Kata Beach Resort gears up for Phuket King's Cup Regatta

This year, the closing day of the regatta coincides with His Majesty the King's birthday - December 5 - and although Kata Group has big plans for a special celebration, the chairman is keeping them close to his chest.

"To host the regatta is a great honour and I believe Phuket has all the ingredients for the event to grow. When the opportunity for a new host venue for the regatta arrived, I had no hesitation in going for it," said Pamuke. "The sea has always been my personal passion and I know that Phuket can be Southeast Asia's foremost marineleisure playground - offshore powerboat racing included," he added.

The Kata Beach Resort & Spa continues to develop its facilities and services in response to changing and ever more demanding guest expectations. This year sees improvements to the Atrium terrace area, adding to the resort's facilities that include an authentic Italian restaurant and the beachside Coco Palm eatery overlooking Koh Poo ("Crab Island"). The hotel has two beachside swimming pools with Jacuzzis and a swimup bar, plus the popular Kanda Spa.

Kevin Whitcraft, president of the regatta organising committee said, "The regatta is now in its 23rd year and since 1988 the Kata Beach Resort & Spa has been the host venue for an event that grows in stature each year. Today, it's one of the top events in the yachting world, both regionally and internationally, and attracts around 2,000 additional highspending tourists over a sevenday period."

"The organising committee is of course thrilled that the resort will continue its unbroken tradition of being the host venue. All of us are looking forward to a wonderful week of worldclass yacht racing and the renowned social events that are part of the regatta."

Sponsors of the 2009 edition include Kata Group, Thai Beverage, Mont Clair, Mom Tri's Boathouse and The Moorings. Media partners include Asia Pacific Boating, Blue Wave 90.5FM, Ensign Media, Multihull World, The Nation, Phuket Gazette, Prestige Thailand, SailWorld.com, Superyacht Asia magazine and Yacht Style.

The 23rd Phuket King's Cup Regatta will take place from November 28 to December 5, off Kata Beach. Under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, the regatta is organised by a committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club and in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket.