With the inaugural Kata Rocks Superyachts Rendezvous (KRSR) Phuket joins Monaco, St Tropez, Cannes and the Caribbean as one of the world’s most preeminent superyacht destinations.
With all the natural beauty that surrounds it and the luxury lifestyle the island itself has to offer, Phuket had all it takes to join the club of world’s elite yachting destinations – it just needed a push. This was provided by the three days of bespoke activities, glamorous parties and social events that filled the program of KRSR. Effortlessly mixing networking and socialising in a relaxed and luxurious environment, the event not only launched the 2017 cruising season, but opened a new chapter in Phuket’s yachting history.
The 15 world-class superyachts assembled for the rendezvous granted it a top spot on the list of Asian superyacht events and added a luxurious touch to the ever spectacular vista from Kata Rocks’ premises, where 250 esteemed guests, captains of industry and over a dozen superyacht owners enjoyed the fun filled three days program. The guests list included such personalities as Mr Bas Nederpelt Commercial Director Feadship, Mr Jean-Marc Poullet Chairman Asia Burgess, Mr Richard Lambert Managing Director Asia Burgess, Mr Trenton Gay CEO, Gold Coast City Marina, Mr Dick Van Lent, Director Feadship, Mr Gulu Lalvani, Chairman of Royal Phuket Marina, Mr Bart Kimman Managing Director Asia Northrop & Johnson, Mr Sietse Koopmans CEO & owner of Zeelander Yachts, Dr Chettha Songthaveepol Chairman of Penta Media, Mr Adam Frost Founder & MD Seal Superyachts, Ms Nicky Andre, Managing Director Hemisphere Crew Solutions (Monaco), Mr Vrit Yongsakul Managing Director Princess Yachts South East Asia, and Mr Josh Lee Founder & MD of Lee Marine, and many more.
Day 1
After a blissful day of lounging by Kata Rocks iconic infinity edge pool, KRSR guests joined the opening cocktail party. A spectacular sunset over the ocean dotted with superyachts and a stunning performance by the world fly board champion, served as a background for what turned out to be one of the most extravagant superyacht parties of 2016 – also thanks to a performance by a Thai pop opera superstars Fivera.
Day 2
Sure, you can simply walk down to the beach. Or you can get there with in style, by joining a spectacular parade on Superyachts to cruise along Phuket’s coast to The Surin Phuket, where invited guests indulged in a gourmet beach barbecue. Those who joined it will be looking back to the moments spent aboard the majestic MY Lauren L – largest superyacht attending the rendezvous, the ultra-modern Pershing 92 or the speedy Zeelander Z44 for the years to come.
The day was kept exciting by the launch of Kata Rocks’ own branded gin – hand crafted and with limited availability. Aptly named ‘The Spirit of Kata Rocks’ it was the drink of choice for that evening’s ‘Gins of the World‘ cocktail party.
What followed was maybe the most exclusive element of the program – a invitation-only Feadship Owner’s Dinner served at Kata Rocks Penthouse Sky Villa. There, superyacht and Kata Rocks owners, enjoyed a lavish gala dinner with sumptuous menu paired with Dom Pérignon, Penfolds ‘Grange’ 2010 and Louis XIII cognac by Rémy Martin, among others.
Those who attended weren’t the only winners that evening. Following the dinner, children at Phuket Youth Sailing Club received a donation of 150,000 THB collected during a silent auction bid of an original work of art by one of Thailand’s most prominent artists, Mr Watcharin Rodnit of Negarta Asian Art Gallery.
Day 3
More yacht visits followed on the third and final day of the rendezvous, with guests setting foot on board the 51m Dunia Baru’s, MY Princess 77, Dallinghoo Schooner, 34m Ocean Runner, and others. Those who decided to skip the “yacht hop” and remain on dry land, could enjoy relaxing treatments at Kata Rocks’ Infinite Luxury Spa, learn about the intricacies of wine and cheese pairings during a Penfolds masterclass or indulge in the complexity of cognac flavours and aromas with Louis XIII brand. Another stand out event of the day was a private Champagne breakfast in Kata Rocks Sky Villa Penthouse, attended by editors from over a dozen luxury lifestyle media – NAA included. Another Champagne brunch took place aboard 51m MY Northern Sun, courtesy of Burgess.
The KRSR closing celebration, billed as the charter season opening event, exceeded all expectations, with many calling it Phuket’s ‘party of the year,’ – much thanks to the amazing buffet prepared by Kata Rocks Executive Chef Laia Pons and her culinary team and live soundtrack provided by an internationally renowned cross-over band VieTrio and others.
With this memorable event, the KRSR 2016 came to a close, but even if you missed out on all this extravagance, more excitement awaits in 2017, with the dates of the next year’s edition set for 8 to 10 December. And with a boost provided by those three exiting days, Phuket will welcome the next installment of the rendezvous as a full-fledged member of the elite superyachts destinations club.
For more information, please visit: katarockssuperyachtrendezvous.com
