In another first for Phuket youth sailing, Phuket Yacht Club together at Ao Yon, together with the Samui Yacht Club Regatta present the inaugural Island Trophy. This two-day regatta, with kids from Koh Samui and Phuket competing in their first-ever real boat race, will take place off Ao Yon on Saturday and Sunday, 22 and 23 March.

The competitors, kids from around 8 years upwards, are learning to sail the tiny Optimist dinghies in Koh Samui with the Samui Yacht Club Regatta and here in Phuket as part of the Phuket Yacht Club's sail training programme.

The Island Trophy is set to become an annual event, alternating between Koh Samui and Phuket. The 2008 event will consist of three races on each day, with a beachside BBQ & Prize Giving on Sunday 23rd March.10-12 youngsters will race over the two days and the trophy will be awarded to the overall winner, with medals for individual races and age categories.

Rolien Beute, PR committee member of the Phuket Yacht Club told the Post there a few new ideas on the table now and the the club is looking to see this spin-off into even more events in the future,"But we do need to be careful that we don't try to do too much too quickly; our resources, particularly people resources, are really limited."

For now, the PYC is happy to present the opportunity for the kids and their families to have fun, and get a taste for competitive sailing at the same time.

Although Phuket arguably offers the best sailing in the world, opportunities for youngsters to learn sailing have been extremely limited. The sail training programme at Ao Yon is a big step in a direction that offers Phuket kids a lively interest, a marketable skill and a lot of healthy, competitive fun.

"Learning to sail gives kids a lively interest, a marketable skill and a lot of healthy, competitive fun," says Rolien."And it gives them something to do that's a lot healthier and more productive than hanging around internet gaming cafes, 7-Elevens and shopping malls on the weekend...

"Suwalai Pinpradab, Director of the TAT's Region 4 Southern Office, told the Bangkok Post recently that Phuket has the potential to be the marina hub of Asia, indicating that the authorities see marine tourism as the key to luring higher-spending tourists to the island. A lively and thriving local sailing community not only sends the message out around the world that Phuket is a prime yachting destination, it also provides the resources in terms of boats and skilled manpower to service the demand professionally. There is no better way to develop a long-term sailing community than by encouraging youngsters to enjoy sailing."

Rolien feels that there is plenty for kids to do on Phuket,"but a lot of it depends on kids taking the initiative, usually with encouragement from parents, to get involved in a hobby or sport that tests their abilities, that stretches the possibilities.

"The problem today," she rues, "is that parents and kids tend to think everything should be served up ready to enjoy--like a microwave dinner--with no effort. Phuket is a tremendous natural playground. What's often missing is the willingness to put effort into making the most of it."

For more details on the Island Trophy, the Ao Yon sail training programme or sponsorship opportunities, contact phuketyachtclub@gmail.com