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Evason Phuket Raceweek - Race Report 4 - 31/07/05

Evason Phuket Raceweek - Race Report 3 - 30/07/05

Evason Phuket Raceweek - Race Report 2 - 29/07/05

Evason Phuket Raceweek - Race Report 1 - 28/07/05

Post Tsunami, Low-Season and Mid SW Monsoon blues... Report from Asian Yachting - 37/07/05

King's Cup Regatta Supports Evason Phuket Raceweek 2005 - 24/07/05

Quantum Naga Cup 2005 - Race Report 2 Summary - 24/07/05

Quantum Naga Cup 2005 - Race Report 1 - 23/07/05

4th Koh Samui International Regatta 2005 - Race Report 5 & Summary: 28/05/05

4th Koh Samui International Regatta 2005 - Race Report 4: 27/05/05

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Phuket and its surrounding islands comprise one of the most spectacular sailing grounds in the region, with beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and a geography that is stunning. Lying in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is Thailand’s second most popular tourist destination after Bangkok, and the country’s wealthiest province. Whether it be cruising, island hopping, climbing, fishing, diving, shopping, or just lying on a beach, Phuket and surrounds have something to offer everyone.

Geography
Phuket Island is 50km long and connected to the mainland by Sarasin Bridge at the northern tip. Phuket’s tropical coastline consists primarily of sandy bays divided by rocky peninsulas, with some more sheltered areas featuring large expanses of mudflats and mangroves. Running almost half the length of the island, separating east from west, is a ridge of mountains, passable by road at certain locations. At the higher elevations, parts of the mountains are covered by jungle and small areas of tropical forest, the largest single area being Khao Phra Thaew forest reserve in the northeast of the island.

History
The Island had many names in its history, before settling on the present name of Phuket, and has a unique culture as a result of Chinese, Portuguese and Malay influences, along with smaller groups such as the semi-nomadic sea gypsies (chao ley).

Traders from Arabia, India, Malaysia, China and Portugal sailed to Phuket, exchanging goods for locally produced rubber and tin. Some settled here, and most left their mark in the island’s architecture (visible in Phuket City), culture and religion.

Weather
Phuket’s warm winter climate is one reason that a few million tourists visit Phuket each year. The northeast monsoon wind blows from November to April bringing with it clear, sunny skies and an average temperature of 30-32ºC. Known as the rainy season, the southwest monsoon runs from May to October and with it comes higher humidity, fluctuating temperatures and intermittent rain showers.