Roster of Superyachts Will Race at Asia Superyacht Rendezvous 2018

After what is sure to be a superb opening night cocktail party aboard luxury sailing vessel, La Numero Uno, the yachts will depart the following morning from the beautiful Sala Phuket Resort for Day 1 of ASR Cup racing at the 17th Asia Superyacht Rendezvous held in Phuket.

In an electrifying two days of racing, sailing superyachts S/Y Intrigue, S/Y La Numero Uno, S/Y Minico, S/Y Aphrodite, and S/Y Aspiration will fiercely compete in their quest to be the 2nd annual overall winner of the ASR Cup, accompanied by striking motor yachts M/Y Siam Princess, M/Y Darling and M/Y Azul A.

S/Y La Numero Uno will host the opening night cocktail party 

As the sun rises over pristine Mai Khao Bay excitement will fill the air as motor yachts gracefully take up their viewing positions and guests lounge on deck to enjoy the spectacle as captains and crews anticipate the sounding horn, which will launch the race from the Committee Boat, the Siam Princess, a 1986 70ft classic motor cruiser designed by King Yacht.

Organiser Gordon Fernandes recalled the legendary racing in 2017, when the big sailing yachts vied for the first ASR Winner’s Cup: “Race Day 1 had a sausage course [windward/leeward course] set with clear skies, calm seas, light wind and an unusual occurrence of points on another sausage course. S/Y Aphrodite, S/Y Tiara, S/Y Bliss and S/Y Dallinghoo battled it out in an impressive display of workmanship to create an exciting race for spectators. Race Day 1 was unique in that three yachts crossed the finish line within a minute of each other!”

Sailing, camaraderie and parties are the order of the day throughout this elite gathering of superyacht owners, guests, captains and crew in the friendly but competitive atmosphere of those in pursuit of winning the second annual ASR Cup. Welcoming guests at the elite event for their first year as a Co-Sponsor is Yacht Services Thailand, joining Sponsors Sala Phuket Resort & Spa and Asia Pacific Superyachts. Also for the first time, a Corinthian Class is on the schedule for those who prefer non-competitive sailing.

“The second day of racing proved to be an even better day to be out on the water with stiff winds, lovely weather and the added bonus of double points on another sausage course, with S/Y Aphrodite battling others to be the first champion of the ASR Winner's Cup. Captain Simon Blundell accepted the trophy on behalf of his crew at the Gala Dinner, and after a little friendly jabbing at his competitors, stated that he looked forward to coming back again next year.”

S/Y Aphrodite, winner of the ASR Cup in 2017, returns to stake her claim this year. 

Marking the course were motor yachts M/Y Vie San Soucis, 34m M/Y Azul A and 33m M/Y After 8, along with some pleasure sailing vessels. Race Director Andy Dowden said that it was one of the best groups of competitors he had seen in years and sponsors, guests and organisers seemed to be in full agreement. "The outstanding participation from all crew members, owners and captains created a light-hearted yet competitive atmosphere of thrilling ‘Winner’s Cup’ ocean racing,” Dowden concluded. 

Year after year the ASR Cup brings together an extraordinary assemblage of vessels and characters, said Fernandes: “A superyacht rendezvous is an opportunity (or an excuse) for getting your feet wet, for meeting and greeting, informal networking [..]. This is the longest-running event of its nature in the region, and continues to be the superyacht draw card for Asia. Phuket is a fabulous destination and base for cruising, especially given the new Thai Government Charter Regulations; this is an event that should be on the radar of everyone in the superyacht industry in Asia.”