ASIAN AWE
4/26/2007 5:09:41 PM by Sandy Lindsey
These world-class yacht clubs in Asia are poised to take on the future in a big way with serious events, regal regattas, revamped infrastructures and a bevy of other things you have to see to believe.
Asia is an up-and-coming market when it comes to just about everything in the new millennium. And yachting is no exception. From revamped historic clubs to brand-new ventures, world-traveling yachtsmen will not want to miss stopping by one of these havens by the sea.
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, UAE
Located in the part of the world known best for projects that can be seen from space, The Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is one-stop shopping for clubs. No longer is there a need to choose between going to the yacht club or the golf club for the day, or wasting time rushing between the two. The Dubai Creek property combines a 121-berth marina, yacht clubhouse, 92 four-bedroom villas, and the Park Hyatt Dubai on-site for visiting friends. In addition, there are six haute cuisine restaurants and extensive golf services just steps away.
The full-service yachting center is a home away from home with berths for megayachts, significant repair facilities and a well-appointed marine chandlery, all set on the beautiful waters of Dubai Creek. When you’re not aboard your boat, be prepared to get your woods and irons ready for an 18-hole course, which was rated as one of the “Top 100 Must-Play Courses in the World” by UK Golf World. This Par 71 championship course has twice been the site of the Dubai Desert Classic.
A recent redesign by Thomas Bjorn and European Golf Design makes the most of the 6,857 rolling yards of perfectly manicured fairways, water hazards, shrubbery and tropical landscaping to offer privacy in this downtown locale. To make your game better, there is a lit 9-hole par 3 course and driving range, state-of-the-art swing analysis center as well as short game practice sites. An expansive health club offers highly trained fitness instructors and exercise series. For more information, go to DubaiGolf.com.
Royal Varuna Yacht Club, Thailand
Though only 50 years old, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya, Thailand, has a history to rival the most famous yacht clubs. It all started out in 1957 with a simple ad in the Bangkok Post looking for “friends to form a boating club.” One of the members at the initial lunch meeting that led to the formation of the Varuna Marine Club was M.C. Bhisadej, who is called the “Godfather of Sailing” in Thailand. In addition to helping launch the yacht club, he introduced H.M. the King to the sport of sailing. The King became the club’s royal patron in 1965.
The club opened in a scenic seaside villa in Pattaya, with about 20 fishermen. From Bangkok in the 1950s the drive took up to six hours, and included a ferry ride. Yet the club flourished on the still-pristine waters of Pattaya Bay. The popularity of the club was further increased as H.M. the King and the Royal Family took up the sport.
As development encroached, the club was moved to its present site, which is even more stunning and unspoiled than its original location. The “over-the-hill” move to what locals viewed as “wilderness, with no power, no water supply, and no amenities,” was one of the best things the club did. The new clubhouse meets the needs of even the most discerning yachtsman.
The club has worked hard not to stray too far from its original mission to promote sailing. As such, it retains a large focus on dinghy and catamaran sailing including hobies, nacres, lasers and junior sailors. The result is a club with youth sailing programs that rival those of the legendary world-class sailing programs and races at the Coral Reef Yacht Club in the U.S., whose youth sailors have triumphed at the Olympics. Windsurfing has brought the club into the new millennium.
Fine dining is accomplished at the upper deck Regatta and Spinnaker Rooms. While the social hub is on the casual lower deck, the clubhouse bar is where the tall tales of the day get taller. Nineteen rooms are available for rent to members and guests, as are a variety of boats.
Watching the kids play around the lush pool deck it’s hard not to wonder who will be the next breakout star and take the sailing world by storm. After a day of sailing and socializing, take a quiet walk on the secluded beach that fronts some of the best waters on the planet. For more information, go to Royal-Varuna-Yacht-Club.com.
Manila Yacht Club, The Philippines
The Manila Yacht Club claims a privileged membership who is drawn by both the social and sporting aspects of the club. The history of this 80-year-old club is rich with triumph, adversity and adventure.
