORE WILD, WONDERFUL INDONESIA

August 23, 2019
2:18 am

Indonesia is a charter paradise, with luxurious, hand-built phinisis and primeval attractions like the Jurassic-like Raja Ampat and Komodo dragons.

When Prana by Atzaro played a starring role in an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians this year, Indonesia’s charter yacht business enjoyed a very public seal of approval from a very public trio of sisters.

View from the top of one of the Wayag Islands in Raja Ampat

Following her launch last year, the 55m Prana joined the growing clan of beautiful charter phinisi superyachts, based on the designs of the famed trading vessels of the Spice Island trade routes.

Although not the longest charter phinisi, Prana is promoted as having the most useable space, 900sqm across four decks, as well as a remarkable nine cabins headed by the Batavia master suite, which has a sumptuous 20sqm private deck overlooking the stern.

Quickly established as a hugely popular charter vessel, Prana is the flagship central agency (CA) listing of Voyage by Yacht Sourcing, the charter division of Yacht Sourcing, which built the phinisi in 21 months in southern Sulawesi – birthplace of most modern phinisis – at its own shipyard in Bira.

Launched in 2018, the 55m Prana has nine cabins

Made of ironwood and teak, Prana is a remarkable yacht, with accommodation for 18 guests and 18 crew, and some of the largest, most beautiful social areas of any charter yacht resident in Asia.

Offering panoramic views, the top deck is known as the yoga deck and can be converted into an outdoor cinema, while there’s a dedicated spa with two therapists who can also deliver treatments in-room or outdoors, even on the beach.

The crew includes a dive instructor and there’s a dedicated watersports centre fully equipped for diving, snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, waterskiing and wakeboarding, plus a tender and towables.

Prana has a comprehensive watersports centre with full dive facilities

PLENTY OF CHOICES

Indonesia’s most popular charter destinations may not be as accessible as those around Phuket, for example, but two-thirds of this remarkable country of over 17,000 islands is water, and the diversity of its natural and cultural attractions are hard to match.

Like many phinisis and other yachts in Indonesia, Prana splits her season between the Komodo area from about May to October, then Raja Ampat and surrounds from December through April, with charter opportunities in the Spice Islands during the crossings.

Voyage won Best Asia-Based Charter Company (Phinisi) at this year’s Christofle Yacht Style Awards in Phuket due in large to the popularity of Prana, but the company’s impressive charter listing is now 16-strong and includes many other famous phinisis, plus motor yachts like the 50m Kudanil Explorer.

Prana has 900sqm of useable space across four decks

While Prana typically charters at between US$12,500-15,500 per day, Voyage offers several options more expensive than that, some significantly, such as the 65m Lamima. Price-wise, though, options start with the likes of the historic Anne Judith II and the 16m Kelana, which range from US$1,550-2,000 per day.

Launched as a British naval boat in 1943, the 24m Anne Judith II was later based in Papua New Guinea before spending most of the last 35 years in Indonesia, where she was among the first charter vessels.

She was a pioneer for many of the original surf expeditions in the country and remains a popular charter choice for surf holidays, and is also equipped for diving, kayaking and paddleboarding. Anne Judith II can accommodate six guests in two nicely finished cabins, each with a double and a single.

The 26m motor yacht Magia II is fresh from a refit and has a stunning master suite with panoramic views

Voyage’s mid-range yachts include the 26m motor yacht Magia II, which has recently completed a refit and looks sensational inside and out.

Currently offered at a ‘launch price’ of US$4,900 per day, the teak-built, four-cabin yacht has a stunning aft master suite that offers panoramic views and its own private balcony with jacuzzi, while the VIP suite is also beautifully designed. The yacht is equipped for diving, snorkelling and fishing, and has other toys.

