Koh Samui, Thailand, June 1, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Three days full of competitions and changing wind conditions made for an exciting battle at the 23rd Samui Regatta, Thailand's most important sailing event.

The IRC Open Class provided exciting competition in five races, featuring some of the best sailors and yachts in the region.

The “Alive” proved to be an outstanding performance under skipper Duncan Hine, a two-time winner of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, after sailing more than 2,500 kilometers from Australia to Koh Samui.

The fleet also includes Aftershock, led by Steve McConaghy, recently named Sailor of the Year by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, and defending champion Team Hollywood, skippered by Ray Roberts, one of Asia's most experienced yacht owners and helmsmen. Roberts has a proven track record of success in major regattas in the region and is known for building highly competitive teams.

Despite Alive's speed, Team Hollywood has taken the overall lead for the remaining days of the regatta through consistent performances and strong handicap results.

The first three days tested both sailors and race directors. The first day offered optimal racing conditions, while the lighter winds on the second day demanded patience and tactical skill. The third day brought shifting winds and a mix of different race formats, rewarding adaptability. Despite the challenging conditions, race director Simon James and his team successfully completed five races.

After three days, five races, and one discard, Team Hollywood leads the IRC Open Class with 4 points, followed by Alive with 7, Aftershock with 12, and Iolanthe 3 with 14 points. With two race days remaining, the title race is still wide open.

Beyond the competition, the regatta continues to help showcase Koh Samui as a leading sports tourism destination, attracting sailors, supporters and visitors from across the Asia-Pacific region.

After the rest day on Thursday, the races will resume on Friday and conclude on Saturday with the final awards ceremony at the Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel.

With only a few points separating the leading teams, the last two days promise an exciting finale at one of Asia's most important sailing events.

The Samui Regatta, a prestigious event on the sailing calendar, will take place from May 24th to 30th, 2026. Keelboats will sail in the IRC Open class. The event will be held at the Nora Beach Resort and Spa, providing an ideal setting for participants and spectators.

The Samui Regatta Committee organizes the event in cooperation with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand under the royal patronage, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, the province of Surat Thani and Regatta Asia.

Sponsors and supporters of the 23rd Samui Regatta include the Samui Tourism Promotion Association, Nora Beach Resort & Spa, Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel, Regent Chaweng Beach Resort, HaadThip Public Company Limited, Frank Pong's Jelik, UK Sailmakers, Samui Verticolor Hotel, Chaweng Garden Beach Resort, Bangkok Airways, Bangkok Samui Hospital, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Media partners are Thailand Marine Guide and SEA Yachting Magazine.

About the Samui Regatta: The Samui Regatta is the island's most prestigious sporting event. It underscores Thailand's status as a world-class sailing destination and an important stop on the Asian sailing circuit. The regatta began in 2001 with a small fleet of beach catamarans. Since then, it has developed remarkably and gained international recognition among sailors.

Regatta Asia is organizing the event. The aim of the regatta is to boost tourism on Koh Samui, increase the prestige of sailing in Asia, and promote participation in water sports.