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If sailing is your game, then Thailand is your playground. If you haven't heard of the amazing cruising grounds in this part of the world, you either haven't been sailing for very long or have simply never set foot on a boat.

They are world-renowned, not only for their almost perfect sailing weather but for the spectacular scenery and idyllic islands scattered along both its coastsOn the eastern side, there is a safe year-round haven for yachts, just south of Pattaya and another in Chonburi. There are a few charter boats here if you'd like to give sailing a try. The islands of the Gulf of Thailand offer much to the visitor, being both picturesque and mostly un-inhabited.

The area also generally offers good winds, catering to both the novice and more experienced helmsman. The more popular cruising grounds though, are that of the west coast and around Phuket.With two world-class marinas, one at the northern end of the island, the other midway down the east coast, yacht clubs and the venue of the annual King's Cup Regatta,Phuket is a sailor's heaven. There are a number of charter companies offering various different packages, from ‘bareboats' to those supplied with a skipper and cook.

You can take a day trip out on an Indonesian Junk to Phang Nga Bay, the renowned venue of two ‘James Bond' films or sail to the islands to the southeast, where the more recent film ‘The Beach' was made.If you want to steer clear of the crowds most of the islands of Phang Nga and the west coast, are un-inhabited.

Some have quaint fishing villages nestled between, towering limestone monoliths that soar clean out of the surrounding waters. Dripping with natural jungle, interesting wildlife, caves, hidden hongs (rooms) and tranquility, these islands are indeed one of nature's masterpieces.

The Ao Chalong Yacht Club, just south of Phuket Town is a popular venue for the local yachting fraternity. This club is well known for its friendliness towards visitors and if you're keen and want to know anything ‘boating' they're always willing to chat. They also hold monthly regattas, which are well attended and if you would like to crew, you never know, there may be a boat looking for a hand.Thailand, a place where you don't just lie on the beach, dreaming of sailing on one of those graceful yachts gliding by. Instead, with the sun's glistening reflection around the boat and a gentle breeze on your back, it's you, that's out there.