PIONEERING LUXURY PHINISIS

Launched in 2004, the 50m Silolona is the pioneer of the current crop of charter phinisi superyachts and was joined in 2012 by the 40m Si Datu Bua, both yachts managed by Silolona Sojourns. Like her big sister, Si Datu Bua was built by the Konjo boatbuilders of Ara in Sulawesi, to German Lloyd’s standards of safety and comfort.

The 50m Silolona is the pioneer of the current fleet of luxury phinisis for charter

Owner Patti Seery has been immersed in local culture over the past three decades and her passion for the art, history and cultures of the Indonesian archipelago shine through in both of these incredible yachts. They also make for an enticing charter pairing, as Caroline Payen, Silolona Sojourns’ Yacht Charter Manager, explains.

“Silolona and Si Datu Bua have completed a lot of tandem charters and these are so successful. In tandem, we can accommodate groups or families of 16-20. The guests just love it,” Payen says.

“Recently we had an American wedding on board, which was so much fun and the parents who arranged it were so grateful. As always, the crew has endless imagination to create events on board for families and kids, keeping safety in mind, too.”

Silolona can accommodate 10 guests in five staterooms, while Si Datu Bua has three suites for six guests.

The 40m Si Datu Bua (pictured) and 50m Silolona are a popular charter pairing

In both yachts, the exquisite attention to detail in the interior is reflected by Chinese trade ceramics, and walls adorned with original maps and charts of Southeast Asia dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The finish, service and amenities are five-star, such as the silky towels made from sustainable bamboo fibres.

From June through September, the pair are based in Labuan Bajo and operate charters in the Komodo archipelago, eastern Flores and the Savu Sea. From October to May, they head northeast to Ambon and charter to Raja Ampat, the Spice Islands and Cenderawasih Bay in Papua.

DUNIA BARU ADDS ADVENTURE

At 50m in length, Dunia Baru was a powerful addition to the family of charter phinisis when it was launched in December 2013 after eight years of painstaking construction by Konjo shipwrights.

The yacht is owned by Mark Robba, who also has a strong attachment to the region and has joined the yacht on adventures around and beyond Asia, including deep into the Pacific Ocean. The American has also ensured Dunia Baru has been meticulously maintained from launch.

The 51m Dunia Baru is built for adventure and meticulously maintained

Accommodating 14 guests in seven staterooms and serviced by 18 crew, Dunia Baru was built for adventure and has an on-board dive instructor and full facilities for 14 divers. She also has a fantastic open kitchen on the aft deck where guests can watch the chef prepare meals.

The yacht is family-friendly, with high side railings and safe cushioned play area outdoors, while there’s expansive deck space for lounging, partying or exercise, and a roof deck ideal for morning yoga, offering panoramic views.

Dunia Baru is available for charter in the waters of Komodo National Park and surrounds from April until October, then Raja Ampat from November until March. Rates start from US$101,500 inclusive per week.

Operator Dunia Baru Adventures has also been keen to clarify that its charters in Komodo will not be affected by the potential 2020 closure of Komodo Island, a measure designed to allow the natural habitat to rejuvenate in order to sustain the island’s population of dragons and deer. Other charter yachts will also continue visiting the area.

Indonesia is a popular charter yacht destination for tourists from across Asia

In fact, Komodo Island accounts for just 390sqkm of the 3,329sqkm land area of the Komodo Biosphere Reserve and National Park.

While Komodo dragons share their name with the island, they can also be found on Rinca, Padar, Gili Motong and on some parts of Flores, while Rinca offers plenty of hiking options for visitors, who can walk with guides along a range of trails from the ranger station.

Komodo National Park will remain open, divers will still be able to see manta rays, turtles, pygmy seahorses and coral gardens, and visitors will still be able to see dragons.

www.voyage.yachtsourcing.com

www.silolona.com

www.duniabaru.com

Yacht Style 48: The 2019 Charter Issue Out Now!
Yacht Style 48: The 2019 Charter Issue Out Now! SHARE Share on facebook Share on linkedin Yacht Style's annual Charter Issue covers Asia's greatest getaways, the 2019-20 racing calendar, and yachts...