In 1941, pleasure sailing was temporarily stopped when WWII erupted and allied forces confiscated the boats at the club docks. Sailing was not resumed until 1945, when American forces arrived to liberate Manila. The U.S. Army occupied the club through March 1947. Around this time another notable event occurred with the welcoming of women members to the club for the first time.
The top sailing events in Manila always have, and continue to, take place out of the club facilities. From September to May, the racing season is in full swing. Highlights include the prestigious President’s Cup Regatta, the King’s Cup of Thailand and the Rajah Muda of Singapore.
Fine dining is in the form of the renovated clubhouse that now offers a more comprehensive menu of local and international cuisine. Members are encouraged to take advantage of the take-out items and packed meals to enjoy aboard their yachts. Banquets are also available in the Sunset, Diamond Helm, Amihan, Habagat and Salatan rooms. In addition to the well-maintained docks and services, the marina boasts full boatyard repair facilities with skilled carpenters, mechanics and painters. Visiting yachtsmen are welcome. For more information, go to ManilaYachtClub.org.
RSYC, Republic of Singapore
Something is always going on at the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club (RSYC). Whether it’s a visit from a notable sailor, a world-class sailing team and their high-tech yacht, a family fun day, or some wild and wacky personal watercraft antics, there’s something for everyone at this venerable club. The RSYC is not only the oldest club in Singapore, but the only yacht club fully owned by its members. Founded in 1826, the club was awarded the revered National Heritage Board Plaque in June 2000. The stunning clubhouse is also the recipient of the SIA Architectural Design Award in 2001.
Though membership is posh, the club boasts a relaxed, if luxuriant, atmosphere that makes it the perfect getaway for lunch or a week-long vacation. The first-rate marina offers fuel at competitive prices (which is always a good thing when filling a 500-plus gallon tank), M&E services, a chandlery, dive shop and convenient boat charters, as well as berths for visiting yachtsmen.
Dining choices start off at The Wharf, a casual, open-concept café with excellent views of the water and end in the contemporary clubhouse design for a selection of local and western dishes. Make sure to go to The Beacon for casual, open-air refreshments and The Bridge, a chic restaurant offering prime views of the marina and surrounding waters. Rounding out the food options is The Mess. This party place features a lively atmosphere in which to enjoy drinks and snacks, as well as shoot pool, watch the news and socialize. Equity memberships are available. For more information, go to RSYC.org.sg.
Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, China
The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club embodies all the elegance, tradition and protocol that traditional Hong Kong is known for, with a dash of the modern fast-paced city thrown in to keep things lively. This 150-year-old cosmopolitan club features three facilities housing virtually endless entertainment.
The main clubhouse is situated on Kellett Island in Causeway Bay. This location is the social and administrative center of the yacht club and where most of the fast-paced action occurs. Two minor, yet equally luxe, facilities round out the club’s offerings. The first is Shelter Cove near Sai Kung; the second is Middle Island in Repulse Bay.
In addition to stellar marine amenities, there’s an equally well-thought-out landside, a sumptuous swimming pool, exclusive waterside children’s playground, two squash courts, a first-class gymnasium with personal trainers, snooker and bowling sites and plentiful dining options, meaning that some members may never even make it to their yacht.
The marine section has 24 full-time staff members, who take care of the club’s 21 support boats, which run the gamut from RIB’s and Sampans to committee boats such as Kellett VI. The club also owns 67 sailing dinghies in a variety of designs and six windsurfers, all housed at Middle Island.
If that’s not enough to keep you busy for months on end, there’s a full social calendar. The premiere club event is Shanghaied!, the grand ball in November. Other events include a wine fair, food promotions, a summer kid’s club, rugby watching and pool parties.
The club is extremely exclusive, though membership is attainable and visiting members are welcomed. For more information, go to RHKYC.org.hk.