For the first time in the Asia Boating Awards' six-year history, the lavish ceremony was held in Hong Kong, during the Hong Kong Gold Coast Boat Show in May. A number of accolades were received by Hong Kong businesses, events and organisations, and Phuket shared the limelight winning the hotly contested Asian Maritime Capital of the Year, the second time Phuket has won the prestigious award. Other Phuket winners included Sunsail which was again judged as Best Asian Charter Company.
'This sixth edition of the Asia Boating Awards has been a tremendous success, and I'm really pleased to see the way in which these awards have evolved, and how they've become an important touchstone for the growing community of yacht owners, operators and industry insiders in Hong Kong and throughout Asia,' said Mr. Olivier Burlot, Managing Director of Blu Inc Media, the organiser of the Asia Boating Awards and publisher of Asia-Pacific Boating and China Boating magazines.
Since changes to import and taxation laws in recent years, Phuket has experienced a marine industry boom. Today Phuket is home to four world-class marinas, with a superyacht marina under construction. Most leading international marine product brands and boat brands are represented on the Island and workmanship is so highly regarded that Phuket has become the re-fit centre of Asia.
Phuket is also home to a number of marine events including the 'Phuket King's Cup Regatta', 'Phuket Raceweek', 'The Bay Regatta - Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi', 'Phuket International Boat Show', as well as having two active yacht clubs - Ao Chalong Yacht Club and Phuket Yacht Club.
Phuket Island is no stranger to awards however, and neither is Phuket's marine industry. The Phuket King's Cup Regatta received a recent accolade from China where at the inaugural Asia Marine & Boating Awards, held in Shanghai, the Regatta was crowned 'Asian Regatta Of The Year'. This joins other awards in Regatta's trophy cabinet including consecutive 'Yachting Event of the Year' trophies at the 2006 and 2007 Asia Boating Awards.
The Asia Boating Awards is regarded as the region's premier event for recognising the efforts of boat builders, marinas, clubs and individuals in creating a diverse and exciting boating community in the region. It has also become a must-attend event for Asia's jet set. 'This is the chance for Asia to celebrate its achievements, and a great opportunity for Asian-based yacht builders to be noticed worldwide,' said Ryan Swift, editor-in-chief of Asia-Pacific Boating.
The Phuket King's Cup Regatta was inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand and has been held every year since, during the first week of December. Today the Regatta has grown to become the largest regatta of its kind in Asia. Under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, the Regatta is organised by the Phuket King's Cup Regatta Organising Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket.
The 24th Phuket King's Cup Regatta will be held 4th - 11th December 2010. Headquartered at Kata Beach Resort & Spa, the sailing will take place off Kata Beach and around the Southern Islands of Phuket.