Charter in Asia – Yacht Style Special: Lagoon Cats Expand Reach

Charter / yachtstyle2020

Charter in Asia – Yacht Style Special: Lagoon Cats Expand Reach

August 22, 2019
2:23 am

Simpson Yacht Charter has a network of boats across the globe, but from its home base in Asia, its growing fleet includes several Lagoon sailing catamarans operating all across the continent and beyond. 

The charter arm of Asia’s largest yacht dealership, Simpson Yacht Charter (SYC) offers an extensive range of yachts and itineraries across Asia, from the Maldives in the Indian Ocean to Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, across to Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Hong Kong.

Primetime is a Lagoon 620 sailing catamaran offered by Simpson Yacht Charter

It has a list of 180 yachts that cover destinations across the globe such as the Mediterranean, Caribbean and even the South Pole, but the core of the company’s charter business remains in Southeast Asia.

Despite Simpson Marine’s long history in charter, SYC only started operations in 2013 in Phuket with a Lagoon 440 and 450, which were under yacht care and available for bareboat charters. Its charter base remains in Phuket where it has over 10 yachts under its management.

“SYC’s charter base remains boutique in scale in Phuket, which enables us to offer a highly-customised service level and have more focus on fulfilling every request from our charter clients. Our boats are either new or have been superbly maintained by our own yacht care team or the permanent onboard crew,” says Reanna Wang, SYC’s Group Charter Manager.

“With these principles and values in mind, SYC has listed boats all over the world’s major charter cruising regions with like-minded, high-end local operators that strive to deliver individualised services.”

SYC’s fleet of Lagoons charter across Southeast Asia including Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia

LAGOONS SPREAD ACROSS THE REGION

Lagoon sailing catamarans are among the stars of the SYC fleet and include two 620s, including the Malaysian-flagged Primetime, which completed a refit this year and is fully equipped for scuba diving.

The aft deck has been customised for diving and finished in marine teak, and is ideal for eight divers. Divers can be lowered into the water – and come out – via the hydraulic dive platform or just dive in from the starboard transom.

The yacht has four cabins for eight guests and is served by an international five-strong crew including Swiss owner and cruise director Chris Keller, who has done over 1,000 dives, Captain Cirilo ‘Jhun’ Ortiz, a former Philippines national team sailor, and dive instructor Jamie Piyada of Thailand, the 2012 Miss Scuba International.

The Lagoon 620 Primetime is designed for diving, including a specially built aft deck

From July through November, Primetime’s charter destinations include East Malaysia and the pristine Anambas Islands of Indonesia, situated between Singapore and East Malaysia. From February to May, the yacht will be in the Philippines where her destinations will include Cebu and Palawan.

Langkawi-based Jyohana is another Lagoon 620 in the fleet, also had a refit in 2019 and typically charters between Langkawi and Phuket, or from Langkawi into southern Thailand waters and back. Like Primetime, Jyohana measures 18.9m in length with a beam of 10m, so offers enormous space.

The yacht has four cabins for eight guests, but with only  three crew it has the space for an enormous master suite on starboard side and is ideal for a luxury trip for a family of multiple generations.

The Lagoon 620 Jyohana has a beautifully bright and colourful saloon

The main deck features a beautifully light, modern and spacious open-plan saloon, as well as a huge amount of outdoor space for al fresco dining and relaxing, forward and aft. The expansive flybridge has sunpads and is sheltered by a bimini.

LATEST LAGOONS

SYC’s other Lagoons include the 52F Blue Moon, a Thai- flagged 2018 model that arrived in Phuket last year and can accommodate 10 guests in five cabins. The yacht is usually served by two crew, but three are recommended for more than eight guests. So far, charterers have been full of praise, with recent testimonials including “best sailing trip we had so far” and “beyond amazing; everything was great”.

