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Moorings and anchorages
Phuket
There are many anchorages around Phuket, but for sailors wishing to
be close to yachting services there are three good year-round choices:
Ao Chalong, nearby Ao Yon, and off the Yacht Haven Marina at the north
end of the island.
Ao Chalong
A large shallow bay in the island's southeast, Ao Chalong is the first
stop for most yachts visiting the island. There are many yacht-related
services on shore, including a building at the jetty housing immigration,
customs and harbour master for one-stop clearance service, as well
as restaurants and bars. It is about 10km by road from Phuket Town.
Chalong faces southeast, the entrance protected partially
by the island of Koh Lon. Approach from the south or west. Anchor
well offshore in 4-7 metres, north of the jetty to avoid ferry traffic.
Good holding on the mud bottom. Dinghy access to the beach is impossible
during spring tides, when dinghies can tie up at the jetty. During
the northeast monsoon, a chop can develop in the anchorage due to
the long fetch across the bay. Some swell can be experienced during
the southwest monsoon. Your biggest worry is nearby speedboats with
light ground tackle dragging onto you in a storm.
There are moorings available for monthly rental; inquire
ashore about availability and safety. Even under anchor, there is
a 300-baht weekly port fee, waved if say you are only there to check
in.
The friendly Ao Chalong Yacht Club
welcomes visiting sailors. The clubhouse is on the beach, just north
of the Fishing Lodge. It offers good food, satellite television and
a pool table. It's an active club, with regular fun races and organizational
involvement in several regattas. Call 076 381 488, fax 076 381 934
or email info@acycphuket.com.
There have been reports of theft, especially during
the low season when there is less activity in the bay. Keep your boat
locked up when ashore. Chalong is probably not ideal if you plan to
leave your boat unattended for long periods.
Ao Yon
Across from Ao Chalong, this is the home of the Phuket
Yacht Club, a small, family-oriented club in a tranquil setting.
The beachfront club has regular weekend activities and offers sailing
lessons for children with its fleet of sailing dinghies. Yachts intending
to stay long-term can arrange through the club for moorings to be
installed for a reasonable one-time fee. Contact David Ratcliffe at
076 211 470, mobile 01 087 5614, email yindi@ksc.th.com.
Laem Phrao
Peaceful anchorage, just north of the Yacht Haven
Marina, in the sheltered channel between Phuket and the mainland.
It's a long way by road from Phuket Town (about 40 minutes, 15 minutes
to the airport), but very close to the beautiful year-round cruising
grounds of Phang Nga Bay. Anchorage has all-tide access (minimum 2.5
metres). Good holding in mud.
Ashore you won't find the many services found at Ao
Chalong, but a number of marine-related tradesmen and businesses are
located here. Three restaurants, two with bars. Car and motorcycle
rental and Internet access available from shop at Yacht Haven.
Theft is rare. Good choice if you want to leave a yacht
for extended period. Channel seldom develops a chop. Easy dinghy access
to shore.
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Yachting guide to Phuket, Langkawi & the
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