Charter in Asia 2021 – Thailand: Simpson Yacht Charter

alt="Charter in Asia 2021 – Thailand: Simpson Yacht Charter"/>

The Lagoon 40 (K-35), Beneteau Flyer 8.8 (Nauti One) and Lagoon 42 (Cloud Dancer)

Thailand – and Phuket in particular – remains Asia’s best-known holiday and yacht charter destination. With a Phuket base at Ao Po Grand Marina, Simpson Yacht Charter is among companies able to offer a wide range of yachts and itineraries, ranging from a sunset trip on a Beneteau Flyer to bareboat and crewed charters on a fleet of Lagoon sailing cats to superyacht charters including on the Sanlorenzo SL104 Indigo.

The company’s summer promotions for its Beneteau Flyer 8.8, Nauti One, include a 4hr sunset trip around Phang Nga Bay or Koh Yai Noi for THB15,000 (about US$470) or an 8hr trip around the Phi Phi Islands at THB18,000 (US$560).

The popular Lagoon 52 Blue Moon

However, Simpson Yacht Charter’s Thailand business is best known for its CA fleet of lagoon sailing catamarans. Bareboat charters on a Lagoon 40 (K-35) and Lagoon 42 (Cloud Dancer), both with four cabins, start from THB20,000 (US$620) per night during the summer. Available until September, this special ‘Green Season’ rate includes water toys like kayaks, paddleboards, fishing gear and snorkelling equipment.

Crewed charters are also available on both boats as well as the popular Lagoon 52 Blue Moon, which has five en-suite cabins, a 13ft Highfield tender, two inflatable kayaks, a paddleboard and 10 sets of snorkelling gear.

Lagoons offer light, luxurious accommodation

Simpson Yacht Charter is offering special four-day, three-night crewed packages to the Similan Islands. Located about 65nm northwest of Phuket, the Similans comprise 11 islands in the 140sqkm Mu Koh Similan National Park. The islands are surrounded by crystal-clear shallow waters that harbour colourful marine life, exciting rock formations and spectacular coral reefs.

Four-day packages start from THB260,000 (US$8,100) for the Lagoon 42 Cloud Dancer and THB300,000 (US$9,300) for the Lagoon 52 Blue Moon, with departure and drop-off from the west coast of Phuket

GULF OF THAILAND

Simpson Yacht Charter has a new addition to its charter options in Pattaya following the arrival of Ruen, the first Lagoon 46 in the Gulf of Thailand. Based at Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Ruen has a three-cabin layout including an enormous master suite that occupies the starboard hull, so can accommodate six guests and two crew for overnight stays.

The Lagoon 46 Ruen is a new addition to the SYC fleet

The east side of the Gulf of Thailand offers plenty of areas to explore including Ko Samae San, an island south of Pattaya and Jomtien. Haad Tien beach on the east of the island and Luk Lom in the north both offer nice swimming and even diving. Luk Lom is arguably the island’s nicest beach, with a stunning viewpoint overlooking the sea.

Ko Samet is further east, past Rayong, and is renowned for famous for its white-sand beaches, exotic coral and crystal-clear waters, as well as lively nightlife.

Ruen offers a stunning master suite

Further along the coast is Ko Chang, the biggest island on the eastern seaboard, and there are plenty of nearby islands also worth a visit. These include Ko Mak, Ko Kood (Ko Kut) and Ko Laoya, all with stunning shallow-water reefs, while Trat province offers plenty of on-land attractions.

Ruen’s toys include a dinghy, kayak, paddleboard and eight seats of snorkelling gear, with weekly charter rates starting from US$13,100 plus expenses.