Cruise Dates: November 8-21, 2026
Overview
In the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand is endowed with unparalleled tropical beauty. Of its four distinct regions, the southern peninsular reaches of the country are of the most interest to sailors. We’ll be sailing Moorings and Sunsail yachts from Ao Po Bay on Phuket’s east coast, visiting islands and coral reefs in the Andaman Sea, both north and south of Phuket.
A Phuket sailing vacation offers a multitude of scenic and secure anchorages, pristine white‐sand beaches, rugged uninhabited islands, and lively nightlife and resorts. The snorkeling is mostly great everywhere, but it is especially pristine in the south half of the sailing area, with 100’ visibility when the weather is settled, considered by tour guides to be the best in Asia.
And, there is so much more to Thailand. Bangkok is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Chang Mai is home to an incredible Buddhist temple, renowned elephant and tiger sanctuaries. Phuket’s west coast beaches are beautiful and visited by sea and surf fun seekers from around the world. Thai people are famously warm and welcoming. The attractions of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and more are short flights away for longer pre/post flotilla extensions.
Favorable Winds and Lots of Sunshine
Thailand is a year-round sailing destination. There are two main seasons, which are called the wet and dry season, or the Southwest or Northeast monsoon, respectively. Seasonal winds tend to be predictable, although there may be inconsistencies as they change from one to the other.
The Northeast monsoon runs from November to April and has wind speeds of 4 to 16 knots from the northeast. The winds are stable during this period and temperatures are usually in the region of 30 degrees Centigrade (86 degrees Fahrenheit). It is sunny with occasional showers and generally ideal conditions forsailing.
RMJ Travels Flotillas
Travel Flotillas are designed to allow you the opportunity to enjoy one of these exotic locations in a social and supportive atmosphere whether you join as a crew, take command of your own yacht, or form a crew at our planning parties. Although the flotillas provide serious support for newer international charterers, they also are serving needs of more experienced sailors as well; they provide a wonderful social experience for sailors who have sailing the Bay in common. Lifelong friendships are established and you’ll have a whole community of sailors whom you’ve gotten to know in the planning party format. The experience is simply more enjoyable with up to 30 of your favorite friends to enjoy it with.
If you haven’t been on a flotilla before, here’s how it works.
RMJ Travels reserves several boats for the location and holds a series of planning parties to explain the details and answer questions from anyone who is interested. Some members choose to reserve a whole boat with their friends and family; some connect with other singles or couples to form their own boat; a third option is to charter a cabin on a boat skippered by an RMJ Travels’ skipper, usually a former OCSC instructor.
The planning meetings are the best way to decide which option works best for you. We suggest that you use them to meet potential shipmates, other skippers, and the RMJ Travels personnel who will be leading the flotilla.
Flotilla charters are ideal for first‐time skippers since RMJ Travels helps in cruise planning, introduces individuals to others interested in sharing a yacht, and are led by experienced group leaders. The security in this type of ‘buddy‐boating’ is a primary reason for flotilla‐style chartering, but the ease of participation and ‘instant parties’ make a first charter that much more enjoyable.
How to Get Involved
There are three ways to get involved: (1) You can charter your own yacht; (2) let us help you hook up with other members and sailors; or (3) book a cabin on an RMJ Travels Flotilla Leader’s yacht.
Option 1 – With an approximate 15% deposit, you may reserve a boat with your friends or family, or reserve a boat and let us help you find crewmates. (Please note: The boat deposit is non‐refundable unless we can re‐book the boat.)
Option 2 – If you want to go but need to meet and join others on the flotilla, we will help you meet some other sailors to join a boat or set up a crew.
Option 3 – If you like the idea of learning more while you relax, consider reserving a cabin on one of our professionally skippered yachts. All RMJ Travels flotillas have a couple of yachts professionally skippered by our former OCSC instructors with years of cruising experience. Our skippers are perfectly willing to make the experience as educational for you as you like. If you come as a single, we will attempt to find a cabin mate for you. (Please note: The per-person deposit is non‐refundable unless we are able to fill your spot with someone else.)
We look forward to a spectacular vacation with you!
For questions and information please contact Rich Jepsen at rmjsailing@gmail.com.