SEA Yachting Magazine

Sailboat racing was once a thriving weekend tradition for middle-class families across America — so what happened? This article takes an honest, unflinching look at why participation has cratered since the sport's 1970s and 80s heyday, from sky-high boat and marina costs to an aging fleet of sailors with no young people stepping up to replace them, plus a racing culture that can feel downright unwelcoming to newcomers. But it doesn't stop at the problem — it digs into what it might actually take to save the sport before it disappears entirely. Click the link in the comments to find out if sailboat racing can be rescued — and what you can do about it!

Anchorage Review: Koh Phanak, Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
08°10.487N, 98°29.230E (southwest bay)

Overview
Koh Phanak is one of Phang Nga Bay’s classic limestone islands: dramatic, sheltered and full of small surprises. Within easy reach of Phuket’s east coast and Ao Po, it makes a rewarding stop for yachts cruising between Phuket, Krabi and the islands of the bay.

Anchoring
There are several useful anchoring options depending on season and conditions. The southwest bay offers a secluded anchorage in approximately 4m on mud, with good holding. It is a useful overnight stop during the northeast monsoon and gives easy access to the island’s west-coast caves and limestone scenery.

The northwest bay is another good option, with anchoring in around 5m and similarly reliable holding. It is well placed for exploring the island’s hongs and overhangs by dinghy or kayak.

During the southwest monsoon, the east bay is generally the better choice. Approach from the east and anchor in a comfortable depth on mud, again in about 4m. As always in Phang Nga Bay, use chart, depth sounder and tide carefully, especially when moving close inshore.

Facilities
There are no yacht facilities at Koh Phanak. Come self-sufficient with fuel, water, provisions and anything needed onboard. Phuket’s east coast marinas and Ao Po are the nearest practical service bases.

Eating & drinking ashore
There are no regular restaurants or cafés ashore. Plan to eat onboard and enjoy the quiet once the day-trip boats have left.

Highlights
The caves, limestone overhangs and hidden hongs are the main attraction. Some entrances are tide-dependent, so timing matters. At the right state of tide, dinghies and kayaks can reach enclosed lagoons hidden inside the island.

Why we like it
Koh Phanak is close enough to Phuket to be easy, but still feels like a proper cruising anchorage. It has good holding, useful seasonal options and some of the best small-boat exploration in Phang Nga Bay.

Detailed anchorage chart in https://buff.ly/XE6Uv72

The 1968 Golden Globe Race was simple in theory. Sail nonstop, solo, around the world.

In reality, it was brutal.

Several competitors set out. Boats broke. Minds cracked under isolation. One sailor disappeared at sea.

Robin Knox-Johnston sailed a 32-foot wooden ketch named Suhaili. It was not the fastest boat in the fleet. It leaked. It creaked. It required constant repair.

Midway through the voyage, his self-steering gear failed. He hand-steered for long stretches in the Southern Ocean, exhausted and alone.

He had no modern satellite forecasts. No daily check-ins. Just horizon and wind.