Have been to Pattaya a few times over the years, but never really liked the place or got to know my way around. Although the Missus is no longer tied to Bangkok 24/7 she now has to work Monday to Friday, therefore a trip down to Phuket is not feasible – therefore the nearest seaside that appears to have enough western creature comforts for me that we can easily visit for a weekend (Friday evening - sunday night) seems to be Pattaya – unless anyone can tell me different. Do they actually have a Marina there or nearby?

What I want to do is see how she gets on with sailing, so I am either after to charter a yacht myself or preferably have a skippered and catered charter – either just for the day or over a weekend and sleeping aboard. With Scuba Diving / other water sports (windsurfing / Kayaking) aboard would be nice, but not essential and dependent on price! Am not after (and can’t afford ) an 80 foot yacht! Anything 30 foot upwards would be Ok and it is not necessary to be the only guests aboard, not interested in racing or even sailing performance.

Although sailing is something the Missus knows I like and do in Farangland it is something which I have never discussed much before, basically because talking about expensive hobbies never seems polite when dealing with folk who live in a world where the priority is putting food on the table – but now the intention is that after we marry she moves back here to Farangland I want to see how she copes in an easy environment (ie warm!) before introducing her to the joys of being wet and freezing cold aboard a yacht in Farangland Also it would just be good fun for me!

If we enjoy it, then we might make it a regular weekend event during my next trip to Thailand.

Of course we could just rent a hobie cat – which would be a first for me.

Any ideas folks?

Find your accomodation in Jomtien, away from the naughty Pattaya nightlife...

Then for the sailing head down to either Royal Varuna

http://www.royal-varuna-yacht-club.com/Home.htm

or to the Ocean Marina

http://www.oceanmarinayachtclub.com/

Both are within 10 minutes from Jomtien Beach, but since anything remotely connected with yachts in Thailand is considered "Elite", prices are accordingly...

Try Captain Phil and the guys at Gulf Charters based at Ocean Marina. There is a hotel and huts available for rent there, plus there is a hotel next door, called the Botany Beach Resort. The Royal Varuna is very nice, but is a private members club. Phil's no is 038 237752 and his email [email protected]

Cheers folks.