2009 Social Programme

Page updated 6 November, 2009

Sail past Laem Promthep in honour of H.M. The King
To see photos of the sail past, click here.

As a tribute to H.M. The King, and in a gesture of national reconciliation amidst the current political problems in Thailand, a programme of mass singing of the Thai National Anthem began on 20 September in Krabi and is rolling out across the entire country, ending on 4 December, the day before His Majesty’s birthday, in Ubon Ratchathani. It is quite a spectacle!

It will be Phuket’s turn on 29 October and the occasion, which will be shown on national TV, will take place at Laem Promthep promptly at 6.00pm (this is when the National Anthem is played every day on Thai TV and radio).

Knowing that His Majesty was a keen and skilled yachtsman, the Governor has called on the (mostly foreign) yachting community to conduct a ‘sail-by’ to coincide with the singing. Taking part in this event is a great opportunity to demonstrate that foreigners don’t just come here to ‘take’ – that we are also sensitive to Thai culture and the Thai community. It is also an opportunity to demonstrate that Ao Chalong Yacht Club is a true ‘Phuket community’ club.

Conversely, ignoring the call because it is ‘too much trouble’ may confirm the all-too-often negative view of foreigners who have made Phuket their home.

If you are able to participate with your boat, please email Grenville Fordham at gren@image-asia.com as soon as possible. If we get a lot of boats participating, some will surely need crew to help out; if you could help crew on a boat, please also email Grenville.

The idea is to leave Ao Chalong (or wherever you are based) so as to arrive off Laem Promthep by 5.30 latest. Discussions are happening to get as many details as possible, and those participating will be kept informed.

Power boats are welcome to join in – so please pass the word around to friends who are power boat owners who may not be on our ACYC mailing list.

Finally, as we’ll be arriving back into Ao Chalong in the evening, ACYC will put up some free beer for all who’ve taken part – as a gesture of appreciation for your support (… exactly how much free beer is yet to be decided…)

Thanks for reading to the end and I hope you are able to join in.

Tides on the day

Time:	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23
Tide:	1.6	1.5	1.6	1.8	2.1	2.4	2.6	2.8	2.7	2.5	2.3

Wind Guru for the preceding 4 days