Why Is Pattaya Such A Great Sailing Base?

In my dream, I’m gently floating. There’s a soft splashing noise, and then the sound of a small wave breaking on the beach. I open my eyes and experience a split second of pleasant confusion. Ah, yes.. now I remember: I’m on a sailing yacht. It’s early, 6 am. The sun has not come up yet, but the sky is beginning to lighten. It’s so peaceful. My friends are still sleeping, and there’s no one to be seen anywhere. Oh, there’s another boat anchored just around the corner of the bay. I remember seeing them last night as they cruised in. I take a long deep breath of clean air and reflect on how lucky I am. We’re anchored in a bay a thousand miles from anywhere. Well, not quite but it sure seems that way.

A little while later, having finally woken up, cup of tea in hand, I reflect on the previous day. As we approached the Ocean Marina Yacht Club Pattaya an early morning sun bounced off the sails while a breeze picked up. My friends and I had booked an overnight sailing trip, an adventure we were all thoroughly looking forward to.

We me up with our skipper for the trip, since none of us are proficient enough yet to have the certifications to be able to sail bareboat (without a skipper). He immediately got us and our gear onto the boat, and anticipation was running high. Safety briefing completed, engine on, and we were heading out of the Marina Pattaya and it wasn’t even 09.30 yet

On the sail out, we learned from the skipper why Pattaya (and the Gulf of Thailand as a whold) is a great cruising and sailing venue. Out came the navigation charts dotted with innumerable islands. Head south and you come to Koh Klet Kaeo (more commonly known as Monkey island for it’s inhabitants a monkey population that comes out to greet you when you anchor close by). A little further south and you arrive at Koh Kram with its vast beach of golden sand.

Travel north from Ocean Marina Pattaya and you’ll see Jomtien and Pattaya Bay in a whole new light. Continue on to the Royal Varuna Yacht Club Pattaya with a fe Hobie Cats “flying” through the water, past Koh Chun and up to Koh Si Chang Pattaya.

But today the prevailing winds meant we were heading east, out past the big white rock (home to an un-inhabited lighthouse) of Koh Rang Kwaian. We had a lunch date at Koh Rin. But as we slid into the bay and the anchore dropped, all thoughts of hunger disappeared, replaced by an overwhelming desire to jump into the clearest, bluest water I had ever seen.

“Is this really Pattaya?” I thought as I dove in with my snorkel gear.

We were on a weekend overnight trip, on a boat that can sleep six in a pinch, the four of us an our skipper in relative comfort. But, not all trips need to be overnight. The islands are close enough to make Pattaya-Jomtien a fun and convenient base for day sailing. A stone’s throw from central Pattaya with the local islands one to two hours’ sail away, one can spend the day exploring, swimming and snorkeling at these remote, idyllic locations, and be back at the marina for a hot shower, great food and a comfortable bed in the evening.

But we had gone a step further and opted for the excitement of an overnight trip, and it was over lunch that we reflected on how safe and protected the coastal waters of Pattaya and the Gulf of Thailand really are. Very few sailing hazards to worry about with calm waters (the swells are rarely large enough to cause any concern) to a depth of only five to six meters. The anchorages are good, and everywhere you go you have mobile phone and VHF radio coverage what more could you need?

A rum and coke, was the answer to that question and that is exactly what I was enjoying. By now we had sailed on from our lunch spot at Koh Rin onto Koh Phai a large island east of Koh Lan, and were again at anchor. We were in four meters of water with the sandy bottom clearly visible, whilst 50 meters away was the most golden of beaches. The sun was setting, and whilst the rum and coke was sliding down at a pace, thoughts were turning to dinner on board, with a peaceful evening ahead under the stars.

For more information about Pattaya Accommodation visit: http://baanleelaone.blogspot.com

Author: Anuwong Leelasirinuwong
Article Source: EzineArticles.com