Discovering Koh Samui
Following reports of the highest number of superyachts to visit Koh Samui and the Gulf of Siam in western Thailand, Captain Charlie Dwyer shares notes on some of the season’s visiting superyachts and what they encountered.…
Following reports of the highest number of superyachts to visit Koh Samui and the Gulf of Siam in western Thailand this year, Captain Charlie Dwyer of Asia Pacific Superyachts shares notes on some of the season’s visiting superyachts and what they encountered.
Among superyachts visiting Koh Samui and the Gulf this season are the 55m motoryacht Keri Lee III, 51m motoryacht Double Haven, 50m motoryacht Sapphire, 40m motoryacht Amoha and 40m motoryacht Rasa. “Koh Samui and the Gulf of Siam have been host to more superyachts this season than ever before,” Captain Dwyer explains. “Off the radar for many years, captains are now dropping anchor in Koh Samui and discovering the natural wonders and beauty of the Gulf.”
“A great time of year, when weather conditions are not so favourable for vessels in other parts of the country, the cruising season in the Gulf of Siam is actually very good from February to September,” explains Captain Dwyer. “One of the visiting yachts arrived in May and cruised the Gulf until the end of August. The vessel then continued the cruise on to Vietnam and Cambodia and this same yacht plans to visit Singapore before continuing their journey on to Phuket, Thailand in November 2014.”
Though Koh Samui does not have an established superyacht marina at this time, Captain Dwyer reported that visiting superyacht captains found not only were there many safe anchorages, they were delighted to find it was as simple as putting forth a request to an agent.
In the important matter of provisioning, a chef on board one of the recently visiting yachts was impressed with the abundance of the fresh fruits, vegetables and imported meats. “There were many requests this season from captains and owners”, adds Captain Dwyer, "Including a gourmet BBQ on a private island, more than 100 tonnes of fuel delivered alongside and exotic provisions such as oysters from France, scallops from Japan, prime meat from Australia and lobsters from America.”
“Superyachts discovering Koh Samui will find an island with an interesting background,” concludes Captain Dwyer. “The island has gone through some of the biggest changes in its entire recorded history in recent years, transformed from a traditional sleepy fishermen and backpacker island into a full-on global and jet set island destination. Yachting visitors will find a variety and range of facilities and services which constantly expands and already includes everything from full servicing for superyachts to internationally recognized luxury shops and an incredible selection of gourmet dining, 5-star resorts and internationally acclaimed spas.”
Among superyachts visiting Koh Samui and the Gulf this season are the 55m motoryacht Keri Lee III, 51m motoryacht Double Haven, 50m motoryacht Sapphire, 40m motoryacht Amoha and 40m motoryacht Rasa. “Koh Samui and the Gulf of Siam have been host to more superyachts this season than ever before,” Captain Dwyer explains. “Off the radar for many years, captains are now dropping anchor in Koh Samui and discovering the natural wonders and beauty of the Gulf.”
Captain Charlie Dwyer
“A great time of year, when weather conditions are not so favourable for vessels in other parts of the country, the cruising season in the Gulf of Siam is actually very good from February to September,” explains Captain Dwyer. “One of the visiting yachts arrived in May and cruised the Gulf until the end of August. The vessel then continued the cruise on to Vietnam and Cambodia and this same yacht plans to visit Singapore before continuing their journey on to Phuket, Thailand in November 2014.”
Though Koh Samui does not have an established superyacht marina at this time, Captain Dwyer reported that visiting superyacht captains found not only were there many safe anchorages, they were delighted to find it was as simple as putting forth a request to an agent.
In the important matter of provisioning, a chef on board one of the recently visiting yachts was impressed with the abundance of the fresh fruits, vegetables and imported meats. “There were many requests this season from captains and owners”, adds Captain Dwyer, "Including a gourmet BBQ on a private island, more than 100 tonnes of fuel delivered alongside and exotic provisions such as oysters from France, scallops from Japan, prime meat from Australia and lobsters from America.”
“Superyachts discovering Koh Samui will find an island with an interesting background,” concludes Captain Dwyer. “The island has gone through some of the biggest changes in its entire recorded history in recent years, transformed from a traditional sleepy fishermen and backpacker island into a full-on global and jet set island destination. Yachting visitors will find a variety and range of facilities and services which constantly expands and already includes everything from full servicing for superyachts to internationally recognized luxury shops and an incredible selection of gourmet dining, 5-star resorts and internationally acclaimed spas.”
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