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Asia’s newest, high-tech yachting haven,
the Royal Phuket Marina has become an award-winner – six months prior to its completion date
(December 2005).
The state-of-art marina has just been awarded the prestigious “Five Gold Anchor” by the Yacht Harbour Association, an arm of the British Marine Federation.
Five Gold Anchors is the highest of three honours a marina can earn in The Gold Anchor Award Scheme, which was established to improve the standard of facilities for
boat owners worldwide and indicates the level of available facilities.
Royal Phuket Marina is one of only two marinas in Asia to rank in the top category.
Double the size of any other yachting haven in Phuket,
the Royal Phuket Marina is part of a new US$150 million “luxury lifestyle marina community” on the paradise island’s
eastern seaboard in Phang Nga Bay.
With 350 berths and 400 luxury villas, penthouses and condominiums, it is also the island’s only marina with a dock, non-tidal deepwater basin and private moorings on
the doorstep of residences.
The marina can accommodate vessels of up to 40 metres and has just started welcoming its first yachts following the Thai government’s decision to abolish import duty
on boats.
“As a result, owning a yacht or boat is a far more realistic proposition in Thailand, where the marine industry is still in its infancy,” said Andy Stephens, Marina Manager.
The marina is being built in two phases. Phase 1, the 31,000 sq metre outer marina, comprises 85 wet berths, 120 dry berths, complete with a 60-tonne travel hoist and
hardstand for maintenance, for both public moorings; private berths for homeowners; and a select group of commercial operators. The marina is protected from both
wind and waves, with 24-hour surveillance.
Phase 2, the inner marina, is for exclusive use of private marina residents, with a sophisticated lock system for access.
The marina complex also features a boat and accessories showroom with a dealership for premier brands Boston WHALER and SeaRay. It is also a centre for tours and
charters with fully crewed yacht charters available.
Phuket is home to the region’s most prestigious annual regatta, The King’s Cup, held annually in early December.
The official opening is scheduled for December 2005. The entire project is due for completion in 2007. A 5-star boutique hotel is also included in longer-term plans.
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