The 13th annual Asia Superyacht Rendezvous took place in Phuket, Thailand, 16 to 18 December, 2013, attracting eleven megayachts to Kata Bay, anchored off this year's new host venue Kata Rocks.
Also sponsored by Boat International Media, Feadship and Asia Pacific Superyachts, the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous annually draws motor and sailing superyachts to the tranquil waters of the Andaman Sea for three days of sailing and social events. Motor yachts in attendance included Maid Marian 2, Moonsand, Maverick, 45m Big Fish and 50m Sapphire. They were joined by six sailing yachts, including first time participants Argo and Capricorn, alongside returning yachts Intrigue, Sunshine, Yanneke Too and Shamoun.
The event began with a ‘yacht hop’ as speedboats delivered guests between participating superyachts in advance of the first day of racing, which saw all sailing superyachts compete in race followed closely by the spectating motor yachts. Day one of racing saw close competition between Sunshine and Yanneke Too, with Sunshine winning by a small margin in a steady 15 knot northwesterly breeze. On day two, a 15 knot northeasterly wind made for a close and exciting race with Intrigue taking the win by a mere two boat lengths.
Shoreside activities complemented the on-water action. This included the Feadship Challenge, a model boat building competition, which also pits the newly constructed vessels in a race. Maverick was declared the winner of the boat building contest race, while Intrigue won the prize for best boat design. Intrigue fared well throughout the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous, also winning during the infamous ‘Rendezvous Booty’, a pirate treasure hunt involving navigation, running and swimming skills.
The Asia Superyacht Rendezvous culminated with an exclusive Gala Dinner at Kata Rocks for owners and their guests, providing gourmet cuisine prepared by the venue’s Executive Chef, Paul Quarchioni. Meanwhile, the crew gathered at REKATA Beach club to enjoy the closing party sponsored by Sevenstar Yacht Transport.
The 14th edition of the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous returns to Phuket on 16 to 18 December, 2014.