Koh Samui (Thailand) – May 16, 2018 (travelindex.com) – From May 26 to June 2, 2018, the Samui Regatta will attract water sports enthusiasts from all over the world to the Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui on the idyllic Chaweng Beach. The now legendary annual sailing event will showcase the skills of top international sailors and regional sailing veterans in exciting five-day races on the azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

The Samui Regatta, now in its 17th year, has been hosted by the award-winning Centara Grand Beach Resort Koh Samui since its inception. As such, the resort is often referred to as the "Home of the Samui Regatta" by members of the local sailing community. Every year, a fleet of spectacular yachts sails to Koh Samui, along with crews and sailing enthusiasts, to witness world-class sailing and enjoy the island's glamorous social scene. The resort provides spectators, participants, and crew members with the perfect base for staying, relaxing, dining, and enjoying the numerous regatta parties throughout the event.

“We are proud to host this truly international event and welcome visitors from all over the world to our fabulous facilities and stunning island setting,” says Voytek Klasicki, General Manager of the Centara Grand Samui Beach Resort.

"Koh Samui is Thailand's most popular boutique island for a reason, and the Samui Regatta has become part of its modern heritage. People return year after year to enjoy the fun on and off the water," he added.

Over the past decade, the Samui Regatta has become one of Asia's leading regattas and one of Thailand's premier sporting and lifestyle events. It attracts strong fleets of racing, cruising, and multihull yachts, drawing approximately 500 participants from over 20 countries. As the final of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championship, the regatta generates around 18 million baht annually for the local economy of Koh Samui.

“It’s great to see such a strong field of competitors in all sailing classes again this year. There are some very evenly matched boats and crews, so I’m sure everyone will enjoy the five planned days of racing,” added race director Simon James.

Besides the exciting races on the water, the Samui Regatta also attracts spectators and tourists with its social program on land. The Centara Grand Beach Resort, host of the regatta, ensures that both crew and guests can enjoy the resort's amenities, service, and first-class cuisine.

The official opening party traditionally takes place at the Centara Grand Beach Resort and offers drinks, snacks, and top-notch entertainment. During the competition, the Regatta Tavern, located directly in front of the resort, opens its doors from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for sundowners on the beach and invites guests to its "Race Day Happy Hour." Samui Regatta cocktails, a wide selection of isotonic drinks, canapés, and much more are served at the open bar. The tavern is a popular meeting place to follow the day's race results and award ceremonies.

The Samui Regatta concludes in style with an exclusive gala dinner for over 500 guests on the beach lawn of the Centara Grand Beach Resort. A delicious buffet, live music, and the awards ceremony, presented by a celebrity host, are all on offer. Tickets are included in the crew fees; some can be purchased separately, as can day passes.

Centara Hotels & Resorts has been welcoming guests to Koh Samui for over 20 years, and the Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui is the ideal venue for regattas. This elegant beachfront resort, with its wonderfully nostalgic coastal charm, offers stylish bars and restaurants, stunning rooms and suites, including suites with private pools, and a spa. A timeless resort, classic yet modern, reflecting the contemporary culture of yachting tradition.

Further information can be found at: www.samuiregatta.com

About Centara Hotels & Resorts: Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand's leading hotel operator. The group's 58 properties are located across all major destinations in Thailand, as well as the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, China, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Centara's portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara, Centara Residences & Suites, and COSI Hotels – ranging from 5-star city hotels and luxury island resorts to family resorts and affordable lifestyle concepts featuring innovative technology. Centara also operates state-of-the-art convention centers and owns the award-winning spa brand Cenvaree. Across all of the group's hotels, Centara embodies and celebrates the hospitality and values ​​for which Thailand is renowned: attentive service, excellent cuisine, luxurious spas, and the importance of family. Centara's unique culture and diverse hotel formats allow it to appeal to and satisfy travelers of virtually any age and lifestyle. Centara plans to double its size over the next five years by adding more hotels in Thailand and new international markets, while also expanding its presence to new continents and niche markets. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will experience the company's unique style of hospitality in an increasing number of locations. The global loyalty program, Centara The1 Card, rewards this loyalty with prizes, benefits, and special member rates.