Blue Moon is based in Phuket and typical charter destinations include around Thailand, south to Malaysia or north to the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar. Among the yacht’s many appealing features are its light, modern interior and its toys, which include a RIB tender, two inflatable kayaks, an inflatable paddleboard and snorkelling gear for 10.

The Lagoon 52F Blue Moon has proved a popular addition to the SYC fleet since 2018

The Lagoon Seventy7 Joy, which only launched last year, is one of the most exciting additions to the SYC fleet. Among the world’s premier sailing catamarans, this ‘gentle giant’ spans 23.3m in length and has a beam of 11m, with an enormous saloon, aft deck and flybridge, as well as four beautiful guest cabins.

The Cayman-flagged Joy spent the northern winter and spring in the Caribbean, and is one of only a few of Lagoon’s sailing flagships available for charter.

Ideal for charter, sailing catamarans offer multiple living areas including the trampolines

However, from August, the four-cabin Joy will be based in Tahiti in the South Pacific and operating charters in French Polynesia. It’s an enticing, exotic setting for the yacht, which has a 5m RIB tender with 100hp Honda outboard and is equipped for snorkelling, fishing, wakeboarding and waterskiing, while toys include paddleboards and inflatables.

reanna.wang@simpsonmarine.com

www.simpsonyachtcharter.com

Yacht Style 48: The 2019 Charter Issue Out Now!
Yacht Style 48: The 2019 Charter Issue Out Now! SHARE Share on facebook Share on linkedin Yacht Style's annual Charter Issue covers Asia's greatest getaways, the 2019-20 racing calendar, and yachts...

Charter in Asia – Yacht Style 2019 Special: Short Trips Around Phuket

Charter / yachtstyle2020

Charter in Asia – Yacht Style Special: Short Trips Around Phuket

August 21, 2019
2:21 am

Phuket is home to a wide range of charter yachts, with Asia Yacht Agency among companies offering dayboats, motor cruisers, superyachts and sailing yachts.

A member of the Thai Yachting Business Association, Asia Yacht Agency is among the leading charter companies in Phuket and currently has access to over 30 charter boats including models from the world’s leading luxury yacht brands, such as a Princess 60, Riva 70 and a Sunseeker 90 .

Asia Yacht Agency offers a wide range of charter yachts including the 60ft Princess, Mayavee

Founder Olivier Payen has been based in Phuket since 2005 and in the boating business for over four decades, while his business partner Worawan ‘Poom’ Hokprasit has worked in the yachting industry for 15 years, having previously specialised in hospitality in five-star hotel and resorts.

“We have many boats for day and overnight charter in Thailand, from a small luxury boat of 26ft up to a 135ft superyacht,” says Worawan, the company’s Charter Director and a Board Member of TYBA, which is organising the inaugural Thailand Charter Week from November 16-21.

The seven smallest boats, including an Admiral 40 sailing yacht, are suitable only for day charters, while all the larger models can do both day and overnight charters.

The range of larger motor yachts include the 65ft L’Orientale built by Cheoy Lee in 1978 and refitted in 2018, a Sunbird 80 that also had a refit last year, a Spanish-built Astondoa 102, the 34m Moonen Xanadu and the 135ft Rodriguez Ocean Emerald, designed by Norman Foster and one of Asia’s iconic charter yachts.

The elegant 65ft L’Orientale was built by Cheoy Lee in 1978 and refitted in 2018

There are also several sailing yachts in the range including Lagoon 54 and 56 catamarans, the beautiful 95ft wooden ketch Aventure, the 99ft schooner Dallinghoo and a Sparkman and Stephens 104 sloop built in Thailand and launched in 2011.

Asia Yacht Agency is focused on departures from Phuket and iconic charter destinations include Phang Nga Bay, Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands, as well as the Similan Islands.

PHANG NGA BAY AND KOH HONG

Worawan’s recommendations for a day charter include an eight-hour tour of Phang Nga Bay and Koh Hong Krabi, departing Ao Po Marina at 9.00am and starting with a slow cruise into Phang Nga Bay, taking in the majestic limestone pinnacles.

Destinations include Phanak Island, where there’s the chance for photos of the spectacular rock formation, and Koh Hong Phang Nga, where guests can kayak inside this breathtaking limestone karst and explore caves and mangroves in the interior.

L’Orientale offers a beautiful three-cabin charter option for southern Thailand

There’s also the iconic Khao Ping Kan and the striking 20m-high Tapu Island, both collectively known as ‘James Bond Island’ following their appearance in the 1974 release, The Man with the Golden Gun. Then it’s over to Koh Pak Bia to anchor among the beautiful scenery while the crew serves a delicious lunch for guests who can also enjoy chilled fine wines and beer.

After lunch, take the chance to jump in the water for a swim and a bit of snorkelling. There’s also the chance to swim at a different Koh Hong, an island off the Krabi coastline, where you can also snorkel just off the beach and relax in the lagoon.

At 4.00pm, it’s time for the slow cruise back to the Phuket while the sun starts to set, typically arriving at Ao Po at 5.00pm. Worawan suggests the two Rok Islands, near Koh Lanta, for an overnight charter. The two islands, Rok Nai and Rok Nok, are next to each other and situated in Mu Koh Lanta National Park. Clear water and coral reefs make the two islands famous for diving and snorkelling, while they also have great beaches to relax on.

Aventure is a gorgeous 95ft wooden ketch with a teak deck a nice outdoor area for meals by the water

“The Rok Islands are beautiful, remote islands with crystal-clear water and white sandy beaches,” Worawan says.

OTHER DESTINATIONS

As well as the Rok Islands, Worawan recommends overnight charters to the Similan Islands, northwest of Phuket, for diving.

The Similans comprise nine uninhabited tropical islands in the Andaman Sea and offer world-class snorkelling and diving. The islands are famous for their white-sand beaches, which are fringed by extensive coral reefs that are home to a rich variety of marine life.

The islands are covered by tropical rainforest, with large granite boulders creating unusual rock formations. The islands are typically open to the public from mid-October until mid-May, Phuket’s high season, but dates may vary each year depending on the weather.

The 24m Sunbird 80 had a refit in 2018 and offers plenty of toys

Those wanting to dive on a day charter could choose Koh Dok Mai, about 15km east of Phuket’s south coast, or the larger and much more famous Phi Phi Islands, another 30km or so east.

The Phi Phi Islands’ popularity increased when Maya Bay was used in the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach, while visitors can also come up close to monkeys on Monkey Beach, which is also a good spot for snorkelling.

The fact is, Phuket is literally surrounded by dozens of amazing islands with spectacular rock formations, white-sand beaches, beautifully clear water and enough colourful fish to make snorkelling interesting.

The Khai Islands, east of Phuket, are among those and its shallow waters make them particularly suitable for those travelling with children, while the Rang Islands, even closer to Phuket’s east coast, are well known for a local pearl farm.

The Sunbird 80 can accommodate up to 30 guests for day charter or six guests in three cabins for overnight trips

To the south of Phuket are the Racha Islands – Racha Yai and the smaller Racha Noi to the south. The islands are also a good destination for a diving day trip and an excellent spot for fishing.

Toys typically vary on the size of the boat and its storage options, but options can include jetskis, waterskis, donuts, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and floating beds.

According to Asia Yacht Agency, the six months from May through October is Phuket’s ‘value season’, while the high season spans from November through April although that includes a peak season from December 20-January 10.

www.asiayachtagency.com

Yacht Style 48: The 2019 Charter Issue Out Now!
Yacht Style 48: The 2019 Charter Issue Out Now! SHARE Share on facebook Share on linkedin Yacht Style's annual Charter Issue covers Asia's greatest getaways, the 2019-20 racing calendar, and yachts...