THAILAND was voted the favorite sailing venue in Asia and the Phuket King's Cup Regatta best regatta in Asia, according to a survey among sailors.

The survey also found also that the 2009 regatta generated approximately 40 million baht for the Island economy.

Conducted by the Top of The Gulf Regatta with the Phuket King's Cup Regatta, the survey aimed to find out sailing trends and provide useful information in helping to attract more sailors to Thailand.

Phuket King's Cup this year attracted 111 boats and about 1000 registered sailors of 33 different nationalities. The survey found that more than 30 percent of the sailors who participated in the 23rd Phuket King's Cup Regatta have been sailing in Thailand for more than 10 years, while 20 percent are relative newcomers, sailing in Thailand for 1-3 years.

The survey found that Thailand is a popular sailing destination with international sailors, with many returning numerous times to enjoy the cruising grounds and sailing events Thailand has to offer.

Fifty-six percent said that the Phuket King's Cup Regatta is their favorite event in Asia while 71 percent said that Thailand, with the main sailing venues being Phuket, Pattaya and Samui, is the best sailing destination in Asia. The reasons: ideal geography, good weather conditions and beautiful scenery.

Thirty-one percent of those surveyed were sailors who have been sailing in Asia for more than 10 years, with 27 percent newcomers (having sailed in Asia for only 1-3 years) and 15 percenthaving sailed in Asia for 4-6 years.

Asia has long been a popular sailing region with Thais and expatriates. This was reinforced recently with the confirmation of an Asian series of the popular European Extreme 40 Sailing Series. More recently, there has been confirmation of Hong Kong being part of the Louis Vuitton Series in 2010. Events such as these focus the world's attention on Asia as a leading sailing destination.

When asked how they found out about regattas or sailing events in Asia, 50 percent said ''Friend/ Sailing community,'' followed by 38 percent who said ''specific event website.''

It was found that participants in the Phuket King's Cup Regatta are truly international with 35 percent from Australia and New Zealand, 30 percent from Europe, 27 percent from Asia, with strong participation from US, Canada and Russia, among others.

William Gasson, President of the Top of The Gulf Regatta, said: ''As part of organising a good regatta, we have to understand the sailors and find out sailing trends, to help promote all sailing events in Thailand and expand the sailing network throughout the country and beyond.''

The recent survey showed that the majority of participants spent approximately 40,000 baht on accommodation, food and drink during their time at the Phuket King's Cup Regatta, and that over 30 percent spent in the region of 150,000 per person.

Based on the survey results,regatta participants injected more than 40 million baht into the local economy during regatta week.

These figures do not include expenditure associated with hosting the event, corporate hospitality, travel by participants, charter revenues and more.

Kevin Whitcraft, President of the 23rd Phuket King's Cup Regatta said: ''We are pleased that the event was found to be the favorite regatta in Thailand and attracts repeat sailors to come to Phuket every year. We are committed to delivering the best regatta in Asia.''

The Top of The Gulf Regatta is one of the major sailing events in Thailand. The regatta will be hosted by the Ocean Marina Yacht Club on April 30 - May 4, 2010.

The event is the only marina-based regatta in Thailand and attracts more than 200 different boats. For more information, visit www.topofthegulfregatta.com