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Summer Sailing at Varuna
The pandemic has meant that an overseas summer holiday is not going to be possible this year and both Thais and expatriate residents are looking at holiday and leisure options in the country.
For Bangkok residents the preferred destinations are within 2 to 3 hours of the city.
One of Thailand’s less well known gems is the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya.
The family friendly, members only sailing club is located on the beach near the Royal Cliff Hotel.
The club is for beach launched boats, both catamarans and monohulls.
Qualified instructors train both children and adults from beginners to experienced sailors in Thai and English. There is no need to own a boat to join, as the club has rental boats.
The club has a restaurant, accommodation and swimming pool.
“It’s a perfect escape from Bangkok.Learning to sail is a great activity for children to get out in a healthy environment, in a sport where it’s possible to maintain social distancing “said Susan Williams, mother of two children who learned to sail at RVYC . “It’s safe for kids both on and off the water “.
“RVYC is a fantastic family facility for all age groups and nationalities “said Mrs. Koravic Bhanubandh Na Ayudhaya who spent her childhood weekends sailing at RVYC and whose son now also sails at Varuna.
Membership of the club is open to all regardless of sailing experience.
There are over 400 members of 40 nationalities.
“People are sometimes put off by the name” yacht club “but this is not a big fancy marina just a great facility for families, recognized as being one of the best small sailing clubs in the world “said Barry Osborne the General manager.
The club is for members only but membership fees are reasonable and available for both individuals and families.
“During this time of severe travel restrictions on travel, learning to sail at Royal Varuna Yacht Club is a great opportunity to pick up a lifelong skill in a healthy environment “